Seed longevity and genome damage

Abstract

Seeds are the mode of propagation for most plant species and form the basis of both agriculture and ecosystems. Desiccation tolerant seeds, representative of most crop species, can survive maturation drying to become metabolically quiescent. The desiccated state prolongs embryo viability and provides protection from adverse environmental conditions, including seasonal periods of drought and freezing often encountered in temperate regions. However, the capacity of the seed to germinate declines over time and culminates in the loss of seed viability. The relationship between environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) and the rate of seed deterioration (ageing) is well defined, but less is known about the biochemical and genetic factors that determine seed longevity. This review will highlight recent advances in our knowledge that provide insight into the cellular stresses and protective mechanisms that promote seed survival, with a focus on the roles of DNA repair and response mechanisms. Collectively, these pathways function to maintain the germination potential of seeds. Understanding the molecular basis of seed longevity provides important new genetic targets for the production of crops with enhanced resilience to changing climates and knowledge important for the preservation of plant germplasm in seedbanks.

Endogenous Hormone Levels and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal the Mechanisms of Bulbil Initiation in Pinellia ternata

“…Therefore, we speculated that bulbil production in P. ternata may also be an adaptive ability that gradually evolved during long-term adaptation to specific environmental phenomena during growth, such as global warming; drought or flood; and various bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, and insects. This approach could help P. ternata propagate and withstand adverse conditions, and is not uncommon in many species [ 49 , 50 ].…”

Quercetin and Rutin as Tools to Enhance Antioxidant Profiles and Post-Priming Seed Storability in Medicago truncatula

“…To understand post-priming storability, the interaction between priming and aging needs to be investigated. The scientific literature focused on seed aging and longevity is abundant and established, exploring molecular and physiological dynamics, ecological and agricultural implications, diagnostic methods and mitigation strategies [19][20][21][22][23]. Seeds progressively deteriorate during prolonged storage, with storability varying depending on the species, ecotypes and storage practices optimized for orthodox and recalcitrant seeds [24,25].…”