Seed longevity in rice: Progress and prospects

Seed longevity is a crucial aspect of seed biology and biotechnology, closely linked not only to previously referred postharvest storage but also to the seed development processes on plants prior to harvest. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating seed longevity within the context of seed development is important for not only the basic research in seed biology but also the applied research in seed technology. Current knowledge regarding this issue relies heavily on findings from the dicot model plant Arabidopsis, while relevant knowledge in monocot crops such as rice remain fragmented and limited. This review summarizes both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting seed longevity in rice, with a fucus on different seed tissues and important seed developmental stages, recaps current knowledge about biochemical and molecular aspects of seed longevity in light of new discoveries in rice, and identifies key questions to be solved, aiming to promote the comprehensive understanding of seed longevity as a base for genetic improvement of rice that benefits agriculture and industries.