Good things come to those who wait - a 42-yr study challenges 'trade-off' theories

Article Plant Sciences

A long-term experiment reveals no trade-off between seed persistence and seedling emergence

Si-Chong Chen et al.

Summary: This study demonstrates that there is no trade-off between seed persistence and seedling emergence from the soil seed bank. Physically dormant seeds are more persistent but exhibit lower emergence. Monocarpic species have both higher persistence and emergence than polycarpic species. Seed mass has a marginal effect on persistence, while emergence increases nearly twofold from the smallest to the largest seeds.

NEW PHYTOLOGIST (2023)

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Article Physiology

Trade-Offs (and Constraints) in Organismal Biology

Theodore Garland et al.

Summary: Trade-offs and constraints are important aspects in both organismal and evolutionary biology. They can be defined and categorized in various ways, including allocation constraints, functional conflicts, shared biochemical pathways, antagonistic pleiotropy, ecological circumstances, and sexual selection. Empirical studies often look for negative correlations between traits as evidence of trade-offs, but this approach may not be sufficient for complex physiological networks or multiple traits. Trade-offs may occur in harsh environmental conditions and can be circumvented through compensatory mechanisms.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY (2022)

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Review Plant Sciences

Fungal Pathogens and Seed Storage in the Dry State

Isaura Martin et al.

Summary: Seeds can carry various microorganisms, especially fungi, which can have negative effects on seed quality and longevity while potentially spreading diseases. Seed storage is an effective method for conserving plant genetic resources, but it can also provide favorable conditions for the survival of seed-associated fungi. Early detection and identification of these fungi are crucial for preserving high-quality seeds and preventing pathogen dissemination.

PLANTS-BASEL (2022)

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Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Desiccation Tolerance as the Basis of Long-Term Seed Viability

Galina Smolikova et al.

Summary: Desiccation tolerance is a key adaptation feature of photoautotrophic organisms in terrestrial habitats. Vascular plants have developed complex anatomy structures and molecular mechanisms to maintain cell hydration, with different genes encoding mechanisms playing varying roles in different stages of plant evolution.Mechanisms behind desiccation tolerance include LEA proteins, sHSP, oligosaccharides, and antioxidants, activated during late seed maturation stage. Regulation is controlled by abscisic acid and protein DOG1, along with a network of transcription factors and epigenetic regulation.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2021)

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Article Plant Sciences