Besides the deposition of storage reserves, seed maturation is characterized by the
acquisition of functional traits including germination, desiccation tolerance, dormancy, and …

Seed longevity is a central pivot of the preservation of biodiversity, being of main importance
to face the challenges linked to global climate change and population growth. This complex …

Seed banking is now widely used for the ex situ conservation of wild plant species. Many
seed banks that conserve wild species broadly follow international genebank guidelines for …

Seed quality is a critical aspect in agriculture as well as in the long-term conservation of
plant genetic resources in genebanks. Since potential seed longevity depends on initial …

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) map** was used to identify loci controlling various aspects of
seed longevity during storage and germination. Similar locations for QTLs controlling …

The long-standing hypothesis that seed quality improves during seed filling, is greatest at
the end of seed filling, and declines thereafter (because seed deterioration was assumed to …

Abstract Background and Aims Alpine plants are considered one of the groups of species
most sensitive to the direct and indirect threats to ecosystems caused by land use and …

The ability of seeds to germinate and establish seedlings in a predictable manner under a
range of conditions has a direct contribution to the economic success of commercial crops …

The quality of seed-conservation collections, and hence their value for species
reintroduction or restoration, is critically dependent on factors operating in the period …

Seedling establishment is critical to profitable and sustainable production from small-seeded
crops. A programme of work is reported that identifies key seed vigour traits that are required …