Seed Science Research

Table of Contents - February 2012 - Volume 22, Supplement S1 (Seed Science in the 21st Century)  

Review Article

Maternal and zygotic temperature signalling in the control of seed dormancy and germination

Sarah Kendalla1 and Steven Penfielda2 c1

a1 CNAP, Department of Biology, University of York, PO BOX 373, York YO10 5DD, UK

a2 School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK

Abstract

Temperature has a key influence over seed dormancy and germination, allowing wild plants to synchronize their life history with the seasons. In this review we discuss the signalling pathways through which temperature is integrated into seed physiology and the control of primary and secondary dormancy, with an emphasis on understanding maternal effects and responses dictated by the zygotic tissues. A key emerging paradigm is that temperature signalling in seeds must be understood in relation to whole plant genetics and physiology, as overlapping pleiotropic roles for temperature sensing and hormone signalling pathways are commonplace.

(Received May 23 2011)

(Accepted July 25 2011)

Keywords

  • alternating temperatures;
  • chilling;
  • maternal effects;
  • temperature;
  • thermoinhibition

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence Email: S.D.Penfield@exeter.ac.uk

0Comments