Seed Longevity and Ageing: A Review on Physiological and Genetic Factors with an Emphasis on Hormonal Regulation

Abstract

Upon storage, seeds inevitably age and lose their viability over time, which determines their longevity. Longevity correlates with successful seed germination and enhancing this trait is of fundamental importance for long-term seed storage (germplasm conservation) and crop improvement. Seed longevity is governed by a complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental conditions experienced during seed development and after-ripening that will shape seed physiology. Several factors have been associated with seed ageing such as oxidative stress responses, DNA repair enzymes, and composition of seed layers. Phytohormones, mainly abscisic acid, auxins, and gibberellins, have also emerged as prominent endogenous regulators of seed longevity, and their study has provided new regulators of longevity. Gaining a thorough understanding of how hormonal signalling genes and pathways are integrated with downstream mechanisms related to seed longevity is essential for formulating strategies aimed at preserving seed quality and viability. A relevant aspect related to research in seed longevity is the existence of significant differences between results depending on the seed equilibrium relative humidity conditions used to study seed ageing. Hence, this review delves into the genetic, environmental and experimental factors affecting seed ageing and longevity, with a particular focus on their hormonal regulation. We also provide gene network models underlying hormone signalling aimed to help visualize their integration into seed longevity and ageing. We believe that the format used to present the information bolsters its value as a resource to support seed longevity research for seed conservation and crop improvement.

Keywords: hormonal regulation; seed ageing; seed longevity.

Figure 1

Factors affecting seed longevity and processes associated with seed development and ageing. ABA, abscisic acid; HSP, heat shock protein; IAA, auxins; GA, gibberellins; LEA, late embryogenesis abundant protein; RFOs, raffinose family oligosaccharides; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SSPs, seed storage proteins.

Figure 2

Phytohormone-related genes with effects on seed longevity. (A) Graphic representation of genes related to abscisic acid (ABA); (B) genes related to auxins (IAA) and (C) genes related to gibberellins (GA) signalling pathway.