Molecular networks regulating Arabidopsis seed maturation, after‐ripening, dormancy and germination

Summary The transition between dormancy and germination represents a critical stage in the life cycle of higher plants and is an important ecological and commercial trait. In this review we present current knowledge of the molecular control of this trait in Arabidopsis thaliana , focussing on important components functioning during the developmental phases of seed maturation, after‐ripening and imbibition. Establishment of dormancy during seed maturation is regulated by networks of transcription factors with overlapping and discrete functions. Following desiccation, after‐ripening determines germination potential and, surprisingly, recent observations suggest that transcriptional and post‐transcriptional…