Seed longevity (i.e., the inherent lifespan of a seed) is a polygenic feature that demands the coordination of multiple biological processes, and that shapes the persistence of seeds in the soil and the time they can be stored ex situ. Recent studies on this trait highlight the role of the antioxidant and biomolecule repair systems […]
In addition to its well-known nutritive function, the endosperm of seeds has a great deal of morphological, genomic and functional diversity. In this review, Rangan summarizes endosperm variability and the molecular mechanisms behind it. Although classically described as being triploid (2n from the mother and n from the father), in reality endosperm ploidy is hugely […]
Seeds are made out of two functionally distinct components: the seed coat and the seed reserves (which include endosperm and embryo). It is known that the relative contribution of these parts to the total seed mass varies greatly among species. Still, little is known about the evolution of each component’s mass and proportion. In this […]
Seed-seed interactions can control the germination of grassland species. The result of this interaction (i.e., germination being inhibited or promoted) presumably depends on the dominance and taxonomic relatedness of interacting species. However, the relative importance of these factors is poorly explored. Here, Fenesi et al. assessed the interactions between seeds of nine perennial species from […]
Since dispersal is crucial for the assembly of plant communities, a better understanding of its relation to climate is needed to predict plant communities’ responses to changes in the environment. However, this kind of association is still missing in tropical alpine ecosystems –one of the most vulnerable to climate change. In this paper, Tovar et […]
Hello everyone, we’re Vijaya and Carlos from the Plantae Bookshelf! This time, we wanted to share with you the results of our “The Books Every Plant Scientist Should Read” survey of this year. With everything that’s currently happening in our world right now –the COVID-19 pandemic, the protests against institutional racism in the United States and around the world, […]
Low water availability limits seed germination in arid environments, such as the ones that Agave plants inhabit. As a result, vegetative propagation has been considered their most effective and successful method of reproduction. However, agaves produce several hundreds of seeds, and their natural populations show high genetic diversity, suggesting they do not rely solely on […]
Fire shapes tropical savannas through direct (i.e., heat and smoke) and indirect (i.e., opening gaps) effects on the vegetation. However, its effects on seeds from neotropical grasses have seldom been addressed. In this paper, Dariel and Fidelis assessed the longevity and the impact of fluctuating temperatures –a consequence of gap-opening– and heat shocks on the […]
Seed oils and anthocyanins play several roles in plant physiology and are promising substances for crop engineering given their benefits for human health. Recent studies proposed that melatonin –a potent antioxidant present in all plant species– regulates the deposition of these metabolites in seeds, but the mechanism behind this is still missing. In this paper, […]