Seed Biology and Its Role in Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Seeds play a fundamental role in the life of plants, serving as their primary means of reproduction, long-term survival, and spatial dispersal. Through seeds, plants are able to produce offspring, preserve their genetic lineage, and expand into new territories. One of the most remarkable features of seeds is their ability to enter a dormant state, allowing them to remain inactive for extended periods until environmental conditions become favorable for germination. This dormancy ensures that the embryo within the seed is protected and can begin development only when the chances of survival are optimal. In addition to the embryo, seeds contain storage tissues rich in nutrients, which provide the necessary energy and building blocks to support the early stages of seedling growth before the plant can photosynthesize on its own.

Seed dispersal mechanisms are diverse and highly adapted to different ecosystems. Seeds may be carried by wind, float on water, hitch rides on animals, or be intentionally spread by humans. These dispersal strategies enable plants to colonize new habitats, escape competition with parent plants, and recover after ecological disturbances such as wildfires, floods, or human land use. In many cases, the presence of a persistent seed bank in the soil allows vegetation to regenerate even after severe disruption, contributing to ecosystem resilience and continuity. Without seeds, most plant species would struggle to effectively transmit genetic information to future generations or adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The study of seed biology delves into the internal processes and structures that govern seed formation, maturation, and germination. It explores how embryos develop within ovules, how protective seed coats form, and how storage tissues accumulate reserves. Researchers also investigate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate germination, including the role of enzymes, hormones, and signaling pathways that activate growth. On the other hand, seed ecology focuses on the interactions between seeds and their surrounding environment. It examines how seeds are dispersed, how long they can persist in the soil seed bank, and how external factors such as temperature, moisture, and light influence their ability to germinate. Seed ecology also considers the role of seeds in ecological succession, species diversity, and the maintenance of plant communities.

Together, seed biology and seed ecology offer a comprehensive and integrated understanding of seeds as a vital component of plant life. These disciplines reveal how seeds function not only as reproductive units but also as strategic tools for survival, adaptation, and ecological balance. By studying both the internal mechanisms and external dynamics of seeds, scientists gain deeper insights into the complexity of plant life cycles and the resilience of ecosystems.

Dr. Božena Šerá
Guest Editor

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• seeds
• dormancy
• embryo
• storage reserves
• dispersal
• germination
• ecology
• biology