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Seeds
Special Issues
Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species
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Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species

A special issue of Seeds (ISSN 2674-1024).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2025) | Viewed by 13903

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Božena Šerá

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: plant ecology; seed science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Most currently living vascular plant species reproduce in a generative way using seeds. Seed production, seed vitality, seed germination and seedling establishment are required for successful population growth and propagation. These trades are important for the study of wild plants because they reflect the ability of the species to develop in the landscape. Seed study is essential for conservation biology and species diversity.

The processes of germination and initial growth of seedlings are less known in wild plants than in purposefully grown species. However, the process of seed germination tends to be delayed in wild plants, and is often "complicated" by seed dormancy. In addition, natural environments are different from those in controlled laboratory conditions, natural habitats are coupled with multiple unpredictable abiotic and biotic factors. Ecological grasping of seed issues can therefore be problematic and much more complicated than with field crops.

Extreme weather conditions are generally expected to occur more often in the near future. This will cause impairment of plant growth in original areas of occurrence. The knowledge of seed biology will lead to understand reproduction via seeds and to improve planning for plant species management in conservation biology.

This Special Issue "Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species" aims to stimulate discussion on seed germination and seedling early growth in individual plant species growing in the landscape habitats.

Dr. Božena Šerá
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Seeds is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • seed science 
  • seed parameters 
  • seed germination 
  • seed ripening
  • seed production
  • seed quality
  • seed mortality
  • seed viability 
  • seed longevity 
  • seed testing
  • seedling early growth 
  • seedling occurrence 
  • seedling development 
  • seedling quality
  • seedling mortality

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 4942 KB  
Article
Metabolic Dynamics of Primary Reserves During Germination and Early Growth of Cultivated Brazil Nut Tree Genotypes
by Elmer Gonçalves, Josiane Carvalho, Caris Viana, Pedro Santos, Katharine Gonçalves, Karen Costa, Auxiliadora Martins, Silvana Silva, Roberval Lima, Patrícia Albuquerque, Andreia Fernandes, Wagner Araújo and José Francisco Gonçalves
Seeds 2025, 4(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4040060 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 121
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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7 pages, 662 KB  
Communication
Germination Kinetics of Ferula communis L. Seeds, a Potentially Multipurpose-Use Wild Species
by Miriam Distefano, Giovanni Avola, Stefano Berti and Ezio Riggi
Seeds 2024, 3(2), 196-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3020015 - 14 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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15 pages, 2540 KB  
Article
Altitudinal Genetic Variation of Pinus oocarpa Seedling Emergence in the Southern Mountains, Oaxaca, Mexico
by Mario Valerio Velasco-García and Adán Hernández-Hernández
Seeds 2024, 3(1), 1-15; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds3010001 - 20 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
Pinus oocarpa is the most important conifer for resin production in Mexico, so superior resin trees were selected in the Southern Mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. The objective was to determine the variation and differences among provenances and among trees according to the parameters [...] Read more.
Pinus oocarpa is the most important conifer for resin production in Mexico, so superior resin trees were selected in the Southern Mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. The objective was to determine the variation and differences among provenances and among trees according to the parameters of seedling emergence and the number of cotyledons, and their relationship with elevation and climatic variables. The seedling emergence of four replicates of 20 seeds from 80 trees was counted daily. For the emergence parameters, provenance contributed 42.02% to the total variance, tree 29.19% and error 28.79%. Only tree (11.71%) and error (88.29%) contributed to the total variance of the cotyledon number. The effect of provenance (p ≤ 0.0006) and tree (p ≤ 0.0001) was significant for all variables evaluated. Higher-elevation provenances and trees had higher emergence values. The emergence parameters were positively associated with tree elevation. Climatic variables related to precipitation and temperature were negatively related to the emergence parameters. The results allow for the selection of phenotypes without emergence problems to establish seed orchards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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15 pages, 6108 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Germination under Different Storage Conditions of Four Endemic Plant Species from Ethiopia: Implications for Ex Situ Conservation in Seed Banks
by Sinework Dagnachew, Demel Teketay, Sebsebe Demissew and Tesfaye Awas
Seeds 2023, 2(1), 45-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds2010005 - 6 Feb 2023
Viewed by 3474
Abstract
The conservation of endemic plant species is a major concern, as the species are with restricted distribution range. Since in situ conservation alone will not guarantee their maintenance, ex situ conservation measures must be undertaken to support the conservation of these species. Investigation [...] Read more.
The conservation of endemic plant species is a major concern, as the species are with restricted distribution range. Since in situ conservation alone will not guarantee their maintenance, ex situ conservation measures must be undertaken to support the conservation of these species. Investigation of the impact of the storage environment of seeds gives baseline information. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of different storage conditions (room temperature, 4 °C and −10 °C) and different storage periods over one year. Four Ethiopian endemic plant species, namely Euryops pinifolius, Kniphofia foliosa, Lobelia rhynchopetalum, and Solanecio gigas, were considered. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant (p < 0.05) effect of storage condition and period on seed germination. The storage of seeds at room temperature before drying may not be recommended for short-term storage of the studied species, except K. foliosa. After drying of seeds, E. pinifolius, K. foliosa, and L. rhynchopetalum seeds showed high germination percentage (above 80%) after storage even at sub-zero temperatures for one year. The germination percentage of S. gigas stored at room temperature before drying for thirteen months was 60% and that stored at 4 °C was 6%, which indicates that the seeds may be categorized under intermediate storage behavior. The three species can be grouped in the orthodox seed storage category. Research on desiccation screening should be undertaken to predict an optimal combination of storage moisture content and suitable storage temperature to determine storage category with certainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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11 pages, 1747 KB  
Article
Anatomy and Germination of Erythrina velutina Seeds under a Different Imbibition Period in Gibberellin
by Hugo R. Guariz, Gabriel D. Shimizu, Jean C. B. Paula, Huezer V. Sperandio, Walte A. Ribeiror Junior, Halley C. Oliveira, Eduardo I. Jussiani, Avacir C. Andrello, Rodrigo Y. P. Marubayashi, Marcelo H. S. Picoli, Julianna Ruediger, Ana P. S. Couto and Kauê A. M. Moraes
Seeds 2022, 1(3), 210-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds1030018 - 9 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3771
Abstract
The knowledge of the physiological aspects of Caatinga’s vegetal species is extremely important for preserving this biome, which suffers with human impacts, mainly to select propagation methods. Erythrina velutina is a Brazilian tree, generally found in Caatinga, with medical and forestry potential. The [...] Read more.
The knowledge of the physiological aspects of Caatinga’s vegetal species is extremely important for preserving this biome, which suffers with human impacts, mainly to select propagation methods. Erythrina velutina is a Brazilian tree, generally found in Caatinga, with medical and forestry potential. The objective of this paper was to determine the best soaking period in gibberellin solution to achieve the highest germination and to evaluate the internal anatomy by digital microtomography of E. velutina seeds. The design was completely randomized and consisted of eight treatments: 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of soaking, scarified seeds and the control with no-scarified seeds. Digital microtomography was efficient in describing the anatomy of the seeds and distinguishing their tissues. There was no significant difference between the treatments at different soaking times, as the gibberellic acid did not influence the germination; only the control presented a lower germination percentage, differing from the other treatments. The study presents evidence that E. velutina seeds do not require the exogenous use of gibberellic acid, but only the scarification process. In addition, the use of digital microtomography can be useful in understanding the anatomy of seeds, especially forest species, which can contribute to the future studies of other plant species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parameters of Seed Germination in Wild Plant Species)
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