Summary
This narrative review consolidates recent advances in understanding abscisic acid (ABA) function across seed development, dormancy, and germination stages. The authors synthesise evidence for ABA's dual role—promoting dormancy induction and maintenance whilst inhibiting germination—and highlight important cross-talk between ABA and other phytohormones and signalling molecules. The review identifies gaps in knowledge regarding the complete ABA regulatory network and proposes future research directions to enable better manipulation of seed vigour and longevity traits.
Regional applicability
The findings are fundamental plant physiology applicable to seed science globally, including United Kingdom crop breeding and seed production programmes. The molecular mechanisms elucidated will be of interest to UK plant scientists working on seed vigour, dormancy control, and crop improvement, though direct application depends on specific crop systems and breeding objectives.
Key measures
ABA biosynthesis and degradation gene expression; ABA signalling pathway components; hormonal interactions; seed dormancy and germination phenotypes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises current knowledge on ABA biosynthesis, metabolism, signalling pathways, and crosstalk with other phytohormones (gibberellins, ethylene, brassinolide, auxin) in regulating seed development, dormancy induction and maintenance, and germination. It identifies challenges in understanding the complete ABA regulatory network and outlines perspectives for artificial modification of seed vigour and longevity.
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