Molecular and Transcriptional Regulation of Seed Development in Cereals: Present Status and Future Prospects

Cereals are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils and protein, making them the world’s most important source of nutrition. The influence of rising global population, as well as the emergence and spread of disease, has the major impact on cereal production. To meet the demand, there is a pressing need to increase cereal production. Optimal seed development is a key agronomical trait that contributes to crop yield. The seed development and maturation is a complex process that includes not only embryo and endosperm development, but also accompanied by huge physiological, biochemical, metabolic, molecular and transcriptional changes. This chapter discusses the growth of cereal seed and highlights the novel biological insights, with a focus on transgenic and new molecular breeding, as well as biotechnological intervention strategies that have improved crop yield in two major cereal crops, primarily wheat and rice, over the last 21 years (2000–2021).

Collagen Hydrolysate as Sustainable Additive for Cereal Seed Treatment

The paper presents new results on the application of collagen hydrolysates characterised in terms of molecular weight, polydispersity (GPC/ SEC), chemical composition and free amino acid composition (GC-MS) for the treatment of cereal seeds. Surface tension and contact angle determinations (VGA Optima XE) have highlighted an improvement in the hydrophilicity of collagen hydrolysates in pesticide mixtures as premises for the adherence of wheat seeds onto the surface. The identification of a 39% higher gibberellic acid concentration (RP-HPLC) in germinated seeds in the collagen hydrolysate, and the presence of free amino acids and low molecular weight fractions were correlated with the biofertilizing and biostimulating effects registered in field experiments on wheat crops.