Metabolic Processes during Seed Germination 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

Seeds, the main propagating vectors in higher plants, represent a fascinating as well as challenging subject for research. The reactivation of seed metabolism following imbibition involves the ex novo synthesis of antioxidant molecules and triggers DNA repair pathways from the early stages of seed pre-germinative metabolism while creating a suitable rehydrated environment for enzymatic activities. This complex picture still contains many knowledge gaps related to the roles of hormones and many other actors involved in seed stress response, including ROS-mediated signaling, miRNA-mediated regulation, modulation by long noncoding RNA, epigenetic information and chromatin condensation state. Such a complex landscape requires the use of integrative and multilevel approaches, as well as dedicated experimental models, to be properly understood.

This Special Issue aims to reveal the current state and recent advancements in the understanding of seed metabolism from genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, physiological and ecological perspectives, taking into account its implications for seed preservation and quality enhancement. As examples, original contributions on the following aspects will be welcomed:

• Control of germination mediated by dormancy: actors and genetic and epigenetic backgrounds;
• Molecular networks integrating hormonal and environmental signals in seed germination;
• Reactive oxygen species in germination and dormancy;
• Pathways in pre-germinative metabolism;
• Adaptability and stress responses in seeds;
• Seed vigor and genome integrity;
• Seed priming: molecular bases and technical advancements;
• Seed longevity: metabolic aspects;
• Understanding seed metabolism to assess seed quality using multilevel approaches.

Prof. Dr. Alma Balestrazzi
Dr. Łukasz Wojtyla
Guest Editors

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