Editor’s Choice Articles

Efficient and climate-resilient Sorghum bicolor L. cultivation is increasingly important under Central European conditions. This study evaluated two hybrids across two locations in 2023–2024 with row spacings of 25, 45, and 75 cm and four sowing densities of 210,000–300,000 seed ha⁻¹. Row spacing, year, and genotype exerted a strong and consistent effect on grain yield and quality, with multiple instances reaching high statistical significance (p < 0.001). In contrast, seed rate had no significant main effect, influencing results only via site- and season-specific interactions. At a 45 cm row spacing, sorghum exhibited the highest grain yield (8.59 t ha⁻¹), the lowest seed moisture content (13.59%), and the greatest protein yield (1.094 t ha⁻¹). The 25 cm spacing with higher density produced with 0.46 t ha⁻¹ higher yields than 75 cm and the highest protein content (13.35%), but 0.48 t ha⁻¹ lower yield than the 45 cm treatment. The 75 cm spacing generally gave 12.29% lower yield and 6.72% lower quality despite higher tillering. TKW was highest at 45 cm row spacing (31.12 g), 23.3% greater than at 75 cm (25.25 g). The 45 cm row spacing provided the most stable yield, superior quality, and balanced agronomic performance, representing the most practical configuration for sustainable sorghum production under Central European conditions. Full article

Given the reduced resilience of the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation, identifying high-quality genetic markers for the propagation of native species is crucial for forest regeneration. This study investigated metabolic dynamics during Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) germination to identify biochemical markers for selecting superior genotypes. We analyzed primary reserves (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) and minerals in two genotypes, 606 and Santa Fé, in seven germination stages. Our results revealed distinct metabolic patterns. Genotype 606 showed 101.73% greater efficiency in the transient accumulation of starch, 34.86% higher degradation of lipids, and 34.86% higher transitory synthesis of soluble proteins. Conversely, Santa Fé was 16.8% more efficient in amino acid synthesis and 795.33% in boron compartmentalization, though less so in sucrose (2.17%) and in lipid synthesis (24.84%). Overall, early germination stages involved starch, sucrose degradation and mineral consumption. During post-germinative stages, protein and lipid degradation likely fueled gluconeogenic pathways and supported carbohydrate synthesis and seedling growth. This work increases the knowledge on Brazil nut germination physiology and identifies metabolic markers that differentiate genotypes. These findings are fundamental for our understanding of primary metabolism turnover in B. excelsa and provide a basis to support forest restoration and genetic improvement programs. In addition, we hope to contribute to the selection of superior high-performance genotypes, which are essential for recovering degraded areas and enhancing productive plantations in the Amazon region. Full article

Cover crop mixes play an important role in enhancing soil health, nutrient turnover, and ecosystem resilience; yet, maintaining even seed dispersion and planting uniformity is difficult due to significant variances in seed physical and aerodynamic properties. These discrepancies produce non-uniform seeding and species separation in drill hoppers, which has an impact on stand establishment and biomass stability. The thousand-grain weight is an important measure for determining cover crop seed quality and yield since it represents the weight of 1000 seeds in grams. Accurate seed counting is thus a key factor in calculating thousand-grain weight. Accurate mixed-seed identification is also helpful in breeding, phenotypic assessment, and the detection of moldy or damaged grains. However, in real-world conditions, the overlap and thickness of adhesion of mixed seeds make precise counting difficult, necessitating current research into powerful seed detection. This study addresses these issues by integrating deep learning-based computer vision algorithms for multi-seed detection and counting in cover crop mixes. The Canon LP-E6N R6 5D Mark IV camera was used to capture high-resolution photos of flax, hairy vetch, red clover, radish, and rye seeds. The dataset was annotated, augmented, and preprocessed on RoboFlow, split into train, validation, and test splits. Two top models, YOLOv5 and YOLOv7, were tested for multi-seed detection accuracy. The results showed that YOLOv7 outperformed YOLOv5 with 98.5% accuracy, 98.7% recall, and a mean Average Precision (mAP 0–95) of 76.0%. The results show that deep learning-based models can accurately recognize and count mixed seeds using automated methods, which has practical applications in seed drill calibration, thousand-grain weight estimation, and fair cover crop establishment. Full article

A sustainable economy and the drive to reduce agro-industrial waste worldwide motivate the increased interest in alternative uses of traditionally cultivated plants such as tobacco. Tobacco seeds are an underutilized resource with enormous potential for application in various areas of human life. The present study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition and nutritional potential of Oriental tobacco seeds grown in Bulgaria, in order to support their possible application in areas outside the tobacco industry. Two Oriental tobacco varieties (“Krumovgrad 90” and “Krumovgrad 58”) from three production regions were explored and comparatively evaluated in terms of their physical and chemical indicators, determined by standardized methods. The results showed high protein (22.57–23.84%) and energy content (482–531 kcal/100 g), combined with relatively low carbohydrate levels (3.79–4.03%) and the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols (288–357 mg GAE/100 g). The seeds contained significant amount of oil (36.31–39.24%), of which the fatty acid profile included 16 identified components, with linoleic (72.0–74.4%), oleic (11.2–13.5%), palmitic (9.6–10.2%), and stearic (1.8–2.5%) acids taking the greatest share. The sterol fraction was dominated by β-sitosterol (43.5–46.8%), followed by sitostanol, campesterol and stigmasterol, with a stable distribution between the samples. The main tocol was γ-tocotrienol (56.5–61.4%), with α-tocotrienol being detected only in one of the varieties (“Krumovgrad 58”, 13.3%). The phospholipid fraction showed variations between the samples, with a dominant presence of phosphatidylinositol (18.0–20.4%). The results from the study confirmed the tangible potential of tobacco seeds as a source of biologically active substances in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. Full article

Seed dormancy is a key ecological attribute influencing germination timing and the ability of species to establish in variable environments. This study investigated whether inter-population variability in seed dormancy expression exists in Lonicera etrusca, a Mediterranean shrub known for producing seeds with underdeveloped embryos and multiple dormancy types. Seeds were collected from four geographically and ecologically distinct populations in central Iberia and subjected to a series of germination experiments simulating natural seasonal temperature regimes, stratification treatments, and gibberellic acid application. Across all populations, seeds exhibited morphological dormancy (MD) and varying degrees of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), including non-deep simple and deep complex types. Despite high intra-specific variability in dormancy expression, no significant differences were found among populations for germination patterns or embryo growth responses. This indicates that dormancy variability is an intrinsic, conserved feature of the species rather than a locally adaptive trait. The homogenization of germination strategies across populations may be facilitated by bird-mediated seed dispersal, promoting gene flow and limiting local selection. These findings support the hypothesis that dormancy polymorphism in L. etrusca reflects a flexible germination strategy that enhances colonization potential across heterogeneous Mediterranean environments, rather than an environmentally induced plastic response. Full article

Microbial contamination is the main safety concern of sprouts and seeds are the major source. High concentrations of sanitizers (>10,000 mg/kg) are recommended for effective sanitation. Microbubble (MB) was reported to elevate sanitizer efficacy. Hence, MBs combined with disinfectants, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂, 500 ppm), and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW, 250 ppm), were used to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on alfalfa seeds. After fulfilling MBs for 10 min, alfalfa seeds were washed in 10 L of water for 10, 20, or 30 min. Compared with untreated seeds, S. Typhimurium reductions obtained by SAEW-MBs (SMBs) and ClO₂-MBs (CMBs) for 20 min were 3.8 and 3.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Conversely, the 20 min treatments of SAEW and ClO₂ only obtained reductions of 0.9 and 1.1 log CFU/g, respectively. More surface ruptures on the seeds treated with CMBs were observed under a scanning electron microscope compared with the ones treated by water and ClO₂ only. No adverse effects on the seed germination rate and the weight yield of sprouts were observed when treated with CMBs for 20 min. An MB device with capacity of 100 L was assembled and achieved reductions of 3.9 and 3.2 log CFU/g of natural microbes and S. Typhimurium, respectively, after 20 min CMB washing. Additionally, an MB device at 250 L was assembled and achieved 3.0 log CFU/g reduction in natural microbes. This study demonstrated that MBs enhanced the efficacy of disinfectants and could be applied in industrial-scale operations. Full article

Seed-related traits such as seed size, germination, vigour, dormancy, biochemical composition, and stress resistance are critical to ensuring agricultural productivity and global food security, particularly in current scenarios of climate change and environmental unpredictability. This review examines the transformative potential of omics technologies, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and phenomics, in enhancing our understanding of seed biology and its applications in crop improvement. Genomics and transcriptomics are key technologies in future plant breeding and gene editing to optimise seed yield and quality. We reviewed the role of metabolomic approaches in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind seed germination, vigour, dormancy, and the proteomic advances to elucidate markers of seed quality, combining these omic technologies to decipher DOG1 as a marker of dormancy. Both biotic and abiotic stress resistance in seeds were reviewed from a multi-omics perspective to determine the best avenues for improving the resilience of seeds against drought, salinity and pathogens. Moreover, omics approaches have been reviewed to optimise plant–microbe interactions, particularly in enhancing symbiotic relationships within the soil microbiome. Full article

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa) is a very promising crop due to its nutraceutical properties and strong tolerance to extreme conditions, including high UVB. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying its adaptation to high UVB are still unclear, especially during germination as its traditional sowing consists of either broadcasting or continuous stream distribution in furrows. We evaluated the response of germinating quinoa seeds to acute UVB radiation, looking at the mobilization of starch reserves as well as the utilization of starch and free sugars. Biometric and physiological traits were evaluated in control (0 W m⁻²) and UVB (3.4 W m⁻²)-exposed seeds during a 24 h treatment starting with seed imbibition. Quinoa exposed to UVB showed a delay in germination and strong reduction in root elongation. Although the negative effect of UVB on germination was fully recovered at 48 h of imbibition, that on root elongation was irreversible, especially with a longer exposure time. Further analysis showed low differences in the concentration of free sugars, except at 2 and 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, starch mobilization in UVB-treated seeds was strongly reduced compared to control. This was associated with the amylolytic activity analysis, which showed strong reductions in both α- and β-amylase activities during the whole treatment, indicating that UVB strongly reduced enzyme activation for the mobilization and use of starch reserves. Overall, these data suggest that quinoa seeds can regulate the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in reserve mobilization, in order to resist to acute UVB radiation and maintain seed viability. Full article

Aquatic plants may rely on seeds to promote population persistence after severe disturbances, such as droughts. We characterized the seed germination dynamics for three Potamogeton species following seed storage under dry versus submerged conditions. Overall germination levels were highest for P. lucens and, more specifically, were higher after submerged storage (70.4%) than dry storage (56.0%). Overall germination levels were lower for the two other species and displayed a different response to storage conditions; they were higher after dry storage (P. natans: 24.6%; P. pectinatus: 28.1%) than submerged storage (10.8 and 7.1%, respectively). Only P. natans would have likely made a large seed bank contribution as follows: 42.2% of its seeds remained ungerminated and viable after submerged storage, while this figure was 17.4% for seeds that had experienced dry storage. Our results suggest the species differ in their reproductive strategies. Sexual reproduction plays an important role in Potamogeton lucens, adding new individuals to plant populations every year; however, the low viability of the species’ ungerminated seeds suggest its seed bank contribution may be small, rendering it vulnerable to long periods of unfavourable environmental conditions. In contrast, P. natans would likely make a larger seed bank contribution, underscoring the role its seeds may play in population persistence across years. Potamogeton pectinatus may minimally rely on its seeds, which fits with its predominant use of vegetative reproduction in the field. While its seeds might contribute little to population persistence, they may nonetheless promote genetic variability among populations. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

Crops are continually subjected to frequent and extreme changes in climate, such as high temperatures and soil water deficits. Many studies have shown the individual effects of these factors on plants, but their combined effects on reproductive growth and subsequent seed germinability have received little attention. In this study, we used canola (Brassica napus) plants and grew them through their lifecycle under two temperature regimes (20/10 °C and 24/14 °C, 16 h light/8 h dark) in controlled-environment growth chambers. Half of the plants were watered to field capacity (well-watered) and the other half at wilting point (water-stressed). During the reproductive stage, the flower, silique, and seed traits were measured. Higher temperatures decreased the petal width by 1.17 times but increased petal anthocyanins by 1.03 times. The water deficit decreased the silique length and total seed number by 1.21 and 1.32 times, respectively, but increased nectar sugar concentration by 1.28 times. The total volume of nectar was affected by the interaction of temperature and water. The nectar volume was lowest in the water-stressed plants under higher temperatures (2.66 ± 0.29 µL per flower) but highest in the well-watered plants under the same temperature regime (5.73 ± 0.37 µL per flower). In conclusion, the combined effects of temperature and water were less pronounced than the individual effects of these factors on canola reproductive yield. Full article

The taxonomic complexity of Phoenix palms in the Canary Islands, where multiple morphotypes representing at least four taxa currently exist, presents significant challenges for archaeobotanical identification. We developed a Bayesian probabilistic framework to identify archaeological Phoenix seeds within the context of genus-wide morphological diversity. Our analysis incorporated thousands of specimens including modern reference collections, archaeological materials from pre-Hispanic sites in Gran Canaria and La Gomera (3–16th centuries CE), and fossil remains. We recorded quantitative measurements and qualitative characteristics for each specimen. To understand taphonomic effects, we conducted experimental carbonization of modern P. canariensis seeds and documented the resulting morphological alterations. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s minimum variance method and calculated taxonomic assignment probabilities for archaeological specimens using Bayesian inference, where likelihood was derived from taxon proportions within assigned clusters. The results indicated a high probability (0.69–1.00) that the archaeological specimens belong to P. canariensis var. canariensis, with no evidence for P. dactylifera presence. These findings provide critical insights into pre-Hispanic exploitation of Phoenix palms, particularly the endemic P. canariensis, which served as a vital resource, providing food, fiber, and construction materials. Our methodological approach offers a robust framework for addressing taxonomic uncertainty in archaeobotanical research while enhancing understanding of historical palm biogeography and resource use patterns in the Canary Islands. Full article

Bioactive compounds in plants, such as carrots, have been widely used for their benefits. In agriculture, their potential as biostimulants still needs to be investigated, especially for their possible antioxidant action in plants subjected to abiotic stresses, such as salinity. This work aimed to evaluate the elicitor potential of carrot extract in alleviating salt stress in rice plants. This study aimed to evaluate the elicitor potential of carrot extract in alleviating saline stress in the rice cultivars BRS Querência and BRS 358. Aqueous extracts of carrot roots at concentrations of 0% (water), 25%, 50%, and 100% were used to soak rice seeds for 48 h, which were then subjected to different concentrations of NaCl (0, 25, 75, and 150 mM). To determine the effect of carrot extract as an elicitor under saline stress conditions, the following tests were conducted: germination, seedling length, dry mass, and oxidative stress through the activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxide content, and lipid peroxidation (hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂ and malonaldehyde MDA). Carrot extract increased the germination rate and maintained germination even under increased salinity rates in both cultivars. The application of 25 mM NaCl also boosted germination rates, followed by a significant decrease due to increased salinity rates. Shoot and root lengths and dry mass parameters showed a linear decrease in response to increasing NaCl concentrations. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APx), and catalase (CAT) enzymes tended to decrease as the concentration of carrot extract increased, whereas the opposite was observed with NaCl application. Based on the combined analysis of the evaluated parameters, carrot extract application under the tested conditions was efficient in mitigating oxidative stress caused by high salinity conditions. Full article

Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) has poor seed establishment in the fall when used as a perennial groundcover in corn production. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of various seed treatments and soil amendments on the establishment of KBG under drought and non-drought conditions, simulated in a growth chamber. The effect of seed treatments, soil amendments, and irrigation frequency on KBG germination and shoot dry weight were measured over 21 days in a controlled environment at 21 °C, 50% RH, and exposure to a constant red light. The treatments were the Hydroloc seed treatment, a lime soil amendment, the Pivot Bio seed treatment, an ammonium nitrate soil amendment, a gibberellic acid seed treatment, osmotic seed priming, and an untreated control. The layout was a randomized complete block design, with two irrigation frequencies (restricted and full irrigation) and four replications (blocks). The irrigation treatments were applied to whole plots and the seed treatments were applied to subplots. The entire experiment was repeated four times. Irrigation affected the germination of all the seed treatments, but the size of the effect depended on the seed treatment applied. The control and Hydroloc treatments did not have significantly different dry shoot weights, while all the other treatments had significantly different dry shoot weights when comparing the irrigation regimes. The Hydroloc treatment significantly outperformed all the other treatments in regard to the restricted and full irrigation regime. These results indicate that the Hydroloc seed treatment improves KBG germination and shoot dry weight in drought and non-drought conditions, promoting KBG establishment in a wide range of soil moisture conditions. Full article

The cost of producing organic crops is increasing. Agricultural wastes can be used as biostimulants to increase plant growth and productivity and reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers. A pouch assay and a potted greenhouse experiment were conducted to investigate the effect of pyroligneous acid (PA) and sea lettuce (SL) on kale (Brassica oleracea subsp. acephala (DC.) Metzg) seed germination and growth. Although previous studies have demonstrated that these two biostimulants could promote plant germination and growth, there is little research to compare their effects on seed germination and plant growth. The pouch assay showed that PA liquid affected the seed germination rate under different concentrations; the seed germination rate decreased as the concentration of PA liquid increased. However, the effect of seed germination was less pronounced in SL liquids. Kale seeds treated with 0.01% PA showed the best elongation and seedling growth performance. Moreover, the greenhouse experiment indicates that SL liquids significantly (p < 0.05) affected kale growth production, while PA liquid had less difference on kale growth under various concentrations. The 0.25% PA and 1% SL increased the aboveground fresh weight by ca. 26% and 29%, respectively. Also, the phytochemical contents of kale leaves, including phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbate, and protein, were significantly increased with 0.25% PA and 1% SL application. These results suggest that low concentrations of PA are more suitable for seedling root growth in kale and 1% SL had the most significant growth-promoting effect on kale. Hydrothermal carbonization sea lettuce liquid can be used as a good biostimulant for agricultural production to improve kale germination and growth. Full article

Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) has become widely naturalised and invasive across many countries and regions including northern Australia. To aid management of A. indica where it has become a weed, a series of studies were undertaken to determine its potential soil seed bank persistence. In a field trial, packets of seeds were buried, retrieved periodically over two years and the seed viability assessed. Viability declined rapidly, with a single viable seed retrieved after 12 months burial and none thereafter. Burial depth, soil type, and pasture cover (present and excluded) significantly influenced viability (%) at 3- and 6-month retrievals. Similar data were obtained from repeated runs of a controlled ageing laboratory experiment, which categorized seeds as forming a ‘transient’ seed bank. In a third trial, fresh fruits were placed on the soil surface in replicated field enclosures over two consecutive years and seedling emergence monitored fortnightly. In both years there was no emergence from pasture excluded soil plots and emergence ceased after 2.3 and 8.4 months in plots with pasture present. A fourth (glasshouse) trial found most seeds will emerge from the soil when buried from 1 to 4 cm. However, more fatal germination than successful emergence was recorded for seeds buried at 8 cm. Seed desiccation and fatal germination are factors in A. indica developing a transient soil seed bank, and infestations require shorter-term control programs where seed input is prevented. Full article

The foxtail millet exhibits a diverse range of hull colors, which are crucial indicators for assessing its nutritional and economic value. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms that govern the hull color of foxtail millet are largely unknown at present. This gap in knowledge significantly impedes efforts to enhance the quality traits of foxtail millet. This study utilized a population of 250 F₆ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a cross between two foxtail millet varieties: Yugu18 (with light yellow seeds) and Hongjiugu19 (with red seeds). Four methods, the visual grouping method (I), the visual colorimetric method (II), the Lab determination method (III), and the RGB determination method (IV), were employed to determine the hull color of each line across four environments and QTL identification were conducted subsequently. It showed that there were 10, 12, 69 and 56 QTLs were detected for hull color through four methods, and these QTLs were integrated into 4, 6, 27 and 25 unique QTLs, respectively. There were three, four, four and four major QTLs. Of which, three major QTLs (qHC1.1, qHC1.2 and qHC9.3) on chromosomes 1 and 9 could be detected by all 4 methods. qHC9.1 was detected by all four methods except for method I. There were also one, one, seven and four minor identity QTLs identified across the 4 methods. Four minor QTLs (qHC3.1, qHC3.3, qHC4.1 and qHC5.1) can be stably detected only in method III, and two minor QTLs (qHC8.2 and qHC9.2) can be stably detected only in method IV. Generally, method I is fast, efficient and cost-effective, which is suitable for the rapid detection of hull color. Method II is also low-cost; however, it can detect more QTL for hull color, making it suitable for identifying major QTL loci in large populations. Methods III and IV can map more minor QTL and are more accurate in hull color characterization. This study identified four important hull color QTL for foxtail millet, which largely align with those reported in previous research. These findings establish a foundation for characterizing hull color indices and further advancing QTL mapping for grain color. Full article

The chemical quality of fenugreek seeds is a critical factor influencing their nutritional value, medicinal properties, and suitability for agricultural and industrial applications, making it essential to evaluate their biochemical composition and functional potential. This study evaluated the effects of salinity and different fertilization types on seed quality, early growth parameters, and key biochemical characteristics during fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivation. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the cropping period 2019–2020 (Year A) and 2020–2021 (Year B) in a split-plot design with the five main fertilization treatments Biocyclic-Vegan Humus Soil (BVH), Farmyard Manure (FM), Organic Compost (OC), Inorganic Fertilizer (IF; 11-14-14), and No Treatment Control (NTC) and two treatments: Elevated Salinity (ES) and Normal Salinity (NS). Fertilization significantly influenced various agronomic traits and seed compositions across both experimental years. The evaluation showed that organic fertilization with BVH yielded the best results among the treatments studied. The BVH × NS treatment consistently produced the highest plant height, seed protein content, seed yield, and mineral content, including nitrogen, calcium, and potassium, compared to the other treatments. ES impacted the concentrations of several elements, namely N (%), Ca (g/100 g), K (g/100 g), Fe (ppm), P (%), and Mg (g/100 g). Salinity also affected certain traits, such as Seed Total Ash and Dry Matter content, with significant interactions observed. These findings highlight the critical role of fertilization, especially organic fertilization, in improving both agronomic performance and seed nutritional quality in the studied crops, as well as in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity. Full article

Horticulture is mainly based on transplanting seedlings produced by specialized nurseries. The recent European authorization of frass in organic farming presents new opportunities for the development of organic seedling production. Frass, a by-product of insect farming, offers innovative solutions for this sector. It mainly consists of insect excrement, exuviae, and uningested feed. Their fertilizing and biostimulating effects have been demonstrated in various pot and field crops experiments. However, the current knowledge regarding the application of frass in seedling production remains insufficient. This study aims to assess the optimal dose of mealworm frass in germination substrates for Allium cepa L., Beta vulgaris L., and Brassica rapa L. Germination and phytotoxicity tests were carried out, with seedlings evaluated one month after sowing in substrates containing frass at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of frass. The germination test revealed that the dilution of the frass at 1:100 produced a phytostimulant effect on A. cepa and a moderate phytotoxic effect on B. vulgaris and B. rapa. The application of mealworm frass at a concentration of 0.5–1% was generally the most effective dose, although all doses of frass in the substrate resulted in seedlings whose root length, leaf length, number of leaves, and biomass were significantly higher than the control. In conclusion, the application of low doses of mealworm frass in organic seedling production is promising and allows the management of potential phytotoxicity. Full article

Canadian buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt.) is a perennial shrub known for its drought tolerance, nitrogen-fixing ability, and suitability for land reclamation and vegetation, particularly on nutrient-poor industrially disturbed soils in Alberta, Canada. Despite its ecological importance, commercial nurseries and greenhouses face challenges due to limited knowledge of optimizing seed germination and maintaining genetic diversity in cultivated seedlings. In this study, we investigated the interactive effect of cold stratification duration (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks) and scarification time (control (no scarification), 1, and 4 h) on buffaloberry seed germination. The seed germination rate was tested using a factorial experiment with two factors arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Our findings indicate that scarification with a low concentration of acid for 1 h significantly enhances germination outcomes and shortens the required stratification period from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, achieving an optimal germination rate of 82%. Our novel approach using low-concentration acid to scarify Canadian buffaloberry seeds will help commercial greenhouses and forest nurseries improve seed germination, which utilizes this species for land reclamation and reforestation. Furthermore, this method can be adapted to improve germination in other native species with similar dormancy challenges, broadening its applications in ecological restoration efforts. Full article

The use of seeds versus seedlings may yield different restoration trajectories depending on seed germination (=seedling emergence) success in the of restoration plantings versus seedling establishment. Effective restoration and sustainable population dynamics will require both for long-term persistence. This study compared seed germination in both greenhouse and natural conditions, examining the growth, survival, and reproduction of seedlings from seeds and transplants of a federally endangered perennial, Baptisia arachnifera W.H. Duncan (Fabaceae), in Georgia, USA. Under greenhouse conditions, seed germination is rapid and yields 68% germination across a variety of conditions. In field germination trials, seedling emergence is moderate (20%), but survival, growth, and reproduction are low. Over an 18-yr period (2004–2022) at a restoration planting site in Lowndes County, Georgia, USA, survival, growth, and reproduction were much higher for plants established from seedlings versus plants established from seeds. While dormant plants and seeds are not harmed by winter burns, seedlings derived from both seeds and seedlings are negatively impacted by growing season burns. Restoration efforts in this species should focus on germinating seeds in greenhouses and the effective establishment and management of seedlings, not using seeds directly for restoration efforts. Full article

Setaria viridis (green foxtail) is an invasive weed species in various agricultural systems, prompting the search for effective compounds to control its germination. The species has primary and secondary dormancy depending on the time elapsed since post-harvesting, making management strategies more difficult. Several weed plants, such as Lantana camara L., can be a source of allelochemicals with herbicidal effects, being a potential candidate for the control of S. viridis. We investigated the effects of L. camara extracts on the germination and initial growth of S. viridis seeds with different degrees of dormancy and revealed a dose-dependent bioherbicide effect. Aqueous extracts of L. camara were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and applied (0.1 to 5.0 mg/mL) to 12- and 110-day post-harvest S. viridis seeds. Seeds were evaluated daily and germination percentage (GP), speed germination index (SGI), and radicle length (RL) were calculated. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were major components of the extract. Lower concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL) stimulated and accelerated the germination of S. viridis, breaking its dormancy. Both 1.0 and 5.0 mg/mL concentrations hindered germination, especially in 12 dph seeds. The 1.0 mg/mL concentration resulted in longer roots, whereas 5.0 mg/mL inhibited root development. Lantana camara extracts potentially stimulate germination and radicle growth of S. viridis at low concentrations while inhibiting these parameters at higher doses. These results may open new possibilities for using L. camara in weed-control strategies. Full article

The most important product of the lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik) is the seeds. The main seed characteristics are their size, color, and the cooking time required to make them edible. Cultivar, location of cultivation, and their interaction are the primary factors of raw or cooked seed characteristics. The study examined the impact of five different lentil cultivars (Dimitra, Elpida, Thessalia, Samos, and 03-24L), as influenced by the cultivation environment in four different zones or nine different locations in Central-Northern Greece, on cooking time. The optimal cooking time (OCT) was calculated by cooking the seeds for 0–60 min to determine the percentage of cooked seeds using the penetration test. OCT was associated with the characteristics of both raw (mass of 1000 seeds, external color, and the percentage of mature/immature seeds) and cooked (color and organoleptic characteristics of the cooking media as well as mass increase and hardness and organoleptic characteristics of the seeds) seeds for 30 min. Depending on location, each cultivar had a different mass of 1000 seeds; Elpida had the highest mass (63.9 g), and Dimitra had the lowest (33.1 g). This was linked to OCT, which was among the highest (57.5 min) for Elpida, lowest (49 min) for Dimitra, and intermediate for Thessalia, Samos, or 03-24L. The average OCT was 55.9 min for all samples. The seed from the five locations with the shortest OCT was considered appropriate for human consumption. Two locations yielded seeds with intermediate OCT, while the other two produced the highest OCT; these were recommended for processing or propagation. In this study, the cultivar factor had a greater effect on raw seed characteristics, while the location factor had a greater effect on cooked seed characteristics and OCT than either the location, the cultivar factor, or the cultivar x location interaction. Full article

Seed germination is a complex process involving imbibition, activation and subsequent growth. In addition to re-establishing metabolic activity, water uptake helps stabilize macromolecules and biochemical reactions, resulting in radicle protrusion. Factors affecting water uptake include seed composition, water availability and seed coat permeability. Water entry sites vary with species and occur primarily through the hilum, micropyle or lens. In addition, seed size influences water uptake, where larger seeds are usually less permeable. The seed coat plays a significant role in regulating the water absorption process. Several seed coat characteristics, including color, thickness and differences in the anatomical structure, such as the presence of pores, cuticles and radicle pockets, alter water permeability. Similarly, the presence of either physical or physiological seed dormancy negatively affects water uptake. This review emphasizes that understanding seed characteristics, such as size, shape and seed coat permeability, and their relationships is essential for breeding and selecting seeds with desirable traits, as they directly influence water uptake, leading to improved germination and growth. Full article

Seedling establishment is often a critical bottleneck in the revegetation of mine tailings and similar substrates. Biochar and deactivated yeast are potential sustainable materials that could be used in this context as seed coatings to aid in seedling establishment. We conducted a greenhouse study on biochar and deactivated yeast use as seed coatings, assessing germination, establishment, and early growth of white clover (Trifolium repens) and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea). Coated seeds were applied to a mine tailing, a coarse granitic sand, and potting soil mix substrates; seedling establishment and growth were monitored over 75 days. Biochar coatings enhanced the seedling establishment of Trifolium, with biochar and biochar plus yeast coatings giving the best results. In some cases, these effects persisted throughout the experiment: biochar coatings resulted in a ~fivefold increase in Trifolium biomass at harvest for plants in the potting soil mix but had neutral effects on sand or tailings. Biochar seed coatings also enhanced Dalea germination in some cases, but the benefits did not persist. Our results indicate that biochar-based seed coatings can have lasting effects on plant growth well beyond germination but also emphasize highly species-specific responses that highlight the need for further study. Full article

The plant seed-borne microbiome comprises microorganisms vertically inherited from the mother plant. This microbiome is often linked to early-life protection and seedling growth promotion. Herein, we compare the seed-borne bacteriomes of a commercial hybrid (Santa Helena) and a landrace maize variety (Sol da Manhã). The landrace variety displays a more diverse seed-borne microbiome, featuring a variety of taxa across samples with an average Shannon’s diversity index of 1.12 compared to 0.45 in the hybrid variety. The landrace variety also showed a greater alpha diversity of 165.8, in contrast to 144.1 in the hybrid. Although both microbiomes lack a functional nitrogen fixation apparatus, we found a remarkably distinct presence of genes associated with phytohormone production and phosphate solubilization, particularly in the landrace variety. In addition, we recovered 18 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including four from potentially novel species. Collectively, our results allow for a better understanding of the contrasting diversity between maize varieties. The higher potential for phytohormone production in landraces, the absence of nif genes in both varieties, and the identification of core microbiome taxa offer valuable insights into how microbial communities impact plant health and development. This knowledge could pave the way for more sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in crop management. Full article

Internal transport (endozoochory) and external transport (epizoochory) by migratory waterbirds are key mechanisms of long-distance dispersal for seeds and other diaspores of plants lacking a fleshy fruit. Beginning with Darwin in 1859, we review how opinions about the relative importance of epizoochory and endozoochory have changed repeatedly over time and how this allows us to reassess our modern understanding of plant dispersal. Darwin was mistaken in asserting that diaspores cannot survive passage through the gut of waterbirds or other granivorous birds. This “digestion myth” led him to underestimate endozoochory and overstate the importance of epizoochory, an approach which is echoed throughout the literature until the present day. Darwin also focused on aquatic plants, yet it is now clear that waterbirds are also major vectors of terrestrial plants. Based on their empirical observations and experiments, other less influential scientists (notably Hesselman in 1897, Guppy in 1906 and Proctor in the 1960s) argued that endozoochory is the more important mechanism for waterbirds. Modern field and experimental studies demonstrate the dominant role for endozoochory. Unfortunately, avian endozoochory of dry-fruited plants continues to be ignored as a dispersal mechanism by many plant ecologists, which we attribute to Darwin’s continuing influence. However, this endozoochory has major implications for plant biogeography and requires wider recognition and research. Full article

The use of microbial seed priming may be a promising tool to improve the first stages of seed germination of several herbaceous species. In tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), enhanced germination and vigor, and biotic and abiotic stress control, with a reduction in chemicals, have been reported. In this study, seeds from two Italian tomato varieties (Canestrino di Lucca and Pisanello) were primed with seven different strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) belonging to Azospirillum baldaniorum, A. brasilense, Methylobacterium symbioticum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. licheniformis, and B. subtilis. They were selected for their ability to produce auxin. The germination test was carried out on treated seeds and the germination percentage was calculated. The obtained seedlings were transplanted and kept in greenhouse conditions. After 60 d, fresh and dry weight, root number, and length of plantlets were recorded. A general and significant improvement in the growth parameters was observed in the treated plants. All microbial strains proved to be indolacetic acid (IAA) producers using the Salkowsky method. A positive relationship between root number and length, and amount of IAA was found. The overall results suggest that the microbial priming of tomato seed could be useful for advancing organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. Full article

The Sideritis genus includes over 150 species primarily found in the Mediterranean basin, including the S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca from the Peloponnese and S. scardica from North and Central Greece. In vitro seed germination has proven effective for conserving and amplifying the genetic diversity of endangered species such as Sideritis. This study aimed to optimize in vitro germination and seedling growth of S. scardica and S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca under different lighting conditions at 22 °C, including white fluorescent lamps (WFL-BG-40) and LEDs (LED-BGYOR-40, LED-BR-40, LED-BR-80, LED-BR-120) all under a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod (WFL: white fluorescent light, B:blue, G:green, Y:yellow, O:orange, R:red, 40–80–120 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), along with a 24-h dark treatment. The results indicated that LED-BR-80 combined with 250 mg L⁻¹ GA₃ in the MS medium promoted best germination (40%, day 55) and shoot proliferation in S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca. Conversely, 5-year-old cold stratified S. scardica seeds showed higher germination rates (80%) and robust seedling growth under LED-BGYOR-40 with 250 mg L⁻¹ GA₃, particularly thriving in LED-BR-120 for increased shoot height and root number. This is the first report of the efficacy of LED technology in optimizing in vitro conditions for Sideritis species, crucial for their conservation and sustainable commercial cultivation. Full article

Soybean breeding programs targeting tofu quality must evaluate their performance within zones of adaptation. A comprehensive study was carried out to examine soybean breeding lines from three maturity groups (MGs; MG0, MG00, and MG000) from 2018 to 2022. Several agronomic, chemical composition and tofu-related quality traits were evaluated, and the associations among traits were investigated. The results showed that genotypes in MG0 yielded higher and matured later, which confirmed that the selection of targeted genotypes for a specific maturity group was successful. Non-imbibed “stone seeds”, an important quality trait for tofu processors, were higher in MG000 lines. Tofu texture using both GDL and MgCl₂ coagulants was positively associated, indicating one coagulant might be enough for screening purposes. The MG by traits biplot showed very clear MG clustering for all genotypes tested from 2018 to 2022, signifying that the MG has a more pronounced effect on the investigated traits than the environmental effects seen in different years, regardless of the MG. Most tofu-related traits were higher and showed stronger associations in MG0 lines compared to the lines in earlier MGs, indicating a need for future effort in shorter season MGs. Overall, this study provided useful information for selecting soybean lines for tofu end-use application targeting specific MGs. Full article

Seedling growth is one of the most important stages for the establishment of natural and artificial regeneration. For the first time, the initial growth and biomass allocation of seedlings germinated from cryostored seeds of Parkia nitida were analyzed. P. nitida is an economically and ecologically important timber tree species distributed in Central and South America. Cryostored seeds germinated quickly after priming by scarifying a part of the seedcoat with emery paper, reaching a germination percentage of 94%. Thirteen weeks after germination, the seedlings grew to a height of 16.5 to 60.0 cm. The results of our study, under different day/night alternating culture temperatures, showed that culture temperature had a direct correlation with seedling growth, total biomass allocation, and biomass partitioning. The greatest growth (height, diameter, and number of node sections) and greatest biomass allocation (leaf, stem, and root weight) were recorded under alternating temperatures of 30/25 °C, and these decreased with decreasing culture temperatures to 25/20 °C and 20/15 °C. Shoot:Root (S:R) ratios also decreased with decreasing culture temperatures, but a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was only observed between 20/15 °C and 30/25 °C. However, significant differences were not observed in Photosynthetic:Non-photosynthetic organ ratios among the different alternating culture temperatures. This study provides fundamental information for the production of good-quality seedlings of the fast-growing tropical trees of the legume family. Full article

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, is esteemed for its rich reservoir of health-benefitting phytoconstituents nestled within its seeds. The composition of its seeds can be influenced by factors such as genotype diversity and agricultural practices. Understanding these dynamics is important for maximizing the nutritional and medicinal attributes of the seeds. This study investigated how different genotypes, growing densities, and sowing times affect oil yield and phytoconstituents of Nigella seeds in Northern Australia. The aim was to find the optimal combination of these factors to maximize desirable compounds. Our findings revealed variability in oil yield and phytoconstituents among different genotypes, growing densities, and sowing times. No single genotype stood out as having elevated levels of all desired compounds. For instance, genotype AVTKS#5 had high total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity, while AVTKS#8 and AVTKS#7 excelled in thymoquinone (TQ) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), respectively. Planting density had a nuanced impact, with no significant effect on oil yield and CUPRAC values, but higher densities decreased TPC, FRAP, and TQ. Interestingly, seeds cultivated at 20 and 30 plants/m² had higher ratios of MUFAs/SFAs, PUFAs/SFAs, and (MUFAs + PUFAs)/SFAs, indicating the importance of planting density in shaping fatty acid profiles. Sowing times also had a noticeable effect, with late sowing leading to a decrease in oil yield from 19% to 14%. May-sown seeds had higher TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and fatty acid ratios, while TQ levels peaked in June-sown seeds. Our study highlighted positive correlations among TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and TQ, emphasizing their collective contribution to the nutritional and medicinal potency of Nigella seeds. Fatty acids, on the other hand, showed no significant correlation with these parameters, indicating independent regulation. In summary, our comprehensive analysis provides insights into the factors (genotype and agronomic practice) that shape the phytochemical profile of Nigella seeds, and suggests better genotype, planting density, and time of sowing for the cultivation and quality production. Full article

Seed germination (GS) and seedling growth are vital plant stages that can be affected by stresses such as drought and aging, which cause deterioration and reduce seed viability. With the aim of homogenizing and improving GS, priming treatments with biostimulants such as the antioxidant melatonin are commonly used in seeds. In this study, the effects of melatonin on germination and seedling growth in two different situations, i.e., aging seeds of rice, barley, and sorghum and under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress in sorghum, were studied. Aged seeds were primed for 7 days in different concentrations of melatonin, and drought stress seeds were primed for 24 h before PEG treatment for 7 days, and germination and initial growth parameters were monitored. Aging-seeds of rice and barley showed the maximum response in terms of germination percentage at 20 µM melatonin and 0.05 µM respectively; while aging-seeds of sorghum showed improvement in germination for practically all concentrations studied, even the highest tested at 50 µM. Regarding the effect of melatonin treatments on drought stress in sorghum seeds, all the studied parameters showed a significant attenuation of the adverse effects of drought stress, alleviating them, for all concentrations tested but especially at 200 µM melatonin. The results obtained confirm that priming seeds with melatonin under low germinability conditions relieves stress and improves both germination and seedling growth. Full article

Jatropha curcas L. (J. curcas), a shrub plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, has received enormous attention as a promising biofuel plant for the production of biodiesel and medical potential in ethnopharmacology. However, the tumor-promoter toxin phorbol esters present in J. curcas raise concerns for health and environmental risk as its large-scale cultivation limits the use of meal obtained after oil extraction for animal feed. Here, we determined the variation of phorbol ester profiles and contents in eight J. curcas tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and found phorbol esters present in all parts of the plant except the seed shell. We showed tissue-specific patterns of accumulation of phorbol esters and associated terpenoids at the transcriptional level with high transcript levels in reproductive and young tissues. Genes involved in the same module of terpenoids biosynthesis were positively correlated. We further present diverse abiotic and biotic stresses that had different effects on the accumulation of transcripts in terpenoids shared and branched terpenoid pathways in plant seedlings. The fine-tuning of terpenoids biosynthesis may link with ecological functions in plants under extreme environments and defense against pathogens. Full article

Studying the evolution of seed morphology and, in turn, the evolution of cultivars across time and space is of fundamental importance to agriculture and archaeology. The identification of ancient and modern grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars is essential for understanding the historical evolution of grape cultivation. Grape seed morphology provides valuable information to explore the evolution of grape cultivars over time and space. The main aim of our study was to build a comprehensive regional database of grape seed morphological traits from modern and archaeological wine cultivars and wild grape species. We aimed to identify which seeds of modern grape cultivars exhibited morphological similarities to archaeological cultivars. This study focused on fifteen distinct modern types of seeds and two archaeological samples from the Byzantine-to-Early Medieval period. We acquired digital images of seeds using a flatbed scanner. For each sample, 100 seeds were randomly selected, and morphometric data on each seed were gathered using ImageJ. Differences among the seed cultivars were investigated using linear discriminant analysis. Archaeological seeds were found to be more similar to cultivated V. vinifera cultivars rather than V. sylvestris populations. Among the cultivated cultivars, Sangiovese and Tosta antica resulted to be cultivars most similar cultivars to the archaeological ones. The morphometric analysis of grape seeds proved to be a valuable resource for investigating the evolution of vine cultivars throughout history. Combining image analysis techniques with genetic data will open new perspectives for studying the origins of and variations in grape cultivars, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of viticultural heritage. Full article

The Vitis IMIDRA collection contains 3699 entries, representing a significant percentage of the variation in traditional and commercial Vitis cultivars used in Spain. The classification and identification of new entries are currently conducted based on ampelography and molecular methods. Here, we propose a new method of classification of the cultivars based on seed morphology and its application to a total of 224 varieties from the collection. Based on seed shape, fourteen groups have been defined according to the similarity of the seeds, with geometric figures used as models. The new models are Cariñena Blanca, Chardonnay, Parraleta, and Parduca, defining new groups to be added to the ten groups previously described. The study results in 14 groups comprising the Spanish cultivar’s seed shape and morphological variation. Seed morphology can help to identify varieties cultivated in the past through archaeological finds. Full article

Castor (Ricinus communis) is an oilseed usually cultivated in tropical and semi-arid conditions. The slow and uneven germination of castor seed is causing poor crop establishment and reduced seed yield. This series of studies investigated several factors influencing the time for castor seed germination and seedling emergence. Studies were made on the effect of seed coat permeability to water and the influences of temperature, morphology, and the hormone gibberellin. The best temperature for castor seed germination was near 31 °C, and the seed coat was permeable to water. The mechanical resistance of the seed coat was a mechanism controlling the germination of the castor seed. The time for germination was strongly associated with the seed coat relative weight, but it had little influence from other morphological characteristics. After the castor plants were subjected to three cycles of selection for fast germination, the seed weight was reduced, the caruncle became larger, and the seed coat became thinner. Gibberellin applied to the seed promoted a faster and higher germination rate. Pre-germination of the castor seed was not effective for promoting faster seedling emergence. Attempts to improve castor seed germination should integrate the many factors that influence this physiological process. Full article

Seeds play a vital role in the perpetuation of plant species, both in natural environments and agriculture. However, they often face challenges from biotic stresses, such as seed-borne pathogenic fungi. The transgenerational transmission of these seed-borne fungi, along with their dissemination during seed commercialization, can contribute to the emergence of global epidemic diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite the recognized impact of seed-borne pathogens on agriculture, our understanding of seed–pathogen interactions remains limited. This review establishes parallels between the current state of knowledge regarding seed responses to pathogen interactions and well-established plant defense models, primarily derived from typical physiological conditions observed during leaf infections. Examining fragmented results from various pathosystems, this review seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of interactions during seed development and germination. The necrotrophic interactions in Brassicaceae are described using recent transcriptomic and genetic studies focused on the Arabidopsis/Alternaria pathosystem, which illustrates original response pathways in germinating seeds that markedly differ from the general concept of plant–pathogen interactions. The co-existence of regulatory mechanisms affecting both seed resistance and susceptibility, potentially promoting fungal colonization, is examined. The vulnerable response during germination emerges as a crucial consideration in the context of sustainable plant health management in agriculture. Full article

Despite exhibiting intriguing features associated with its multipurpose applications and drought tolerance, Ferula communis remains a wild and uncultivated species, with limited experimental research on its biology, starting from seed germination and extending to its ecology. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential germination and kinetics in F. communis seeds in response to four cold stratification periods (0, 15, 45, and 90 days at a constant temperature of 5 °C) and four temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C) under continuous darkness. F. communis exhibited a pronounced germination potential exceeding 90%, with the optimal temperature for germination falling within the range of 5 °C to 15 °C, without necessitating cold stratification. A dramatic drop of the germination percentage was observed at 20 °C (<10%), suggesting a form of conditional dormancy attributed to the higher temperature tested. Full article

As differences in seed dormancy between Actinidia species have not been reported previously, in this study we characterized the variation in the dormancy of seeds in 13 kiwifruit species that originated from different regions of China and Taiwan, and for which mature plants are now growing in New Zealand orchards. Dormancy-breaking treatments, including cold-moist stratification, seed coat scarification and soaking in water and gibberellic acid (GA₃), were tested for their efficacy in alleviating dormancy and improving final germination and germination rates. In addition, we assessed seed viability using RNA integrity analysis to distinguish dead seeds from dormant seeds. This study identified that dormancy type in Actinidia seeds is species-specific and can be morphological, morphophysiological or a combination of physiological and physical, and that seed RNA integrity is a useful metric to incorporate into seed dormancy studies. Our results also suggest that species originating from colder climates that experience large differences between winter minimum and summer maximum temperatures exhibit physiological dormancy and require cold-moist stratification, contrasting with species originating in milder climates. Interestingly, although not all seeds from all the species were dormant, the proportion of dormant seeds in each species did not correlate to the climatic data of the region from which they originated. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms of seed dormancy in kiwifruit. Full article

Annona fruit, leaves, seeds, roots, and bark have been conventionally used in many countries for medical treatments as they are considered ideal sources of pharmacologically active compounds, but Annona remains an underutilized fruit in many countries. The fruit of these plants is delicately flavored and is used in industrial products such as ready-to-serve beverages, wine, jellies, jam, and fruit-butter preserve, while the seeds generally go to waste. Annona seed oil contains numerous health-benefiting factors such as vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, which are responsible for various biological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. Cancer is a worldwide major health problem that remains unresolved. Even though the current treatments can manage to reduce tumor growth, there is an urgent need to investigate more efficient but less expensive novel techniques to overcome some of the restrictions in treating tumors. Annona might offer an indispensable choice besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy, especially for terminally ill patients, as the Annona genus contains secondary metabolites in nearly every component of Annona plants. Research has shown that many Annona species contain promising components that could potentially exhibit anticancer activity, but the information available is scarce and inconsistent. Annona muricata (Soursop, “Katuanoda”), Annona squamosa (Sweetsop, “Seenianoda”), and Annona reticulata (Custard apple, “Welianoda”) are three commonly cultivated edible Annona species in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the review was to present an updated comprehensive literature analysis of the putative chemopreventive functions against cancer cell lines/the anticancer effect on cancers, phytochemical properties, and antioxidant properties possessed by the seed oils of three selected common Annona species. Although there are some in vitro and in vivo experimental investigations supporting the benefits of Annona seed oils, clinical investigations are still needed to explore concealed areas, determine the effects on the human body, determine the safest concentration, and determine health-contributing benefits before they are submitted to clinical trials. Full article

It has been noticed that Saraca asoca (Roxb. de Wilde) populations are drastically declining in the wild. Conserving such populations is crucial because of the numerous ecological, cultural, and economic values. The purpose of our study was to determine if germination and seedling growth could be improved for globally vulnerable Ashoka populations. The study analyzed the effect of various hydro, mechanical, and chemical pre-sowing treatments on the germination and one-year growth of Ashoka seedlings. Our results demonstrated that mechanical (exposing the seed cotyledons) and soaking of seeds in hot water treatments (60 °C) were better than all other water- and chemical-based pre-sowing treatments used in the study of enhancing germination. Nevertheless, chemical treatments were better for the growth and survival of the seedlings. This methodology offers to restore the scattered populations of Ashoka that are facing the risk of extinction in the wild while successfully meeting the commercial demand for this medicinal tree. Full article