Functional genomics of seed development in cereals

Abstract

Seeds are the product of sexual reproduction in flowering plants. The seeds of cereals are the main source of staple food, animal feed and the raw material of food and fiber-based industries worldwide (Olsen 2001). More recently, cereal seeds have also been used as a source of starch for the production of biofuels, although this use has become controversial (Fischer et al. 2009). New strategies for raising grain production have become a high international priority to help feed a growing world population in a scenario where resources are limiting and climate variability is increasing (Tester and Langridge 2010). Abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, frost/cold, salt, micronutrient-deficiency, heavy metal toxicity and damage caused by microbes and pests can lead to dramatic yield loss and have a great impact on seed quality