Regulation of Ovule and Seed Development

Seed development is inextricably linked to crop productivity, its abundance, and food security. With the ever-increasing human population, the world is constantly challenged to maintain a seemingly unlimited food supply from a limited land mass regardless of any adversities. The plant reproduction and seed development critical knowledge and know-how have been remained crucially important while adapting, domesticating, and exploiting agricultural crops. Advancing the understanding of the molecular as well as physiological players behind ovule/seed development and the underlying mechanisms would certainly benefit such practices. Unlike animals, a plant ovule is made up of different cell types and tissues with distinct and coordinated functions. It usually develops into a seed after two sperm cells fertilize an egg cell and central cell each. However, some interesting exceptions to the standard model often lead to apomictic seed development, parthenocarpic/seedless fruit development, poly-embryonic seed development, etc. Both normally developed and exceptionally developed seeds have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Based on the fundamental and latest research findings, this Research Topic titled "Regulation of Ovule and Seed Development" focuses on various aspects of the ovule (female gametophyte) and seed development. The research topic (at hand endeavors to) offers a thorough comprehension of the intricate mechanisms governing the development of ovules and seeds. By capturing historical perspective, knowledge, and recent advances in the field, the collection aims to establish a holistic understanding of these processes. The collaborative endeavors of the participating authors anticipate making substantial contributions to the broader scientific community's pool of knowledge. Furthermore, this comprehensive exploration is expected to lay the foundation for future revelations that hold the potential to transform seed-related research and its applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

The manuscripts included within this topic will encompass both original research findings and comprehensive reviews. The objective is to explore and understand:
- The evolutionary aspects of the ovule and seed development- The cellular and physiological processes involved in their development
- The genetic and epigenetic regulation of ovule and seed development
- The signaling and transcriptional networks involved in the process
- The hormonal crosstalk during ovule and seed development
- The nutritional factors affecting their development
- The Impact of seed regulation on reproductive success
- Biotechnological approaches and recent advances in manipulating seed development.