Seeds

Modern agriculture faces critical challenges from soil degradation and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, threatening sustainable seed germination and crop establishment. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of using Pseudomonas spp. isolated from Colombian mangrove sediments as biofertilizers to enhance crop productivity, with an emphasis on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seed-to-seedling transition. Fifty-eight isolates were characterized and screened for their ability to improve the germination of the lettuce seeds, but only nine strains showed promising activity. The strains were identified at the species level and screened for Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, organic acid production, and salt tolerance (5%). Four different species were identified, namely Pseudomonas putida (one strain), Pseudomonas monteiilli (two strains), Pseudomonas taiwanensis (one strain), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (four strains). P. aeruginosa strains P8 and P9 demonstrated exceptional performance, significantly improving root elongation, seedling biomass, and antioxidant activity compared with the uninoculated plants in vitro. These strains showed dual agrobiotechnological value: (i) enhancing early seedling vigor through hormonal stimulation and (ii) improving nutrient availability via phosphate solubilization. Our findings highlight the biotechnological potential of mangrove-associated Pseudomonas spp. as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, particularly for seed priming and seedling establishment systems in stress-prone soils. Full article

Soybean seeds (Glycine max) are of great economic and nutritional importance due to their high oil and protein content. Seed germination is an essential process that influences crop yield and quality. The seed embryo resumes growth when it imbibes, which induces the expression of genes related to cell expansion. The role of acid growth in the embryonic axis during germination is not well characterized. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the contribution of acid growth in the soybean embryonic axis germination. Acid growth is mediated by the acidification of extracellular medium due to the action of H+-ATPases, which activate expansins. We found that the expression of expansins was significantly increased throughout the germination. The expression of H+-ATPases was significantly increased at 3 and 24 h after imbibition (HAI), with major pumping activity at 24 HAI. The auxin and ABA signaling cascades during soybean germination suggest that these hormones are involved with the regulation of H+-ATPase in germinating soybean. To verify the influence of auxin and ABA on H+-ATPase functioning during germination, we treated seeds with IAA, 2,4D, ABA, and ATPase inhibitor, and germinated them in purple agar medium. We observed that IAA, 2,4D, and ABA affected H+-ATPase functioning, by delaying or inhibiting soybean germination. Our results indicate the role of acid growth controlled by H+-ATPase and its regulators—auxin and ABA—in the soybean embryonic axis during germination. Full article

Increasing demand for high-quality food is driving the development of biologized farming methods, which involve the use of microorganisms, including endophytes, to stimulate plant growth. However, research on the composition of endosphere microbiomes is limited. The study presents an analysis of the bacterial endophytic microbiome in lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L., cv. Ozornik) using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. It evaluates the taxonomic composition and putative functional properties of seed endophytic bacteria. The microbial community exhibited low diversity (Shannon index ranged from 1.1 to 1.84, Simpson index from 0.57 to 0.83). The bacterial endophytic community of lettuce seeds was dominated by Pseudomonadota (83%), Actinomycetota (14%), and Bacillota (3%). The genera identified within the microbiome included Pantoea (32%), Rhodococcus (13%), Candidatus Profftella (13%), Janthinobacterium (7%), Pseudomonas (9%), Enterococcus (3%), and Alcaligenes (2%), which exhibit a broad spectrum of beneficial properties: plant growth promotion (PGPB), suppression of phytopathogens, enhanced stress tolerance, participation in contaminant biodegradation, and heavy metal detoxification. The structure and functional potential of the microbiome vary between samples, potentially due to differences in source material and cultivation conditions. The obtained results expand our understanding of the composition and functions of endophytic bacteria in lettuce seeds, which is important for the development of novel biocontrol agents for plants consumed by humans in an unprocessed form. Full article

Because of the effects of climate change, a shortage of seeds from superior mother trees for forestry breeding programmes can occur. While biotechnological tools can help address this challenge, the benefits and drawbacks of each technique need to be evaluated. In this work, a comparative Pinus radiata plantlet production study was performed using two different approaches: seeds versus somatic embryos. For each procedure, the number of plantlets obtained was recorded, and the manual labour time was calculated. The skills and time required were higher for somatic embryogenesis, but so was the number of plantlets obtained: 3660 acclimatized somatic plantlets versus 1124 acclimatized zygotic plantlets. The number of different genotypes obtained was higher when germinating mature seeds, but somatic embryogenesis coupled with cryopreservation offers the advantage of having a backup for field-tested material. Additionally, analyses of carbohydrates, total protein and dry weight of somatic and zygotic embryos were carried out. These analyses revealed considerable differences between somatic and zygotic embryos but underlined the importance of high sucrose levels for germination in both systems. In conclusion, each technique offers advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the objective, the species and the value of the material to be propagated. Full article

Food and nutritional insecurity, alongside poverty, remain formidable challenges within smallholder crop–livestock mixed farming systems, predominantly found in Asia and Africa, which are the primary focus of this review. Livestock stands as a crucial asset in these systems, providing food and income for families. However, livestock productivity is often constrained by poor-quality feed, predominantly composed of crop residues. This is compounded by limited access to high-quality forage seeds and the misconception that limited land and water resources should be devoted to cereal production. Furthermore, formal seed supply chains for forages are often underdeveloped or non-existent, making it difficult for farmers to access quality seed. The integration of high-quality legume forages into these systems offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving livestock productivity. These forages provide more nutritious feed and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, helping to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive commercial feeds and fertilizers. Success in the adoption of improved forage varieties hinges on participatory approaches that actively engage farmers in varietal selection and evaluation. Such collaboration leads to better adoption rates and increases on-farm productivity, facilitating the establishment of village-based forage seed enterprises (VBFSEs). These enterprises offer a reliable local seed supply of quality seeds, reducing farmers’ dependency on inconsistent national and international seed suppliers. These initiatives not only improve the production of high-quality forage and livestock productivity but also create opportunities for income diversification, contributing to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By fostering collaboration and sustainable practices, policymakers and stakeholders, particularly farmers, can build more resilient agricultural systems that support food security and poverty alleviation in rural communities. Full article

Recent research has demonstrated a presence inside the seeds of several plant species of endophytic bacteria that can directly or indirectly interact with germination and seedling growth. Phytoplasmas are plant-pathogenic bacteria that severely impact the agricultural productivity of several crops, including alfalfa, a crucial forage crop in which seed transmission was reported. Therefore, understanding the transmission pathways of phytoplasmas is essential for developing effective control strategies. This study investigates the seed transmission of phytoplasmas in alfalfa using seeds collected in Oman in 2002 and kept in a dry environment in a laboratory for 20 years. The sterilized seeds were germinated and grown in agar medium under sterile conditions and transplanted in soil under greenhouse-controlled insect-proof conditions. Utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR followed by RFLP and sequencing analyses, the alfalfa seedlings were screened for the phytoplasma presence. The detection of phytoplasmas in 16SrIII, 16SrV, 16SrX, and 16SrXII groups was achieved, confirming the preliminary results obtained in the 2002 testing of the same seed batches. This finding indicates that seed transmission could be a critical pathway for the spread of these pathogens in alfalfa, considering their survival in seeds for more than 20 years. Further investigations into the mechanisms of seed transmission and the development of resistant alfalfa varieties are essential to enhance the sustainability and productivity of alfalfa cultivation, thereby supporting the agricultural sector’s efforts to meet the growing demand for high-quality forages. Full article

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a valuable source of seed oil, which contains above 30% of essential omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid, 18:3). On the one hand, this high content of linolenic acid is healthy and hence preferable, but on the other hand, highly unsaturated oils are easily deteriorated. The stabilization of such oils with respect to their oxidative changes is a significant problem in oil technology and is directly related to the quality of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of ascorbyl palmitate in various concentrations (0.1–2.0 mM) as an additional antioxidant in camelina seed oil during its autoxidation, by determination of oil induction periods and initial rates of oxidation. The results revealed that the added ascorbyl palmitate caused a decrease in oxidation rate, but in terms of oil stability, opposite effects were observed depending on its concentration. Thus, at low levels (0.1–0.2 mM), ascorbyl palmitate had a pro-oxidant effect and the induction period decreased; no effect was observed in its presence of 1.0 mM, whereas 2.0 mM ensured a much higher protective effect. Rosmarinic acid as an individual antioxidant (at 0.2 mM) increased the stability of camelina oil, while in a mixture (1:1) with ascorbyl palmitate at the same concentration, its effect/activity was significantly reduced. Full article

Amaranth is considered a gluten-free, protein-rich pseudocereal. However, seed dormancy affects the germination rate and production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of osmopriming, hydropriming, priming with Algal and chia-seed extract biostimulants, scarification, and different combinations of them on seed germination. The results showed that hydropriming, osmopriming, (at least by 13%), and speed (two days earlier) of germination compared to the control. The same trend was observed, to a lesser extent, for priming with a biostimulant. The production of osmopriming has recently started in France. However, seed priming offers a promising solution to overcome the lack of germination. The aim of this study was to test several priming methods and their impact on amaranth seed germination. An imbibition curve was first established and showed that the first two germination phases were reached at 12 h after imbibition. Duration had no effect on germination compared to the control. In contrast, increasing the rate measurement of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity revealed a peak during the first few hours. The largest peak was observed for this. These results suggest growing amaranth by increasing the germination rate. Full article

Seeds of Cucurbitaceae crops represent a promising yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications beyond nutrition, particularly in the cosmetics industry. This review examines the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), focusing on their biochemical composition and evaluating their functional value in natural cosmetic development. Although these fruits are widely consumed, industrial processing generates substantial seed by-products that are often discarded. These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals, positioning them as sustainable raw materials for value-added applications. The incorporation of seed-derived extracts into cosmetic formulations offers multiple skin and hair benefits, including antioxidant activity, hydration, and support in managing conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. They also contribute to hair care by improving oil balance, reducing frizz, and enhancing strand nourishment. However, challenges such as environmental instability and low dermal permeability of seed oils have prompted interest in nanoencapsulation technologies to improve delivery, stability, and efficacy. This review summarizes current scientific findings and highlights the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as innovative and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic and personal care applications. Full article

Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of seed bioactivation using electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in agriculture. This article presents the results of the remote application of an EMF TOR device in the cultivation of barley Hordeum vulgare L. Laboratory studies and field tests were conducted, showing a positive effect on the growth and development of plants both when treating dry seeds before sowing and when treating sown seeds in the field. The optimal time period for EMF treatment was determined: treating air-dried seeds with EMFs before sowing for 10–15 min increased germination by 5–18% and the growth rate of seedlings by 2–3 times. The maximum observed effect occurred during the treatment period from 7:00 to 11:00. As a result of changing the balance of phytohormones, the further stimulation of the root system and the assimilation surface of plants was noted due to a 1.5-fold increase in the content of auxins. The density of productive stems, ear length, seed set, and 1000 seed weight increased, which ultimately led to an increase in yield by more than 10% and, in some varieties, to a decrease in the protein content in grains compared to the control variant (by 3–22%), bringing them closer to brewing conditions. Full article

Peas possess significant nutritional properties due to their high protein levels, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Increased climate variability can lead to water stress in crops like peas. Therefore, priming plants through seed priming is a technique that has proven effective as a pre-conditioning method for plants to cope with more severe future stresses. Different doses and soaking times of ‘Santa Isabel’ pea seeds in NaCl and H₂O₂ were evaluated to enhance and promote germination. Two experiments were conducted under controlled conditions (average temperature 15.8 °C) through a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, comprising 12 treatments in each trial. In the first trial, NaCl doses (0, 50, 100, or 150 mM) and the soaking time of the seeds in NaCl (12, 24, or 36 h) were examined. In the second trial, H₂O₂ doses (0, 20, 40, or 60 mM) were tested with the same imbibition times. The 50 mM NaCl dose at 24 h demonstrated the best values for germination rate index, mean germination time, germination rate (GR), and germination potential (GP). Seed imbibition for 24 h in NaCl, as well as in H₂O₂, is the ideal time to achieve the best GR and GP. The dry mass of leaf and stipule recorded the highest values with a 60 mM dose of H₂O₂ and 24 h of imbibition. An application of 150 mM NaCl resulted in the highest values of germinated seed dry mass, while causing lower dry mass in roots, stems, leaves, and stipules; however, it maintained similar total dry mass values. Full article

Guilandina bonduc L. is a pantropical coastal shrub with varied fruits and seeds, capable of germinating under saline stress. This study aimed to morphologically characterize the fruits and seeds of the species, correlate these characteristics, and evaluate the tolerance of seedlings to salt according to seed mass. Physical variables (length, width, thickness, and weight) were analyzed, and Spearman’s correlation was applied. Germination was tested with light seeds (<1.55 g) and heavy seeds (≥1.55 g) under five levels of salt stress, in a 2 × 5 factorial design. G. bonduc can produce seeds with variations in mass and size that are not necessarily related to fruit size. The reduction in osmotic potential resulted in lower seed germination and vigor; even so, the species demonstrated tolerance to salt stress, maintaining germination rates above 50% even under conditions of −1.0 MPa, regardless of seed mass. Lighter seeds germinate more quickly and uniformly, while heavier seeds produce more vigorous seedlings, especially in the absence of salinity, and are therefore more suitable for seedling production. These results indicate that G. bonduc has potential for revegetation of saline areas, being useful in adaptation to climate change due to its tolerance to saline stress and the relationship between seed mass and seedling vigor. Full article

Aegopodium podagraria (A. podagraria) L. is a perennial herb valued for its medicinal properties but exhibits poor germination and inconsistent growth under conventional cultivation. To overcome these limitations and enhance its functional potential, this study investigated the effects of various LED light spectra on the plant’s physiological and antioxidant responses under controlled indoor conditions. Six light treatments were applied, consisting of different red (R) and blue (B) light ratios (R100, R80:B20, R60:B40, R40:B60, and B100), along with a white-light control. Red-dominant treatments, particularly R80:B20, not only improved germination traits but also significantly promoted shoot growth and biomass accumulation. In contrast, higher proportions of blue light generally inhibited germination performance and reduced growth-related parameters compared to the white-light control. Antioxidant activity was also modulated by light quality: R80:B20 induced the highest levels of total phenolics, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C, whereas R40:B60 maximized flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that optimizing the red-to-blue light ratio can effectively enhance both the cultivation performance and biofunctional quality of A. podagraria in controlled environments. Full article

With the aim of developing an efficient propagation method for the exploitation of Thymelaea hirsuta and T. artonraira ssp. tartonraira in the xeriscaping and pharmaceutical industry, the effects of the following were examined on the in vitro germination of their seeds: (i) pretreatment (mechanical and chemical scarification or immersion in hot water; (ii) incubation temperature (5–30 °C); (iii) incubation light conditions (16 h photoperiod or continuous darkness); (iv) storage period at room temperature and darkness (up to 24 months). Seeds collected for two years from the same wild plants in Greece were surface-sterilized with a 15% commercial bleach solution for 15 min after the abovementioned treatments and placed for germination in Petri dishes containing a half-strength MS medium in growth chambers. The rate and final percentage of germination were recorded. For both species, scarification after immersion in concentrated H₂SO₄, preferably for 20 min, was necessary for seed germination, which indicates coat dormancy. Higher germination percentages were observed at temperatures of 10–20 °C, under continuous darkness for T. hirsuta (79–100%) and regardless of photoperiod for T. tartonraira (73–90%). Long storage reduced germination of only T. tartonraira (54–68% at optimum temperatures, 23 months after harvest), while T. hirsuta seeds stored for 5 months germinated at significantly lower percentages (40% maximum) compared to seeds stored for 9–24 months, revealing a dry after-ripening process. Seeds of both species harvested at different years showed stable behavior in terms of germination. For both species, an effective seed propagation protocol suitable for their exploitation as ornamental and landscape plants was developed. Full article

Seed germination is the initial step in a plant’s life cycle; it is precisely regulated by many factors at the molecular and biological levels. Reversible protein phosphorylation, which is regulated by protein kinases and protein phosphatases, plays a key role in hormone signal transduction, energy metabolism, stress response, and plant growth and development, including seed germination. This review provides a comprehensive elucidation of the coordinated regulatory mechanisms mediated by kinases and phosphatases during seed germination, with particular emphasis on their dynamic interplay and reciprocal modulation within biological signaling networks. Through the systematic integration of current research findings, we mechanistically dissect the sophisticated phosphorylation–dephosphorylation circuitry that governs metabolic activation, hormonal signaling transduction, and cellular homeostasis in germinating seeds. Furthermore, we propose a novel conceptual framework that delineates the spatiotemporal cooperation between these opposing enzymatic activities in regulating dormancy release and developmental transitions. The current challenges in the field of seed germination research are critically examined, and potential future investigative trajectories are outlined, aiming to establish a robust theoretical framework for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying seed dormancy regulation, as well as translating these findings into innovative agricultural production practices. Full article

Seed germination, a pivotal stage in the plant life cycle, profoundly impacts crop growth and establishment. However, fluctuating environmental conditions like drought, salinity, severe temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity impede seed germination rates and seedling vigor. Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment that involves the controlled hydration of seeds, proven to improve germination rate and stress resilience. It initiates pre-germinative metabolism, including enzyme activity, antioxidant accumulation, hormone modulation, and cellular repair, without radicle emergence. Recent advancements in seed priming, encompassing the application of nanoparticles, phytohormones, and beneficial microbes, have significantly broadened its potential. Despite its proven benefits, challenges such as reduced seed longevity post-priming and variability in species-specific responses remain. This paper revisits the principles and methodologies of seed priming, highlighting its physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that enhance germination under stress conditions. Additionally, it addresses current challenges and future research directions for optimizing seed priming as a low-cost, eco-friendly approach to improve crop establishment under adverse environments, thereby supporting resilient and sustainable agriculture. Full article

Seed microbes play crucial roles in plant health, but studying their diversity is challenging due to host DNA contamination. This study aimed to optimise methodologies for investigating seed microbiomes across diverse plant species, focusing on the efficacy of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamps to reduce host DNA amplification. We tested PNA clamps on three plant species: Melaleuca quinquenervia (tree), Microlaena stipoides, and Themeda triandra (grasses). The effectiveness of PNA clamps was assessed through in silico analysis, axenic tissue culture, and metabarcoding techniques. In silico analysis confirmed the specificity of PNA clamps to the 16S rRNA gene V4 region of chloroplasts in the grass species. Axenic tissue culture experiments showed that applying PNA clamps at both 1 µM and 0.25 µM concentrations significantly reduced plant DNA amplification. Metabarcoding analyses further confirmed that PNA clamps effectively suppressed host DNA, enhancing microbial diversity estimates across all three species while preserving core microbial taxa. The efficacy of the clamps varied among host species, with T. triandra exhibiting the highest blocking efficacy, and chloroplast clamps outperforming mitochondrial ones. This study demonstrates that PNA clamps are a useful for improving seed endophyte metabarcoding datasets, although they require optimisation for some plant species. This knowledge will contribute to enhancing our understanding of seed microbiome diversity and its ecological implications. Full article

Solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy using cross-polarization magic-angle spinning is a highly valuable technique for the semi-quantitative analysis of complex solid matrices. One of its key advantages is that it does not require any manipulation of the matrix, such as extractions or other treatments, which is particularly important for preserving the integrity of unstable secondary metabolites. Glucosinolates (β-thioglucoside-N-hydrosulphates) are crucial secondary metabolites specific to Brassica species, and many of them are known to be highly unstable. In this study, we evaluated solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an alternative method for the identification and quantification of total glucosinolates in the seeds of Sisymbrium officinale, Brassica napus, Sinapis alba, Brassica nigra, and Moringa oleifera. The results obtained with this method showed good agreement with those from conventional chemical analyses of the seed material. Although, based on a limited number of samples, this preliminary study suggests that the proposed approach could be a useful alternative for quantifying total glucosinolate content in seeds. Full article

Seed germination is a crucial phase where a plant embryo transitions from dormancy to active growth, emerging as a seedling. This intricate process is highly susceptible to environmental cues, particularly abiotic stress factors including drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, which can profoundly influence both germination success and subsequent plant development. Among the various cellular components that modulate plant responses to these stresses, Rho of Plants (ROP) emerges as a pivotal regulator. Under abiotic stress, ROP signaling components integrate with the core abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway by regulating gene transcription and protein stability, modulating subcellular localization, converting protein activity, and engaging in competitive interactions. This review summarizes recent findings on roles of ROP signaling in regulating plant adaptive responses to abiotic stress, whilst explores potential involvement of ROPs in seed germination. This review summarizes the effects of ROP proteins and their effectors, such as GEF, on the seed germination process. It preliminarily elucidates the crosstalk mechanisms between these proteins and the ABA signaling pathway, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the role of ROP signaling in regulating plant adaptive responses to abiotic stresses. Full article