Seed germination and seedling development assisted by ultrasound: gaps and future research directions.

Since early 1930s when the first corn hybrids were commercially grown, innovations in agriculture industry have had an unprecedent worldwide impact to meet the demands for food of an exponentially-growing population. In particular, seed technology research has largely contributed to improve crop performance over the years. Ultrasonic treatment of seeds is a green technology with a promissory impact on food industry, enhancing the germination and seedling development in different species, through the stimulation of water and oxygen uptake and seed metabolism. The increase of starch degradation has been associated with the stimulation α-amylases of the endosperm, but relatively few reports focus on how ultrasounds affect seed germination at biochemical and molecular level. For instance, the picture is still unclear regarding ultrasounds impact on transcriptional reprogramming in seeds. The purpose of this review is to accurately and critically review the literature on ultrasound seed treatment ultimately aiming to encourage new scientific and technological breakthroughs with a real impact on worldwide agricultural production, while promoting sustainable practices on biological systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.