Cereal Breeding: Improving Seed Vigour Traits and Grain Quality

Dear Colleagues,

Cereals represent the primary source of nourishment for mankind and livestock worldwide and, consequently, have been subjected to intense and prolonged selection since the rise of civilization. The diversification of purposes in the use of cereal kernels makes breeding, in many ways, a specialized task, though the obtainment of healthy seeds with a good harvest index is a general goal of every cereal breeding programme.

Thanks to the presence of abundant nutritional reservoirs in the embryo (seed oil), bran (proteins, phytates and secondary products) and endosperm (amylaceous and proteinaceous reserves), cereal kernels have two alternative functions: renovating the crop or feeding humans/livestocks. Although the two functions are both grounded onto the nutritional role of the kernel, they have different objectives. Thus, the term ‘seed quality’ assumes different meanings depending on the predominant target.

To produce a high-performing seed, high germination capability and vigour, low dormancy and high resistance to pre-harvest sprouting are key physiological aspects. On the other hand, the chemical composition of the grain is the dominant issue for nutritional quality. Breeding programmes have traditionally strived for a modified aminoacidic and organo-mineral composition, even if it is often associated with worsened vigour. Conflicting targets are a big issue for breeding tasks. In most cases, however, the two functional scopes can be fully compatible. For example, in malting barley breeding, quick germination and good grain composition are consistent targets.

Manuscripts regarding the improvement of seed germinative vigour, grain composition, or both are welcome in this Special Issue. Themes of interest include breeding and pre-breeding for seed vigour and quality, domestication, identification of loci for useful grain traits and analysis of the genetic bases of seed vigour.

Dr. Alberto Gianinetti
Dr. Chiara Biselli
Guest Editors

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