An internal thermometer tells the seeds when to germinate

A team from the University of Geneva has discovered the mechanisms by which the seed decides to remain in 'hibernation' or to trigger its germination depending on the outside temperature. Section of a seed of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model organism widely used in plant sciences. UNIGE / Sylvain Loubéry Germination is a crucial stage in the life of a plant as it will leave the stage of seed resistant to various environmental constraints (climatic conditions, absence of nutritive elements, etc.) to become a seedling much more vulnerable. The survival of the young plant depends on the timing of this transition. It is therefore essential that this stage be finely controlled. A Swiss team, led by scientists from the University of Geneva , has discovered the internal thermometer of seeds that can delay or even block germination if temperatures are too high for the future seedling. This work could help optimize plant growth in a context of global warming.