Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Preparation of Intact Tissue for Microscopic Analysis of the Endosperm Cell Layer in Developing and Mature Arabidopsis Seeds
Published on: May 16, 2025
Molecular regulation of seed and fruit set
Yong-Ling Ruan1, John W Patrick, Mondher Bouzayen
1Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. yong-ling.ruan@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract:
Seed and fruit set are established during and soon after fertilization and determine seed and fruit number, their final size and, hence, yield potential. These processes are highly sensitive to biotic and abiotic stresses, which often lead to seed and fruit abortion. Here, we review the regulation of assimilate partitioning, including the potential roles of recently identified sucrose efflux transporters in seed and fruit set and examine the similarities of sucrose import and hydrolysis for both pollen and ovary sinks, and similar causes of abortion. We also discuss the molecular origins of parthenocarpy and the central roles of auxins and gibberellins in fruit set. The recently completed strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genomes have added to the existing crop databases, and new models are starting to be used in fruit and seed set studies.
Related Concept Videos
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Gene Regulation During Sporulation
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
The Angiosperm Life Cycle
Morphogenesis

