Insights into mechanisms of seed longevity in soybean: a review

Abstract

Soybean, a crop of international importance, is challenged with the problem of seed longevity mainly due to its genetic composition and associated environmental cues. Soybean’s fragile seed coat coupled with poor DNA integrity, ribosomal dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and poor antioxidant system constitute the rationale for fast deterioration. Variability among the genotypes for sensitivity to field weathering contributed to their differential seed longevity. Proportion and density of seed coat, glassy state of cells, calcium and lignin content, pore number, space between seed coat and cotyledon are some seed related traits that are strongly correlated to longevity. Further, efficient antioxidant system, surplus protective proteins, effective nucleotide and protein repair systems and free radical scavenging mechanisms also contributed to the storage potential of soybean seeds. Identification of molecular markers and QTLs associated with these mechanisms will pave way for enhanced selection efficiency for seed longevity in soybean breeding programs. This review reflects on the morphological, biochemical and molecular bases of seed longevity along with pointers on harvest, processing and storage strategies for extending vigour and viability in soybean.

Environmental Effect of Magnetite Nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPS) on Germination Rate and Seedling Growth from Bean

“…NP-treated seeds showed an increase in dehydrogenase activity and a decrease in solute leakage. Both measures are indicators for seed viability [34].…”

Soybean Seed Coat Cracks and Green Seeds—Predisposing Conditions, Identification and Management

“…The soybean seed longevity and tegument permeability are associated with the coat porosity, color, and integrity of the seed, and such permeability affects the seed vigor, storage potential, resistance to shrinking, imbibition damage, and the occurrence of seed pathogens [6,[25][26][27][28]. According to Souza and Marcos-Filho [7], seed longevity correlates with the seed tegument permeability, and the lignin level in the seed tegument correlates with the seed's mechanical resistance.…”

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill): A Multipurpose Legume Shaping Our World

“…The further genetic improvement of soybean, with an emphasis on enhancing yield and its stability under rainfed conditions, is of paramount importance [6,90]. The ideal highyield soybean plant should exhibit determinate or semi-determinate growth habits (suited for short growing seasons), upright and non-lodging architecture, rapid development of Leaf Area Index (LAI), a suitable seed-filling duration, and maturity within the 95-100-day range [91]. In addition to yield, essential traits for soybean in tropical regions include resistance to pod shattering and robust seed longevity [92].…”

“…Among the 35 reported soybean diseases, 20 are considered major, with eight exhibiting pandemic prevalence, while others are regionally confined [91]. Diseases like yellow mosaic, soybean mosaic, Indian bud blight, rust, anthracnose and pod blight, alongside Cercospora blight (Purple seed stain), Sclerotium blight, Rhizoctonia root rot, aerial blight, and bacterial pustule, regularly affect soybean crops across a broad geographic range [101,91]. Insects like girdle beetles, tobacco caterpillars, and Bihar hairy caterpillars are significant crop-damaging pests [102] (Figs.…”