Seed Dormancy and Longevity: A Mutual Dependence or a Trade-Off?

Abstract

Seed dormancy is an important agronomic trait in cereals and leguminous crops as low levels of seed dormancy during harvest season, coupled with high humidity, can cause preharvest sprouting. Seed longevity is another critical trait for commercial crop propagation and production, directly influencing seed germination and early seedling establishment. Both traits are precisely regulated by the integration of genetic and environmental cues. Despite the significance of these two traits in crop production, the relationship between them at the molecular level is still elusive, even with contradictory conclusions being reported. Some studies have proposed a positive correlation between seed dormancy and longevity in association with differences in seed coat permeability or seed reserve accumulation, whereas an increasing number of studies have highlighted a negative relationship, largely with respect to phytohormone-dependent pathways. In this review paper, we try to provide some insights into the interactions between regulatory mechanisms of genetic and environmental cues, which result in positive or negative relationships between seed dormancy and longevity. Finally, we conclude that further dissection of the molecular mechanism responsible for this apparently contradictory relationship between them is needed.

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs): role in seed vigor and longevity

“…In addition, during storability, seed viability is reduced by different factors, including storage temperature, relative humidity, seed moisture content, biotic or microbe loads, etc. [ 9 , 28 ] Thus, a better knowledge of the different variables affecting seed life is required to increase its potential in this progressive world and prevent genetic drift during germplasm regeneration.…”

“…Recent advancements have offered vital insights into the actions of sugars and sugar polymers in seed vigor and the possibilities of boosting it by altering the composition of certain carbohydrates [ 9 ]. To understand the activity and expression profile under actual conditions, multilocation studies with the target crops are also required.…”

“…Seeds are also resistant to environmental stresses, which allow them to survive in extreme weather. Seed longevity is a complex trait and the vigor and viability of seeds are influenced by the moisture content, temperature, or the environmental cues they encounter [ 9–14 ]. As per research, the seed has to perform complicated processes such as protection, repair, and detoxification, to maximize its life span or viability [ 15–17 ].…”

Noninvasive Methods to Detect Reactive Oxygen Species as a Proxy of Seed Quality

“…Starting from the primordial state of development on the mother plant, seeds undergo endogenous and exogenous stresses that may undermine cellular structures and functions. As a consequence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during all phases of seed development, from seed dehydration to storing and germination, posing different outcomes on seed longevity and quality [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In addition to ROS, more recently reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and especially nitric oxide (NO) have also been shown to carry essential functions in seed biology, from their intervention in the regulation of seed dormancy, germination, and aging, to their possible use as seed pretreatments to increase seed quality [ 8 ].…”

Stop, slow-down or speed-up? : The role of mRNA binding proteins during seed germination

“…Seed longevity, another agronomically important trait, enables long term storage of seeds without losing viability (Rehmani et al, 2022). Seed dormancy can be overcome by afterripening, however, after that point in time, non-dormant seeds will age during long-term storage which results in a reduced germinability.…”