Role of nitric oxide in seed biology and seed production: A review

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule employed by plants to control many physiological aspects. This review summarizes that crosstalk between NO/H2O2/Ca2+ signalling pathways that drive pollen tube for sexual reproduction in flowering plants. NO is produced in seeds by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic sources that control many physiological aspects of seeds. The interplay of NO and Reactive oxygen species are likely important players in hormonal crosstalk controlling seed germination and dormancy. Mechanism of seed germination and dormancy is mainly regulated by plant hormones like Abscisic acid (ABA) and Gibberellic acid (GA). Based on mode of action of NO with reference to triggering the germination of crop seeds under abiotic stress condition it is infer that there is a linkage between NO and plant growth regulator production. NO cross-talk with reactive oxygen species (ROS) during abiotic stress condition, modulate the light and hormone depended developmental process in the early stage of plant development. NO action to enhancing abiotic stress tolerance by improving antioxidant enzymes and protection against oxidative damage in many crops are discussed in detail.