Xu Fan, Yoshida Hideki, Chu Chengcai, Matsuoka Makoto, Sun Jian
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Institute of Fermentation Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima 960-1248, Japan.
Mol Plant. 2025 Jun 2;18(6):960-977. doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2025.05.010. Epub 2025 May 26.
The transition from dormancy to germination marks the initial stage of the plant life cycle, with its intensity, synchronicity, and timing being critical for crop growth, development, and adaptation to complex climate conditions. This review synthesizes recent advances with classic molecular mechanisms of dormancy and germination, including environmental responses and signaling cascades. We integrate these independent studies to provide a comprehensive perspective on the complex regulatory networks and discuss novel insights into how rice seeds perceive and respond to environmental cues during this transition, particularly focusing on stress tolerance to temperature and flooding. We aim to bridge the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dormancy and germination with their breeding applications. Specifically, we discuss gene targets and feasible strategies for the genetic improvement of pre-harvest sprouting and direct-seeded rice, two key traits essential for climate resilience, both of which involve dormancy and germination. Finally, we propose the concept of engineering germination-smart varieties endowed with intelligent environmental adaptation.
从休眠到萌发的转变标志着植物生命周期的初始阶段，其强度、同步性和时间对作物生长、发育以及适应复杂气候条件至关重要。本综述综合了休眠和萌发的经典分子机制的最新进展，包括环境响应和信号级联。我们整合这些独立研究，以全面视角审视复杂的调控网络，并讨论关于水稻种子在这一转变过程中如何感知和响应环境线索的新见解，特别关注对温度和淹水的胁迫耐受性。我们旨在弥合对休眠和萌发分子机制的理解与它们在育种中的应用之间的差距。具体而言，我们讨论了控制收获前发芽和直播水稻遗传改良的基因靶点和可行策略，这两个关键性状对于气候适应力至关重要，且都涉及休眠和萌发。最后，我们提出了培育具有智能环境适应性的智能萌发品种的概念。
