Physiological Features of Seeds: From Dormancy to Germination

Dear Colleagues,

In their broadest meaning, seeds are the dispersal units by means of which plants ensure a new generation is produced. A seed, thus, represents the stage, in the life cycle of higher plants, at which spreading and survival predominate over other vital functions such as growth. To this aim, seeds are usually able to sustain long periods of conditions which are unfavorable for growth. Under natural conditions, to increase the probability that new plants will find an environment capable of supporting their growth, germination is usually delayed, and/or spread over time even if the immediate conditions are favorable for seedling establishment because of a development arrest (dormancy) that keeps seeds in a dormant state until the combination of an array of environmental clues induces the breaking of dormancy (finely tuned according to the eco-physiological features of each species) and germination can, then, take place.

As it regulates the occurrence of germination, seed dormancy—specifically, physiologically regulated dormancy—is important to both plant ecology and agriculture. Notwithstanding its large interest, however, the physiological factors that determine seed dormancy are not yet well understood. Plant hormones have been shown to have a role, which, however, is not specific to dormancy, as hormones are involved in any aspect of the physiology of the plants. This Special Issue, thus, welcomes studies aiming at clarifying physiological aspects of seed dormancy and the transition from dormancy to germination.

Dr. Alberto Gianinetti
Guest Editor

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