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Dueñas C, Pagano A, Calvio C, Srikanthan DS, Slamet-Loedin I, Balestrazzi A, Macovei A. Genotype-specific germination behavior induced by sustainable priming techniques in response to water deprivation stress in rice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1344383. [PMID: 38390302 PMCID: PMC10881859 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1344383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Water stress brought about by climate change is among the major global concerns threatening food security. Rice is an important staple food which requires high water resources. Being a semi-aquatic plant, rice is particularly susceptible to drought. The aim of this work was to develop techniques directed to promote rice resilience to water deprivation stress during germination by implementing specific seed priming treatments. Five popular Italian rice varieties were subjected to priming treatments using novel, sustainable solutions, like poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), denatured γ-PGA (dPGA), and iron (Fe) pulsing, alone or in combination. The effect of the developed priming methods was tested under optimal conditions as well as under water deprivation stress imposed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatments. The priming efficacy was phenotypically determined in terms of germination behavior by measuring a series of parameters (germinability, germination index, mean germination time, seed vigor index, root and shoot length, germination stress tolerance index). Biochemical analyses were carried out to measure the levels of iron uptake and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Integrative data analyses revealed that the rice varieties exhibited a strong genotype- and treatment-specific germination behavior. PEG strongly inhibited germination while most of the priming treatments were able to rescue it in all varieties tested except for Unico, which can be defined as highly stress sensitive. Molecular events (DNA repair, antioxidant response, iron homeostasis) associated with the transition from seed to seedling were monitored in terms of changes in gene expression profiles in two varieties sensitive to water deprivation stress with different responses to priming. The investigated genes appeared to be differentially expressed in a genotype-, priming treatment-, stress- and stage-dependent manner. The proposed seed priming treatments can be envisioned as sustainable and versatile agricultural practices that could help in addressing the impact of climate challenges on the agri-food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrado Dueñas
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calvio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Inez Slamet-Loedin
- Trait and Genome Engineering Cluster, Rice Breeding Innovations, International Rice Research Institute, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anca Macovei
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Pagano A, Macovei A, Balestrazzi A. Molecular dynamics of seed priming at the crossroads between basic and applied research. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2023; 42:657-688. [PMID: 36780009 PMCID: PMC9924218 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-02988-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential of seed priming is still not fully exploited. Our limited knowledge of the molecular dynamics of seed pre-germinative metabolism is the main hindrance to more effective new-generation techniques. Climate change and other recent global crises are disrupting food security. To cope with the current demand for increased food, feed, and biofuel production, while preserving sustainability, continuous technological innovation should be provided to the agri-food sector. Seed priming, a pre-sowing technique used to increase seed vigor, has become a valuable tool due to its potential to enhance germination and stress resilience under changing environments. Successful priming protocols result from the ability to properly act on the seed pre-germinative metabolism and stimulate events that are crucial for seed quality. However, the technique still requires constant optimization, and researchers are committed to addressing some key open questions to overcome such drawbacks. In this review, an update of the current scientific and technical knowledge related to seed priming is provided. The rehydration-dehydration cycle associated with priming treatments can be described in terms of metabolic pathways that are triggered, modulated, or turned off, depending on the seed physiological stage. Understanding the ways seed priming affects, either positively or negatively, such metabolic pathways and impacts gene expression and protein/metabolite accumulation/depletion represents an essential step toward the identification of novel seed quality hallmarks. The need to expand the basic knowledge on the molecular mechanisms ruling the seed response to priming is underlined along with the strong potential of applied research on primed seeds as a source of seed quality hallmarks. This route will hasten the implementation of seed priming techniques needed to support sustainable agriculture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pagano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anca Macovei
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133, Palermo, Italy.
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Griffo A, Bosco N, Pagano A, Balestrazzi A, Macovei A. Noninvasive Methods to Detect Reactive Oxygen Species as a Proxy of Seed Quality. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030626. [PMID: 36978875 PMCID: PMC10045522 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ROS homeostasis is crucial to maintain radical levels in a dynamic equilibrium within physiological ranges. Therefore, ROS quantification in seeds with different germination performance may represent a useful tool to predict the efficiency of common methods to enhance seed vigor, such as priming treatments, which are still largely empirical. In the present study, ROS levels were investigated in an experimental system composed of hydroprimed and heat-shocked seeds, thus comparing materials with improved or damaged germination potential. A preliminary phenotypic analysis of germination parameters and seedling growth allowed the selection of the best-per-forming priming protocols for species like soybean, tomato, and wheat, having relevant agroeconomic value. ROS levels were quantified by using two noninvasive assays, namely dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX-1). qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in ROS production (respiratory burst oxidase homolog family, RBOH) and scavenging (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidases). The correlation analyses between ROS levels and gene expression data suggest a possible use of these indicators as noninvasive approaches to evaluate seed quality. These findings are relevant given the centrality of seed quality for crop production and the potential of seed priming in sustainable agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Griffo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicola Bosco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anca Macovei
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Zhang M, Liu S, Tong S, Zhang D, Qi Q, Wang Y, Wang X, An Y, Lu X. Effects of Melatonin Priming on Suaeda corniculata Seed Germination, Antioxidant Defense, and Reserve Mobilization: Implications for Salinized Wetland Restoration. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.941032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin priming has been widely reported to positively affect seed germination under abiotic stresses. However, there is still a gap in knowledge on how melatonin priming impacts the seed germination and physiological change of wetland plant species. We assessed the effects of different melatonin concentrations on germination characteristics, antioxidant defense, and reserve mobilization of Suaeda corniculata seeds. Priming of S. corniculata seeds with 50 μM melatonin significantly improved the germination rate, germination speed, germination index, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, and soluble sugar content as compared with the control, and effectively reduced the malondialdehyde content, promoted starch, soluble protein, and fat mobilization. However, the stress tolerance ability of S. corniculata seeds was reduced by high melatonin concentration. The structural equation model indicated that the melatonin priming directly affects the seed germination, while also indirectly regulating the antioxidant defense system and reserve mobilization. In conclusion, melatonin priming affects the S. corniculata seed germination under salinization stress in a concentration-dependent manner via both direct and indirect regulatory pathways. Insights into these aspects will advance our understanding of how melatonin priming affects S. corniculata seed germination and provide invaluable information and technical support for the restoration of salinized wetlands in the Momoge National Nature Reserve.
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Pagano A, Zannino L, Pagano P, Doria E, Dondi D, Macovei A, Biggiogera M, Araújo SDS, Balestrazzi A. Changes in genotoxic stress response, ribogenesis and PAP (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate) levels are associated with loss of desiccation tolerance in overprimed Medicago truncatula seeds. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:1457-1473. [PMID: 35188276 PMCID: PMC9311706 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Re-establishment of desiccation tolerance is essential for the survival of germinated seeds facing water deficit in the soil. The molecular and ultrastructural features of desiccation tolerance maintenance and loss within the nuclear compartment are not fully resolved. In the present study, the impact of desiccation-induced genotoxic stress on nucleolar ultrastructure and ribogenesis was explored along the rehydration-dehydration cycle applied in standard seed vigorization protocols. Primed and overprimed Medicago truncatula seeds, obtained through hydropriming followed by desiccation (dry-back), were analysed. In contrast to desiccation-tolerant primed seeds, overprimed seeds enter irreversible germination and do not survive dry-back. Reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and expression profiles of antioxidant/DNA Damage Response genes were measured, as main hallmarks of the seed response to desiccation stress. Nuclear ultrastructural features were also investigated. Overprimed seeds subjected to dry-back revealed altered rRNA accumulation profiles and up-regulation of genes involved in ribogenesis control. The signal molecule PAP (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate) accumulated during dry-back only in primed seeds, as a distinctive feature of desiccation tolerance. The presented results show the molecular and ultrastructural landscapes of the seed desiccation response, including substantial changes in nuclear organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pagano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Lorena Zannino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Paola Pagano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Enrico Doria
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Daniele Dondi
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Anca Macovei
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Susana de Sousa Araújo
- Association BLC3‐Technology and Innovation CampusCentre Bio R&D UnitMacedo de CavaleirosPortugal
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani'University of PaviaPaviaItaly
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