The production, localization and spreading of reactive oxygen species contributes to the low vitality of long-term stored common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

Genetic Modification for Improving Seed Vigor Is Transitioning from Model Plants to Crop Plants

“…ABA participates in regulating the expression of some seed genes in the mother plant during seed dehydration, such as LEA proteins, and inhibits the germination of developing seeds (Williams and Tsang, 1991). During storage, the seed will always deteriorate through a series of changes, such as the accumulation of ROS, lipid peroxidation, loss of cellular membrane integrity, enzyme inactivation, weak energy metabolism, and DNA degradation (Kibinza et al, 2006; Parkhey et al, 2012; Ventura et al, 2012; Xin et al, 2014; Yin et al, 2014; Kong et al, 2015; Ratajczak et al, 2015). …”

Age-related changes in protein metabolism of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds during alleviation of dormancy and in the early stage of germination

“…A clear negative correlation was demonstrated between the protein carbonylation level and the germination capacity of beech seeds stored long-term (Kalemba and Pukacka, 2014). Ratajczak et al (2015) established that the loss of beech seed germinability is related to ROS accumulation in the root apical meristem, and DNA fragmentation occurred primarily in embryonic axes of seeds stored for 5 years or longer. The aforementioned results were reported for dry seeds.…”

“…Carboxypeptidases cooperate with endopeptidases to increase the number of peptides with free C-termini. The higher activity of carboxypeptidases in the Eas and Cots of stored beech seeds may be the result of the ROS-affected breakdown of storage proteins because ROS are known to accumulate in aged beech seeds (Pukacka and Ratajczak, 2007;Ratajczak et al, 2015). The final products of endopeptidases and carboxypeptidases are free amino acids and small oligopeptides, which are degraded to amino acids by aminopeptidases (Müntz, 1996;Tan-Wilson and Wilson, 2012).…”

“…Seed ageing is accompanied by a progressive loss of vigour and germination capacity even when seeds are stored under optimal temperature, humidity and oxygen levels (Pukacka and Ratajczak, 2007). Seed longevity is a multigenic character (Arc et al, 2011;Rajjou et al, 2012), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals are considered the most important factors that determine seed ageing (Bailly, 2004;Rajjou et al, 2012;Ratajczak et al, 2015). ROS prompt many oxidative injuries to macromolecular components of cells (ElMaarouf-Bouteau et al, 2011;Kranner et al, 2011), of which the most affected are proteins (Davies, 2005).…”

Regulatory redox state in tree seeds

“…These alterations are accompanied by membrane lipid peroxidation and changes in enzymatic antioxidant systems and the state of nucleic acids [7,8]. These observations and hallmarks of changes indicate that the redox and ROS network decisively control seed viability.…”