Seed longevity is a global challenge for the conservation of plant biodiversity and for the success of crop production and forest restoration. Seed longevity is a polygenic trait which requires the coordination of many biological processes shaping the stability of seeds in the soil and their ex situ storage time. Seed viability decreases as storage time prolongs and seed quality declines. Many mechanisms involving protection, repair and detoxification contribute to seed quality and further seed viability. For many species, particularly for these with the greatest importance in agriculture and forestry, the seed storage protocols are still being improved to provide viable seeds of the highest quality. Many molecular methods are now applied to investigate the problem of seed aging at the DNA level (i.e epigenetics), at the RNA level (transcriptomics), at the protein level (proteomics), and at the metabolome level (metabolomics). These global approaches contribute to characterizing the molecular basis of poor longevity. This knowledge might be useful for optimization of storage protocols in seed banks enabling sustained seed viability for as long as possible.

To meet the need of conservation of the world-wide plant genetic resources for the future, many modern genebanks were established and researchers particularly focused on storage behavior of seeds, making seed longevity an important seed trait to investigate. The ability of seeds to survive until germination depends on the combined action of proteins, hormones, and metabolites, and their levels are regulated by gene expression beginning from the seed maturation stage, as well as by the temperature and humidity conditions at storage. However, new molecules, new interactions and new processes included in storage protocols remain to be fully discovered and characterized to explain the heterogeneity of seed longevity between plant species.

The aim of this Research Topic is to explore research perspectives and scientific approaches to recognize new molecular determinants of seed longevity. We warmly welcome submissions, including Original Research and Review articles, on this globally important topic. In particular, we would like to welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:

• classification of seed storage potential (orthodox vs recalcitrant) and effect of dehydration on seed longevity including ecological consequences of seed longevity in preservation of biodiversity;
• molecular and cellular basis of seed deterioration during ageing, vigor loss, and increased sensitivity to stresses, including the effects of storage conditions (temperature and water content) and the modern molecular markers and indicators of seed longevity;
• seed quality determinants including protection and repair mechanisms and detoxification during seed ageing and germination;
• internal factors affecting seed longevity including the effects of genetics, seed development and maturation program, hormonal signaling, redox homeostasis, ROS metabolism regulating longevity;
• processes accompanying seed preparation for storage and seed banking including collection, handling collected seeds and fruits, seed extraction, and seed drying including cryopreservation and treatments extending seed life span via gene mutations, gene overexpression or application of plant boosters.

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Frontiers in Plant Science

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