植物种子寿命的生理及分子机制研究进展

种子寿命是衡量种子质量高低的关键指标之一,直接关系到种子萌发、萌发后幼苗的生长发育以及作物产量高低。种子寿命的调控是一个复杂的生物学过程,影响种子寿命的因素包括环境因素、种子自身的结构、营养成分组成及含量以及调控种子寿命相关的关键基因。研究储藏过程中种子生理生化指标的变化,以及相应关键基因的生物学功能,掌握调控种子寿命的生理及分子机制,对于减少种子内部能量消耗,进一步延长种子寿命具有重要意义。该文综述了近年来国内外有关调控种子寿命的生理及分子机制,重点阐述了调控种子寿命的相关关键基因的研究进展,并讨论了各种外部因素对种子寿命的调控机理。     

Interaction of light and hormone signals in germinating seeds

Seed germination is regulated by several environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, temperature, light, and nutrients. Light is a critical regulator of seed germination in small-seeded plants, including Arabidopsis and lettuce. Phytochromes, a class of photoreceptors, play a major role in perceiving light to induce seed germination. Classical physiological studies have long suggested the involvement of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in the phytochrome-mediated germination response. Recent studies have demonstrated that phytochromes modulate endogenous levels of GA and ABA, as well as GA responsiveness. Several key components that link the perception of light and the modulation of hormone levels and responsiveness have been identified. Complex regulatory loops between light, GA and ABA signaling pathways have been uncovered.     

蛋白质磷酸化修饰与种子休眠及萌发调控

种子休眠与萌发是截然不同而又紧密联系的两个生理过程,也是植物生命周期中的关键阶段,对自然状态下的植物物种繁殖与地理分布以及农业生产均具有重要意义,且两个过程受不同内源激素和环境信号之间的精确互作调控。大量研究表明,蛋白质磷酸化修饰作为一种重要的翻译后修饰方式,参与调控种子休眠与萌发以及植物逆境胁迫响应等过程并发挥重要作...     

A continental-scale study of seed lifespan in experimental storage examining seed,plant, and environmental traits associated with longevity

Management of seed banks conserving the biodiversity of phylogenetically diverse species requires insight into seed longevity. This study determined the seed longevity of 172 species sourced from across the mega-diverse flora of the Australia continent. Seeds were aged via a controlled ageing experiment through storage at 45 °C and 60 % RH, or 60 °C and 60 % RH, and regularly tested for germination. Relative seed longevity between species was determined by comparing the time to 50 % viability loss (p ₅₀), calculated via probit analysis of seed survival curves. Seed, plant, and environmental traits were examined for associations with longevity. The p ₅₀ values varied between species from 3.0 to 588.6 days. Serotinous species, and woody trees and shrubs, had significantly longer-lived seeds than geosporous species, and species of herbaceous habit. Seeds that possess physical dormancy, and seeds with large embryos with little endosperm, were also long-lived. There was a weak, but significant, positive correlation between seed mass and longevity. Seeds sourced from regions of higher mean annual temperature and rainfall were significantly longer-lived than seeds from cooler and drier regions, although both environmental factors were weakly associated with longevity. Compared with species from other regions of the world, prolonged longevity is a feature of many Australian species. Nevertheless, seed life-spans vary substantially between species and close consideration of seed traits along with biotic and abiotic components of the plants and their environment can assist to differentiate between potentially long- and short-lived seeds.     

OsLOX2, a rice type I lipoxygenase,confers opposite effects on seed germination and longevity

Rice production and seed storage are confronted with grain deterioration and loss of seed viability. Some members of the lipoxygenase (LOX) family function in degradation of storage lipids during the seed germination, but little is known about their influence on seed longevity during storage. We characterized the role of rice OsLOX2 gene in seed germination and longevity via over-expression and knock-down approaches. Abundant expression of OsLOX2 was detected in panicles, roots, and stems, but not in leaves. Moreover, OsLOX2 was highly induced during germination. OsLOX2 protein, located in the cytoplasm, showed a wide range of temperature adaptation (20–50 °C) and a substrate preference to linoleic acid. Lines over-expressing OsLOX2 showed accelerated seed germination under normal condition and lower seed viability after accelerated aging. RNA interference (RNAi) of OsLOX2 caused delayed germination and enhanced seed longevity. RNAi lines with strongly repressed OsLOX2 activity completely lost the capability of germination after accelerated aging. More lipid hydroperoxide were found in OE15 than the control, but less in RNAi lines than in the WT Nipponbare. Therefore, OsLOX2 acts in opposite directions during seed germination and longevity during storage. Appropriate repression of the OsLOX2 gene may delay the aging process during the storage without compromising germination under normal conditions.     

Oxidative Processes in Soybean and Pea Seeds: Effect of Light, Temperature, and Water Content

Oxidative processes are probable determinants of longevity of seeds in storage. Measurements of actual oxygen uptake rates were made for soybean and pea seeds as a comparison of short and long lived seeds when light, temperature, and moisture contents were varied. In both peas and soybeans, the oxygen uptake was depressed at low temperatures (<16°C) and low water contents (<0.25 gram H₂O per gram dry weight). Apparent activation energies under these conditions are very high, while apparent activation energies of seeds at higher water contents and at temperatures greater than 22°C are much less. Light enhances the level of oxygen uptake in pea, but reduces the level of oxygen uptake in soybean. The complexities of the interactions of oxygen uptake with environmental conditions in soybean compared to pea suggest that oxidative processes occur in soybean at low water contents, but are essentially absent in pea. It is suggested that the additional oxidative processes in soybean with moisture contents between 0.10 and 0.24 gram per gram may contribute to the poorer longevity of soybean seed compared to pea seed.     

Climate change and plant regeneration from seed

At the core of plant regeneration, temperature and water supply are critical drivers for seed dormancy (initiation, break) and germination. Hence, global climate change is altering these environmental cues and will preclude, delay, or enhance regeneration from seeds, as already documented in some cases. Along with compromised seedling emergence and vigour, shifts in germination phenology will influence population dynamics, and thus, species composition and diversity of communities. Altered seed maturation (including consequences for dispersal) and seed mass will have ramifications on life history traits of plants. Predicted changes in temperature and precipitation, and thus in soil moisture, will affect many components of seed persistence in soil, e.g. seed longevity, dormancy release and germination, and soil pathogen activity. More/less equitable climate will alter geographic distribution for species, but restricted migratory capacity in some will greatly limit their response. Seed traits for weedy species could evolve relatively quickly to keep pace with climate change enhancing their negative environmental and economic impact. Thus, increased research in understudied ecosystems, on key issues related to seed ecology, and on evolution of seed traits in nonweedy species is needed to more fully comprehend and plan for plant responses to global warming.     

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs): role in seed vigor and longevity

Seed vigor and longevity are important agronomic attributes, as they are essentially associated with crop yield and thus the global economy. Seed longevity is a measure of seed viability and the most essential property in gene bank management since it affects regeneration of seed recycling. Reduced seed life or storability is a serious issue in seed storage since germplasm conservation and agricultural enhancement initiatives rely on it. The irreversible and ongoing process of seed deterioration comprises a complex gene regulatory network and altered metabolism that results in membrane damage, DNA integrity loss, mitochondrial dysregulation, protein damage, and disrupted antioxidative machinery. Carbohydrates and/or sugars, primarily raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), have emerged as feasible components for boosting or increasing seed vigor and longevity in recent years. RFOs are known to perform diverse functions in plants, including abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, besides being involved in regulating seed germination, desiccation tolerance, vigor, and longevity. We emphasized and analyzed the potential impact of RFOs on seed vigor and longevity in this review. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the molecular mechanisms involved in seed longevity, RFO metabolism, and how RFO content is critical and linked with seed vigor and longevity. Further molecular basis, biotechnological approaches, and CRISPR/Cas applications have been discussed briefly for the improvement of seed attributes and ultimately crop production. Likewise, we suggest advancements, challenges, and future possibilities in this area.     

Genetic differences in seed longevity of various Arabidopsis mutants

Seeds gradually lose their viability during dry storage. The damage that occurs at the biochemical level can alter the seed physiological status and is affected by the storage conditions of the seeds. Although these environmental conditions controlling loss of viability have been investigated frequently, little information is available on the genetics of seed longevity. Using Arabidopsis mutants in defined developmental or biochemical pathways such as those affected in seed coat composition, seed dormancy, hormone function and control of oxidative stress, we tried to gain insight into the genes and mechanisms controlling viability of stored seeds. Mutations like abscisic acid insensitive3 ( abi3 ) as well as abscisic acid deficient1 ( aba1 ) show reduced longevity, which may be partially related to the seed dormancy phenotype of these mutants. Mutants with seed coat alterations, especially aberrant tests shape ( ats ), showed a stronger reduction in germination percentage after storage, indicating the importance of a 'functional' seed coat for seed longevity. A specific emphasis was placed on mutants affected in dealing with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Because several pathways are involved in protection against ROS and because gene redundancy is a common feature in Arabidopsis , 'double' mutants were generated. These 'double' mutants and the corresponding single mutants were subjected to a controlled deterioration test (CDT) and a germination assay on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) after prolonged storage at two relative humidities. CDT and germination on H₂O₂ affected all genotypes, although it appears that other effects like genetic background are more important than the deficiencies in the ROS scavenging pathway. Explanations for this limited effect of mutations affecting ROS scavenging are discussed.     

MicroRNA在种子发育、休眠与萌发过程中的作用

植物microRNA(miRNA)是一类小分子非编码RNA,对植物的生长发育发挥着重要调控作用。种子发育、休眠与萌发是植物生命进程中的重要阶段。在这一阶段内,种子受各种环境因子及内源激素调控,并且不同植物种子具有不同发育及休眠特性。随着人们对种子发育、休眠及萌发机理的探究,越来越多miRNA被鉴定,它们能够基于植物激素信号传导、抗氧化作用、关键转录因子调控等途径参与种子形态建成、物质代谢及各种胁迫响应。本文主要综述了近年来植物miRNA的形成及调控机理,以及在种子发育、休眠及萌发过程中发挥的调控作用,旨在为今后的研究方向提供参考。     

The Influence of Gaseous Environment on the Storage Life of Araucaria hunsteinii Seed

The effect of various gas mixtures on the longevity of hydratedseeds of Araucaria hunsteinii K. Schum. was assessed under controlledconditions. The length of storage life decreased as oxygen concentrationwas reduced from 21 to zero per cent. No effect of carbon dioxideon seed longevity was detected within the range 1–50 percent when combined with 10 or 21 per cent oxygen. Ethylene at0.01 per cent, and sealed foil or polyethylene bag storage reducedthe period of seed germinability compared with that for 21 percent oxygen. Ethanol accumulation took place in stored seedswhen the environmental oxygen concentration was below a thresholdvalue which lay between 1 and 5 per cent. It is proposed that the observed effects of gases on longevityof hydrated seeds may be mediated through an influence on aerobicrespiration rate. Practical implications of the results areconsidered. Araucaria hunsteinii, Klinkii pine, seed longevity, seed storage, gas environments, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethanol accumulation     

Dormancy and germination: How does the crop seed decide?

Whether seeds germinate or maintain dormancy is decided upon through very intricate physiological processes. Correct timing of these processes is most important for the plants life cycle. If moist conditions are encountered, a low dormancy level causes pre‐harvest sprouting in various crop species, such as wheat, corn and rice, this decreases crop yield and negatively impacts downstream industrial processing. In contrast, a deep level of seed dormancy prevents normal germination even under favourable conditions, resulting in a low emergence rate during agricultural production. Therefore, an optimal seed dormancy level is valuable for modern mechanised agricultural systems. Over the past several years, numerous studies have demonstrated that diverse endogenous and environmental factors regulate the balance between dormancy and germination, such as light, temperature, water status and bacteria in soil, and phytohormones such as ABA (abscisic acid) and GA (gibberellic acid). In this updated review, we highlight recent advances regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of seed dormancy and germination processes, including the external environmental and internal hormonal cues, and primarily focusing on the staple crop species. Furthermore, future challenges and research directions for developing a full understanding of crop seed dormancy and germination are also discussed.     

光信号与激素调控种子休眠和萌发研究进展

休眠是种子植物在长期进化过程中产生的适应性性状, 通过抑制种子在不适宜的环境中萌发进而保证植物能够在逆境中生存。此外, 休眠有助于种子的长距离运输和扩散, 因此休眠对种子延续和物种保存具有重要意义。种子由休眠向萌发的发育转变不仅关系到物种的繁衍, 而且对保证农业生产中作物的产量和品质也具有重要作用。种子的休眠和萌发受到内源激素和外源光信号的共同调控。其中, 外源光信号主要通过调控内源ABA和GA的生物合成及信号转导进而调控种子休眠和萌发。该文系统综述了外源光信号和内源激素调控种子休眠和萌发的作用通路以及两类信号通路之间的交互作用, 旨在为农业生产中利用光和激素调控种子休眠与萌发提供参考。     

光信号与激素调控种子休眠和萌发研究进展

休眠是种子植物在长期进化过程中产生的适应性性状, 通过抑制种子在不适宜的环境中萌发进而保证植物能够在逆境中生存。此外, 休眠有助于种子的长距离运输和扩散, 因此休眠对种子延续和物种保存具有重要意义。种子由休眠向萌发的发育转变不仅关系到物种的繁衍, 而且对保证农业生产中作物的产量和品质也具有重要作用。种子的休眠和萌发受到内源激素和外源光信号的共同调控。其中, 外源光信号主要通过调控内源ABA和GA的生物合成及信号转导进而调控种子休眠和萌发。该文系统综述了外源光信号和内源激素调控种子休眠和萌发的作用通路以及两类信号通路之间的交互作用, 旨在为农业生产中利用光和激素调控种子休眠与萌发提供参考。     

Water and Seed Survival

Between about –350 and –14 MPa the rate of lossof viability in orthodox seeds is a positive function of waterpotential. The relative effect of water potential has been analysedin an oily seed (lettuce) and a non-oily seed (barley) and foundto be more or less identical. The lower limit for the relationin various species coincides with a seed moisture content (wetbasis) between about 2 and 6%. Below this level there is littleor no improvement in longevity with reduction in moisture content.The upper limit coincides with moisture contents of between15 and 28%, depending on whether the seeds are oily or non-oily.A water potential of about –14 MPa is the threshold forrespiration which increases more-or-less linearly with increasein water potential above this level. Above this threshold, andproviding oxygen is available to sustain respiration, seed longevityincreases with increase in water potential except that, unlessthe seeds are dormant, germination may be initiated at a waterpotential of about –1·5 to –0·5 MPa.In the absence of oxygen there may be a slight further declinein longevity with increase in water potential above –14MPa before longevity reaches a minimum value Since they cannot be dried very much without immediate lossof viability, recalcitrant seeds survive longest in the presenceof oxygen at maximum water potential commensurate with preventinggermination. The threshold water potential for immediate lossof viability has not been determined for most species but itis probable that it is close to the water potential typicalof the permanent wilting point in these plants, say –2MPa Lactuca saliva L., lettuce, Hordeum oulgare L., barley, seed storage, moisture content, relative humidity, water potential, temperature, oxygen     

Diaspore dispersal season influences root growth and seed traits,but not germination responses,of sympatric Piper species in a seasonal forest

• Seeds may differ in terms of dormancy, longevity, sensitivity to desiccation and dry mass, according to the timing (dry season/rainy season) of diaspore dispersal. In addition, seasonal variations in temperature and water availability can act as signals of the season during seed development, influencing germination responses and root growth. We evaluated the effects of temperature variations and water availability on germination parameters, root growth and seed traits of four coexisting Piper species in seasonal vegetation that differed in diaspore dispersal timing.
• Eight temperature treatments (15, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 35 °C, and alternate 30 °C–20 °C) and four induced water potentials (0, −0.3, −0.6 and −1.2 MPa) were used. The parameters germination onset, germination percentage (G%), mean germination time (MGT), root elongation, seed longevity during ex situ storage and dry mass of seeds were evaluated.
• Germination responses observed were independent of the diaspore dispersal timing, such as variations in germination onset, G% and MGT, both in temperature and water availability treatments. In contrast, root elongation, longevity and dry mass of seeds varied according to the time of diaspore dispersal.
• Our results corroborate the hypothesis that the timing of diaspore dispersal is an important factor in controlling the initial development of seedlings in seasonal vegetation, but not in germination responses. The predominance of negative effects of temperature increases and water deficit on root growth shows that the initial stages of plant development can be strongly impacted by these environmental factors.

     

种子蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究

综述了种子蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究, 主要介绍了种子发育与形成、种子休眠与萌发、种子保存与活力以及种子与环境相互作用的蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究。同时阐述了当今蛋白质组学在种子研究中的应用以及所取得的成果, 并展望了种子蛋白质组学的发展方向, 种子生物学的研究将从基因水平走向整体水平, 因此环境因子与种子蛋白质的相互作用是研究的重点。运用蛋白质组学将能揭示蛋白质的功能并明晰种子的生命机制。     

种子蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究

综述了种子蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究,主要介绍了种子发育与形成、种子休眠与萌发、种子保存与活力以及种子与环境相互作用的蛋白质与蛋白质组的研究.同时阐述了当今蛋白质组学在种子研究中的应用以及所取得的成果,并展望了种子蛋白质组学的发展方向,种子生物学的研究将从基因水平走向整体水平,因此环境因子与种子蛋白质的相互作用是研究的重点.运用蛋白质组学将能揭示蛋白质的功能并明晰种子的生命机制.     

The role of GA-mediated signalling in the control of seed germination

Seed germination is promoted by gibberellin (GA) in many plant species. Several GA signalling factors are known to induce the expression of genes encoding enzymes that mobilise food reserves, including starches, proteins and lipids, stored in the endosperm during seed germination. However, these factors do not control seed germination. Two recent reports have indicated that RGL1 and RGL2, both homologous to the GA-response height-regulating factors GAI/RGA/RHT/d8/SLR1/SLN1, are repressors of seed germination in Arabidopsis. These reports provide new clues as to how GA controls seed germination. The induction of RGL2 expression by imbibition and its repression by GA are of particular interest because they imply that RGL2 acts as an integrator of environmental and endogenous cues for germination.