First the seed: Genomic advances in seed science for improved crop productivity and food security

Seeds are valuable sources of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, fibers, minerals, and vitamins. They provide energy nutrition to germinating seedlings, food humans, feed livestock, feedstocks industry. High-throughput analyses gene expression in crops has identified many candidate genes associated with seed dormancy, longevity, germination, vigor. In this review, we cover the latest research focusing on such key traits. Transcriptome time courses filling have sets expressed at different stages process. The potential role epigenetics (including seed–endosperm imprinted genes) regulating development chemistry is highlighted herein. We also discuss how advances genomics biology facilitating unravelling associations between traits bank accessions sequences, including functional can accelerate discovery allelic variants. Such knowledge effects relating variants necessary for more efficient cost-effective management genetic resources or redesigning specific characteristics. For instance, curators may assess viability by monitoring changes biomarker dry samples decide germplasm regeneration integrity collections diversity allele frequencies same accession stored banks. highlight that resistance preharvest sprouting be enhanced through genomics-assisted breeding otherwise nondormant rice (Oryza sativa L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum cultivars, while pimt, another marker deployed enhance vigor crops.