Stress inducible gene expression and its impact on seed and plant performance. A microarray approach

In addition to the improvement of germination characteristics, such as germination rate and uniformity, osmotic treatment of seeds has a positive effect on the stress tolerance. This research aimed to gain evidence that exposure of seeds to (abiotic) stresses may lead to cross-tolerance for these and other stresses that are experienced during germination and seedling growth. In order to identify the genes that are involved in this phenomenon, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) microarrays were used. The expression profiles of treated vs untreated dry seeds were compared. Furthermore, differences in expression profiles between treated and untreated seeds during germination were analysed. Following these results, genes with an expression pattern that could indicate a possible role in the imposition of cross-tolerance will be further analysed for their precise role. The practical implications of this study will be twofold: (i) development of new or modified methods for the improvement of seed quality; and (ii) identification of molecular markers that are specific for stress resistance.