Evaluating Seed Development and Storage Conditions: Effects on Seed Quality and Germination

Seed development, storage, and germination conditions are critical determinants of seed quality, longevity, and plant establishment, with broad implications for agriculture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Substantial variation remains among species and seed lots — particularly in how orthodox, intermediate, and recalcitrant seeds respond to drying, storage — and knowledge of the underlying physiological, biochemical, and environmental factors regulating seed maturation, storage behavior, and germination remains fragmented across disciplines and taxa. Translating these findings into reliable storage protocols and conservation practices remains a persistent challenge, especially for difficult-to-store germplasm.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the mechanisms regulating seed maturation, dormancy, viability, vigor, and germination, and to identify strategies for improving storage, conservation, and establishment under changing environmental conditions. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, this collection seeks innovative strategies to enhance seed quality and conservation of germplasm for sustainable plant production and preservation of plant genetic resources. We welcome original research and reviews spanning agricultural, forest, wild, and restoration species, including studies applying in vitro culture, and cryopreservation technologies to species which cannot be preserved by seed banking.The Topic will also welcome studies examining how seed traits, germination, and treatments influence seedling establishment, survival, and growth in nursery and field conditions, including ecological restoration. Relevant work may include longer-term monitoring, mycorrhizal interactions, and climate-smart seed sourcing where these relate to seed quality, germination, or establishment.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Regulation of seed development, maturation, and desiccation tolerance-Seed dormancy release and germination physiology-Biochemical and hormonal control of seed quality-Genetic and maternal effects on viability, vigor, and longevity-Seed ageing and deterioration during storage-Storage, drying, cryopreservation, and seed banking, including recalcitrant species-Germplasm conservation and management of plant genetic resources-In vitro culture, embryo rescue, and propagation of difficult-to-store species-Seed priming and treatments for improved establishment-Effects of climate change and environmental stress on seed quality and storagePlease note that purely descriptive studies that do not advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying seed development, viability, or germination will not be considered for inclusion in this Research Topic. Topic editors: Mukund Shukla, Karen Sommerville, Christopher Cockel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84674/evaluating-seed-development-and-storage-conditions-effects-on-seed-quality-and-germination