Seed Biology in the 21st Century: Perspectives and New Directions

Seeds are a fundamental component of the plant life cycle, as they store the genetic information necessary for the next generation of plants to disperse, establish, develop and eventually reproduce to maintain the species. However, these mysterious genetic capsules contain many secrets that have yet to be revealed. For instance, the mechanism(s) by which certain seeds undergo extreme desiccation without losing viability remain unclear. Further, the molecular network of genes conferring on seeds the ability to remain dormant for the required periods of time has yet to be fully elucidated. This special focus issue is dedicated to the latest research on seed biology aimed at tackling some of these unanswered questions. Seeds are consumed directly as food and animal feed, providing >70% of world's caloric intake. As the global population exceeds 7 billion, efficient production of seeds as a reliable food source is becoming ever more important; continuous modification of seed crops to enhance the yield and nutritive values of seeds is essential to tackle existing world hunger and poverty, and to relieve the pressure of even higher worldwide demands for food foreseen in the future. This theme is explored in the review by Martínez-Andújar et al. (pp. 5–15), where they argue the need for determining the genetics of seed development and the chemistry of seed reserves as an essential step in developing new technologies to accelerate crop improvement and ensure food security. For instance, seed companies have been ‘stacking’ elite genetic seed traits, such as insect resistance and high yields, through breeding programs. More recently, the utilization of seeds as a source of bioenergy is another important focus, which is not only limited to the replacement of fossil fuel in developed countries but also plays a significant role in aiding the local economy and improving quality of life in developing countries. For example, in the southern Malian town of Garalo, Africa, farmers cultivate 600 ha of land with jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seeds whose oil provides electricity to 350 homes—roughly half of Garalo's population—and also powers street light (Gilbert 2011). Modification of seeds particularly for small farmers and local production is another area of study that is yet to be fully explored; however, this is now only possible with the emerging new technology and resources available for genomic and genetic studies in plants.