Unlocking Nature’s Rhythm: Harnessing the Circadian Clock in Seed Production

Seeds have an internal clock, known as the circadian clock, that helps them regulate their daily activities and respond to environmental changes. This clock is made up of three main parts: the input pathway, the central oscillator, and the output pathway. It influences important processes such as seed dormancy and germination, ensuring that seeds sprout at the right time and under favorable conditions. The circadian clock also affects how seeds manage energy, through processes like carbon metabolism. Understanding how this clock works can help improve germination, seedling vigour and seed quality during storage as well as develop new ways to protect seeds from pests. This review explains the parts and functions of the seed circadian clock and discusses its potential applications in agriculture to enhance seed quality and productivity.