[SCAN] Seed biology and technology approaches for developing better and healthier crops

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Title: Seed biology and technology approaches for developing better and healthier crops

Speaker: Susana Araújo

Affiliation: Pedro Fevereiro Lab

Abstract

The role of seeds in crop production and food security is well recognized. Seed vigour is a seed quality trait that refers to the seed´s ability to germinate fast, leading to a rapid establishment of robust plants in the field across different environmental conditions. Enhancing seed vigour is a relevant goal to accomplish the demand for a sustainable and predictable agricultural production, but also to support the needs of the associated seed industry. Seed technology encloses a broad range of techniques that aims to establish better and healthier plants, thus maximize yield by improving seed quality. Most of the cases, the improved seed performance results from the modulation of the seed physiology during seed development and germination. Although, numerous pre- and post-harvest strategies have been developed for this purpose, the progress to derive new seed technology approaches is still hampered by the limited knowledge on the molecular and regulatory mechanisms acting during seed development and germination processes. In my talk, I will address the main achievements of our team in extending the present knowledge on legume seed biology. Our recent efforts to unveil the molecular mechanisms governing seed development, germination and response to seed treatments will be presented.

Key words:  Legume seeds; Seed development; Germination, Priming