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Seeds, Volume 3, Issue 2 (June 2024) – 8 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Seeds play a vital role in the perpetuation of plant species, both in natural environments and agriculture. However, they often face challenges from biotic stresses, such as seed-borne pathogenic fungi. The transgenerational transmission of these seed-borne fungi, along with their dissemination during seed commercialization, can contribute to the emergence of global epidemic diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite the recognized impact of seed-borne pathogens on agriculture, our understanding of seed–pathogen interactions remains limited. This review establishes parallels between the current state of knowledge regarding seed responses to pathogen interactions and well-established plant defense models, primarily derived from typical physiological conditions observed during leaf infections. View this paper
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10 pages, 12176 KiB  
Article
Pollination and Seed Production of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae)
by Sam S. Ingram, Tyler M. Wilson, Joseph S. Wilson, Emma A. Ziebarth, MaKenna C. Johnson, Jacob G. Young and Richard E. Carlson
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 276-285; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020021 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2314
Abstract
Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender is an important economic plant that is cultivated throughout the world. Previous studies have shown that the primary pollinators of lavender in Europe and North Africa are bee species, specifically [...] Read more.
Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender is an important economic plant that is cultivated throughout the world. Previous studies have shown that the primary pollinators of lavender in Europe and North Africa are bee species, specifically Bombus spp. However, similar studies have not been previously performed in North America. The current study, on cultivated population lavender (grown from seed) in Utah (USA), found a diverse community of bees visiting lavender over a 4-week sequential and successive blooming period. The observed and identified bees were distinguished across 8 genera and 12 species, of which 3 were species not native to North America. The most observed bees were Apis mellifera (88.3%), Bombus fervidus (4.2%), and B. huntii (3.7%). To investigate seed production and viability, lavender plants were either caged off and their access withheld from pollinators, or selectively granted access to various pollinators, to determine (1) if lavender is capable of self-pollination, (2) if pollination increases both the seed production rates and seed viability of lavender, and (3) which bee species are the most efficient pollinators of lavender. The findings from this study demonstrate the ecological interactions between pollinators both native and non-native to North America on lavender, a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Full article
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7 pages, 869 KiB  
Communication
Inheritance and Response to Selection for Seed Weight Using the Large Seeded Landrace Oman 2 of Lucerne
by John A. G. Irwin and Michael J. Havey
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 269-275; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020020 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 581
Abstract
Seed weight in lucerne (Medicago sativa) may affect subsequent seedling vigour and stand establishment. A landrace of lucerne (Oman 2) from Oman has a 100-seed weight over 60% larger than the largest seeded parent used in previous studies. Crosses were made [...] Read more.
Seed weight in lucerne (Medicago sativa) may affect subsequent seedling vigour and stand establishment. A landrace of lucerne (Oman 2) from Oman has a 100-seed weight over 60% larger than the largest seeded parent used in previous studies. Crosses were made between Oman 2 and the smaller-seeded cultivar Titan 9, and segregating families were produced for genetic analysis and measurement of response to selection for seed size. There were significant differences in 100-seed weights between the parents (Oman 2 and Titan 9) and subsequent families. Regression of 100-seed weights of F2 families versus F1 parents was highly significant (p < 0.001), as well as 100-seed weights of the F3 families versus F1 parents. Analysis of diallel crossing among large and small-seeded F1 plants revealed highly significant general (GCAs) and specific (SCAs) combining abilities, as well as highly significant reciprocals. The GCA effect was much greater than the SCA effect with a GCA/SCA ratio of 15.9. This large ratio agrees with the significant regression coefficients and indicates that 100-seed weight in lucerne has high heritability. The significance of reciprocals was due to a large maternal effect in which large-seeded maternal parents produced progenies with significantly larger seeds relative to small-seeded parents. These results indicate that large-seeded plants should be used as the maternal parents in crosses and for recurrent selection to increase the seed size of progenies. Full article
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18 pages, 3695 KiB  
Article
Studies on the Germination and Emergence of Castor Seedlings
by Liv S. Severino
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 251-268; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020019 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 918
Abstract
Castor (Ricinus communis) is an oilseed usually cultivated in tropical and semi-arid conditions. The slow and uneven germination of castor seed is causing poor crop establishment and reduced seed yield. This series of studies investigated several factors influencing the time for [...] Read more.
Castor (Ricinus communis) is an oilseed usually cultivated in tropical and semi-arid conditions. The slow and uneven germination of castor seed is causing poor crop establishment and reduced seed yield. This series of studies investigated several factors influencing the time for castor seed germination and seedling emergence. Studies were made on the effect of seed coat permeability to water and the influences of temperature, morphology, and the hormone gibberellin. The best temperature for castor seed germination was near 31 °C, and the seed coat was permeable to water. The mechanical resistance of the seed coat was a mechanism controlling the germination of the castor seed. The time for germination was strongly associated with the seed coat relative weight, but it had little influence from other morphological characteristics. After the castor plants were subjected to three cycles of selection for fast germination, the seed weight was reduced, the caruncle became larger, and the seed coat became thinner. Gibberellin applied to the seed promoted a faster and higher germination rate. Pre-germination of the castor seed was not effective for promoting faster seedling emergence. Attempts to improve castor seed germination should integrate the many factors that influence this physiological process. Full article
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23 pages, 4779 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Resilience: Unveiling the Role of Halopriming against Saltwater Stress
by Ilaria Borromeo, Fabio Domenici, Cristiano Giordani, Maddalena Del Gallo and Cinzia Forni
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 228-250; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020018 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), one of the most important cultivated legumes, requires a high level of water. It is included among the most sensitive species to climate change; drought and salinity cause a reduction in photosynthesis, metabolic and enzymatic alterations, and [...] Read more.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), one of the most important cultivated legumes, requires a high level of water. It is included among the most sensitive species to climate change; drought and salinity cause a reduction in photosynthesis, metabolic and enzymatic alterations, and oxidative stress. To improve crop tolerance to salt, seed priming and acclimation can be useful tools. To test the salt tolerance of beans, a preliminary screening was undertaken on four cultivars of P. vulgaris (Black Turtle, Cargamanto, Bola Roja, Borlotto) by exposing the seeds to different levels of salinity. The salt-sensitive cultivar Borlotto was chosen for experimental greenhouse trials to study the effects of halopriming and acclimation. Primed and non-primed seeds were sown in non-saline soil and acclimated for 2 weeks; then, the plants were watered with non-saline and saline solutions for 4 weeks. At the end of this growth period, the primed plants showed a marked increase in salt stress tolerance, improving the chlorophyll content, phenolic compounds, and many enzymes’ activities, in turn reducing the effect of salt on growth and fruit production compared to the non-primed controls. In conclusion, halopriming can be considered a useful tool to enhance salinity tolerance in beans and other salt-sensitive crops. Full article
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12 pages, 1558 KiB  
Review
Fungal Necrotrophic Interaction: A Case Study of Seed Immune Response to a Seed-Borne Pathogen
by Mailen Ortega-Cuadros, Sophie Aligon, Tatiana Arias, Aída M. Vasco-Palacios, Cassandre Rosier--Pennevert, Natalia Guschinskaya, Aurélia Rolland and Philippe Grappin
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 216-227; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020017 - 22 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Seeds play a vital role in the perpetuation of plant species, both in natural environments and agriculture. However, they often face challenges from biotic stresses, such as seed-borne pathogenic fungi. The transgenerational transmission of these seed-borne fungi, along with their dissemination during seed [...] Read more.
Seeds play a vital role in the perpetuation of plant species, both in natural environments and agriculture. However, they often face challenges from biotic stresses, such as seed-borne pathogenic fungi. The transgenerational transmission of these seed-borne fungi, along with their dissemination during seed commercialization, can contribute to the emergence of global epidemic diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite the recognized impact of seed-borne pathogens on agriculture, our understanding of seed–pathogen interactions remains limited. This review establishes parallels between the current state of knowledge regarding seed responses to pathogen interactions and well-established plant defense models, primarily derived from typical physiological conditions observed during leaf infections. Examining fragmented results from various pathosystems, this review seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of interactions during seed development and germination. The necrotrophic interactions in Brassicaceae are described using recent transcriptomic and genetic studies focused on the Arabidopsis/Alternaria pathosystem, which illustrates original response pathways in germinating seeds that markedly differ from the general concept of plant–pathogen interactions. The co-existence of regulatory mechanisms affecting both seed resistance and susceptibility, potentially promoting fungal colonization, is examined. The vulnerable response during germination emerges as a crucial consideration in the context of sustainable plant health management in agriculture. Full article
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13 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
Effects of Marquandomyces marquandii SGSF043 on Maize Growth Promotion and Soil Enzyme Activity
by Xu Zheng, Bo Zhang, Feng Shi, Yuanlong Chen and Xiumei Zhao
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 203-215; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020016 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 919
Abstract
In order to further clarify the growth-promoting effect of the non-core Metarhizium sp. Marquandomyces marquandii on plants, M. marquandii SGSF043, which was obtained via pre-screening in the laboratory, was selected as a test strain and the seed soaking method was adopted. The effects [...] Read more.
In order to further clarify the growth-promoting effect of the non-core Metarhizium sp. Marquandomyces marquandii on plants, M. marquandii SGSF043, which was obtained via pre-screening in the laboratory, was selected as a test strain and the seed soaking method was adopted. The effects of a fermentation broth obtained from this strain on the seed germination, seedling growth, and rhizosphere soil enzyme activity of maize were studied. The results were as follows: In seed germination tests, M. marquandii SGSF043 fermentation liquid had a certain inhibitory effect on corn seed germination, and the germination rate was only 15%. When the fermentation solution was diluted 10 times, the germination rate reached 97%. After the germination test, the growth of maize plumules was promoted in the groups treated with 10-times and 1000-times dilutions. In the field community experiment, based on the comprehensive evaluation of seedling biomass indicators, the solution diluted 100 times had the best growth-promoting effect. The aboveground fresh weight was increased by 127.13% compared with the control group. The results show that M. marquandii SGSF043 has the potential to promote the growth of maize and improve the soil environment, which provides a theoretical basis for the research on and the application of M. marquandii in farmland. Full article
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7 pages, 662 KiB  
Communication
Germination Kinetics of Ferula communis L. Seeds, a Potentially Multipurpose-Use Wild Species
by Miriam Distefano, Giovanni Avola, Stefano Berti and Ezio Riggi
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 196-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020015 - 14 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1215
Abstract
Despite exhibiting intriguing features associated with its multipurpose applications and drought tolerance, Ferula communis remains a wild and uncultivated species, with limited experimental research on its biology, starting from seed germination and extending to its ecology. The purpose of this study was to [...] Read more.
Despite exhibiting intriguing features associated with its multipurpose applications and drought tolerance, Ferula communis remains a wild and uncultivated species, with limited experimental research on its biology, starting from seed germination and extending to its ecology. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential germination and kinetics in F. communis seeds in response to four cold stratification periods (0, 15, 45, and 90 days at a constant temperature of 5 °C) and four temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C) under continuous darkness. F. communis exhibited a pronounced germination potential exceeding 90%, with the optimal temperature for germination falling within the range of 5 °C to 15 °C, without necessitating cold stratification. A dramatic drop of the germination percentage was observed at 20 °C (<10%), suggesting a form of conditional dormancy attributed to the higher temperature tested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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18 pages, 6118 KiB  
Article
Variations in Seed Dormancy Occurrence and Their Classifications in Thirteen Actinidia Species
by Azadeh Esfandiari, Cara Norling, Ryohei Kaji, Andrew McLachlan, Liya Mathew, Margaret Fleming, Ed Morgan and Jayanthi Nadarajan
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 179-195; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020014 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1003
Abstract
As differences in seed dormancy between Actinidia species have not been reported previously, in this study we characterized the variation in the dormancy of seeds in 13 kiwifruit species that originated from different regions of China and Taiwan, and for which mature plants [...] Read more.
As differences in seed dormancy between Actinidia species have not been reported previously, in this study we characterized the variation in the dormancy of seeds in 13 kiwifruit species that originated from different regions of China and Taiwan, and for which mature plants are now growing in New Zealand orchards. Dormancy-breaking treatments, including cold-moist stratification, seed coat scarification and soaking in water and gibberellic acid (GA3), were tested for their efficacy in alleviating dormancy and improving final germination and germination rates. In addition, we assessed seed viability using RNA integrity analysis to distinguish dead seeds from dormant seeds. This study identified that dormancy type in Actinidia seeds is species-specific and can be morphological, morphophysiological or a combination of physiological and physical, and that seed RNA integrity is a useful metric to incorporate into seed dormancy studies. Our results also suggest that species originating from colder climates that experience large differences between winter minimum and summer maximum temperatures exhibit physiological dormancy and require cold-moist stratification, contrasting with species originating in milder climates. Interestingly, although not all seeds from all the species were dormant, the proportion of dormant seeds in each species did not correlate to the climatic data of the region from which they originated. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms of seed dormancy in kiwifruit. Full article
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