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To Clamp or Not to Clamp: Enhancing Seed Endophyte Metabarcoding Success
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Key Regulators of Seed Germination: Kinases and Phosphatases
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Priming ‘Santa Isabel’ Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds with NaCl and H2O2 as a Strategy to Promote Germination
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ROP Signaling in Plant Seed Germination Under Abiotic Stress
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Seed Germination of Garberia heterophylla (W. Bartram) Merr. & F. Harper, a Pollinator Plant with Ornamental Appeal
Journal Description
Seeds
Seeds
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on seed science and technology published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, EBSCO, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 30.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Seeds is a companion journal of Agronomy.
Latest Articles
Comparative Study of Pinus radiata Plant Production Methods: Classical Seed Germination vs. Somatic Embryogenesis, from Operative to Biochemical Approaches
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030041 - 26 Aug 2025
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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,
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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
Open AccessReview
Empowering Smallholder Farmers by Integrating Participatory Research and Establishing Village-Based Forage Seed Enterprises to Enhance On-Farm Productivity and Local Seed Supply
by
Muhammad Shoaib Tufail, Gaye L. Krebs, Muhammad S. Quddus, Alison Southwell, John W. Piltz, Mark R. Norton and Peter C. Wynn
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030040 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
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
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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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Seed Banks)
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Open AccessArticle
Phytoplasma Transmission by Seeds in Alfalfa: A Risk for Agricultural Crops and Environment
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Assunta Bertaccini, Reena Reddy Gandra, Sritej Mateeti and Francesco Pacini
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030039 - 19 Aug 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessCommunication
Oxidative Stability of the Oil from Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) Seeds: Effects of Ascorbyl Palmitate Concentrations
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Adriana Slavova-Kazakova, Marina Marcheva, Sabina Taneva and Svetlana Momchilova
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030038 - 13 Aug 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Osmopriming Increases Seed Germination of Amaranthus cruentus (L.)
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Arnaud Busquère, Dominique Lefebvre, Patrice Galaup, Lucas Tricoulet, Charline Musset, Eric Lacroux and Othmane Merah
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030037 - 12 Aug 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessReview
Transforming By-Products into Functional Resources: The Potential of Cucurbitaceae Family Seeds in Cosmetics
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Carla Sousa, Carla Guimarães Moutinho, Márcia Carvalho, Carla Matos and Ana Ferreira Vinha
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030036 - 7 Aug 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Remote Barley Seed Treatment with Weak Non-Thermal Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Plant Development and Yields
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Igor F. Turkanov, Elena V. Bondarchuk, Valery G. Gryaznov, Ekaterina A. Galkina, Alexey Yu. Guzenko, Vladimir G. Zainullin, Elena G. Kozar and Irina M. Kaigorodova
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030035 - 18 Jul 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Priming ‘Santa Isabel’ Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds with NaCl and H2O2 as a Strategy to Promote Germination
by
Javier Giovanni Álvarez-Herrera, Julián Stiven Lozano and Oscar Humberto Alvarado-Sanabria
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030034 - 17 Jul 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Morphological Correlation of Diaspores, Seeds and Vigor of Seedlings of Guilandina bonduc L. (Fabaceae): Does Seed Mass Modulate Tolerance to Salt Stress?
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João Henrique Constantino Sales Silva, Joyce Naiara da Silva, Luís Gustavo Alves de Almeida, Eduardo Luã Fernandes da Silva, Aline das Graças Souza and Edna Ursulino Alves
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030033 - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
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
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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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seed Germination Techniques in Halophyte Plants)
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Open AccessArticle
Optimizing Germination, Growth, and Antioxidant Potential of Aegopodium podagraria L. Under Different LED Light Spectra
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Birtukan Tolera Geleta and Jae-Yun Heo
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030032 - 7 Jul 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
In Vitro Germination of the Mediterranean Xerophytes Thymelaea hirsuta and Thymelaea tartonraira ssp. tartonraira as Affected by Scarification, Temperature, Photoperiod and Storage
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Aikaterini N. Martini and Maria Papafotiou
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030031 - 4 Jul 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview
Key Regulators of Seed Germination: Kinases and Phosphatases
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Beibei Wu, Haoran Liang, Jiahan Lv, Rui Liu and Nenghui Ye
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030030 - 30 Jun 2025
Cited by 1
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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
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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.
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Open AccessReview
Seed Priming Before the Sprout: Revisiting an Established Technique for Stress-Resilient Germination
by
Mohammad Saidur Rhaman
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030029 - 28 Jun 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle
To Clamp or Not to Clamp: Enhancing Seed Endophyte Metabarcoding Success
by
Allison A. Mertin, Linda L. Blackall, Douglas R. Brumley, Edward C. Y. Liew and Marlien M. van der Merwe
Seeds 2025, 4(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4030028 - 27 Jun 2025
Abstract
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
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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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Multi-omics and Bioinformatics Approaches: Seed Microbiome and Metagenome)
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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication
Quantification of Glucosinolates in Seeds by Solid-State 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
by
Stefania Mazzini, Marco Zuccolo, Angela Bassoli, Claudio Gardana and Gigliola Borgonovo
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020027 - 19 Jun 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview
ROP Signaling in Plant Seed Germination Under Abiotic Stress
by
Liuqin Zhang, Mingxuan Xu, Qingqing Li, Lei Hou and Mi Zhang
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020026 - 27 May 2025
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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
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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.
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Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle
Spermidine Treatments Improve Germination of Long-Term Stored Seeds: A Case Study of Populus alba Clone ‘Villafranca’
by
Shraddha Shridhar Gaonkar, Lorenzo Ciceri, Matteo Romelli, Andrea Pagano, Alessio Giovannelli, Pier Mario Chiarabaglio, Alma Balestrazzi and Anca Macovei
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020025 - 20 May 2025
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Populus alba clone ‘Villafranca’ (white poplar), highly suitable for biomass production and ecosystem restoration, is a model system for molecular and physiological studies, but no reports are available concerning seed quality. Although clonal propagation is the preferred approach for commercial purposes, attention should
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Populus alba clone ‘Villafranca’ (white poplar), highly suitable for biomass production and ecosystem restoration, is a model system for molecular and physiological studies, but no reports are available concerning seed quality. Although clonal propagation is the preferred approach for commercial purposes, attention should be given to face genetic variability losses in the existing germplasm. To address this challenge, new populations should be developed starting from seeds, overcoming the issues of low germinability and viability during storage. This study proposes to develop tailored treatments to improve the germination of long-term stored white poplar seeds. Priming and soaking protocols, based on the use of water or spermidine (Spd, 50 and 100 μM), were tested. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on germination parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) profiles, and the expression patterns of genes with key roles in early seed germination. Soaking with 100 μM Spd for 4 h significantly enhanced germination percentage and speed. Low ROS levels were evidenced in the Spd-treated seeds, compared to water-soaked seeds. High expression of genes involved in desiccation tolerance acquisition, polyamine biosynthesis, and antioxidant defense was observed only in dry seeds. The results are discussed in view of the potential protective role of Spd.
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Open AccessReview
Innovative Approaches for Engineering the Seed Microbiome to Enhance Crop Performance
by
Piao Yang, Ling Lu, Abraham Condrich, Gavin A. Muni, Sean Scranton, Shixiang Xu, Ye Xia and Shuai Huang
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020024 - 14 May 2025
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Seed science is the comprehensive study of seeds. It encompasses their biology, production, technology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and applications in agriculture and conservation. Seed science has undergone transformative advancements through the integration of microbial technologies, with beneficial microorganisms emerging as critical tools for
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Seed science is the comprehensive study of seeds. It encompasses their biology, production, technology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and applications in agriculture and conservation. Seed science has undergone transformative advancements through the integration of microbial technologies, with beneficial microorganisms emerging as critical tools for enhancing germination, seedling vigor, and crop resilience. Research demonstrates that microbial treatments improve nutrient uptake, hormonal regulation, and stress tolerance while establishing early symbiotic relationships with plants. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the roles of beneficial microbes in seed science, focusing on their impact on seed germination, seedling growth, and plant health. We explore the composition and transmission of seed microbiomes, highlighting the vertical transfer of microbes from parent plants to seeds and the influence of environmental factors on microbial community structure. The review also discusses innovative approaches to seed microbiome engineering. Particular attention is given to seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which has shown significant potential in improving germination rates, seedling vigor, and crop productivity. Specific microbial strains, such as Trichoderma species and Pseudomonas fluorescens, are discussed with emphasis on their mechanisms of action in enhancing plant performance. The review also addresses the impact of breeding on seed microbiomes and explores emerging research directions, including the development of tailored microbial inoculants and the investigation of intracellular seed bacteria. By synthesizing these findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of seed microbiome research and its implications in seed science for sustainable agriculture.
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Open AccessArticle
Seed Germination of Garberia heterophylla (W. Bartram) Merr. & F. Harper, a Pollinator Plant with Ornamental Appeal
by
Grace Carapezza, Sandra B. Wilson, Mica McMillan and Edzard van Santen
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020023 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 1
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Seed propagation is the primary means of reproducing many native and endemic species, including garberia [Garberia heterophylla (W. Bartram) Merrill & F. Harper]. This attractive pollinator plant, native to Florida, is scarcely found in nursery production and largely unknown to the gardening
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Seed propagation is the primary means of reproducing many native and endemic species, including garberia [Garberia heterophylla (W. Bartram) Merrill & F. Harper]. This attractive pollinator plant, native to Florida, is scarcely found in nursery production and largely unknown to the gardening community. To better understand the seed biology of garberia, a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of population on seed viability and germination response to four seasonal temperatures, as well as the effects of time on seed storability. Initial seed viability was 49% and 60% for Central and North Florida populations, respectively. Seeds germinated readily, indicating non-dormancy, with significant effects of population and temperature observed. Overall, on day 28, a greater germination proportion was observed from seeds collected from North Florida than Central Florida across temperatures, except for winter (11/22 °C), where responses were similar. The greatest germination proportion for seeds collected from North Florida was observed at 15/27 °C (fall) and 19/29 °C (spring), whereas the greatest germination from Central Florida was observed at 11/22 °C (winter), with the steepest decline observed at summer temperatures (24/33 °C). Further, it was observed that garberia seeds are intolerant of long-term storage, losing viability as early as 3 months under conventional cold or room temperature storage and decreasing substantially more after 6 months. These findings contribute to the overall understanding of the seed biology of underutilized species such as garberia, key to the development of efficient and reliable propagation systems for our nursery industry.
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Open AccessArticle
Effectiveness of Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination of Nine Acacia Species from Al-Baha Region in Saudi Arabia
by
Ali A. Alzandi, Ibrahim M. Aref and Nels Grevstad
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020022 - 30 Apr 2025
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Acacia species are important trees in arid ecosystems due to their diverse ecological roles, such as providing vegetation cover, community structures, food resources for animals, soil stabilization, and erosion prevention. However, in the Arabian Peninsula, Acacia species are declining due to climate change,
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Acacia species are important trees in arid ecosystems due to their diverse ecological roles, such as providing vegetation cover, community structures, food resources for animals, soil stabilization, and erosion prevention. However, in the Arabian Peninsula, Acacia species are declining due to climate change, overgrazing, and fuelwood harvesting. This study evaluates the effectiveness of various pre-sowing treatments—sulfuric acid soaking and tap and hot water soaking—on breaking seed dormancy to enhance germination in nine Acacia species native to the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. The key germination indicators assessed were the mean germination time (MGT), germination percentage (GP), and germination index (GI). Sulfuric acid treatments for 10–15 min reduced the MGT and increased the GP for A. etbaica, A. hamoulosa, and A. tortilis, while A. origena responded best to 1 min of hot water soaking. Conversely, A. asak, A. ehrenbergiana, and A. johnwoodii showed little to no germination improvement with treatment and A. oerfota and A. gerrardii showed no germination improvement, indicating the need for alternative methods. These findings indicate that the seed germination requirements vary within Acacia spp. from the same geographic region and similar climatic conditions. Further work is required for five of the species tested to develop better seed germination techniques, given the potential utility of Acacia spp., in ecological restoration and sustainable land management in arid regions.
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Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Plant Tolerance to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses and Ensuring Food Safety in Changing Climates
Topic Editors: José Ramón Acosta-Motos, Sara Álvarez, María del Rosario Álvarez Morales, María José Clemente-Moreno, María del Rosario Conesa-Saura, Juan de Dios Franco-Navarro, María José Gómez-Bellot, Isabel M. Martínez Alcalá, Victor Meseguer SánchezDeadline: 30 March 2026

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