【人民网】研究破解种子“睡眠”时长奥秘

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges modern agriculture faces due to global population growth and climate change, particularly the economic losses from crop failures caused by premature germination, which can reach billions of dollars annually [1] - A collaborative research effort involving top global institutions has identified the genetic mechanisms behind barley seed dormancy, providing potential solutions for sustainable agricultural systems and food security in the face of climate change [1][4] Group 1: Genetic Mechanisms - The MKK3 gene plays a crucial role in regulating barley seed dormancy through a dual mechanism of "copy number + kinase activity," influencing the dormancy duration based on its genetic variations [2] - The presence of 1 to 15 tandem repeats of the MKK3 gene correlates with the expression levels and dormancy characteristics of barley seeds, where higher copy numbers and stronger kinase activity lead to weaker dormancy [2] Group 2: Adaptation to Climate - The research team analyzed over 1,000 barley seed samples to understand the evolutionary patterns of MKK3, revealing that climate and agricultural needs dictate the selection of MKK3 types across different regions [3] - In East Asia, a preference for "low activity mode" MKK3 allows for longer dormancy to avoid issues from humid conditions during harvest, while in the Tibetan Plateau, the highest activity mode of MKK3 has been selected to ensure rapid germination despite extreme conditions [3] Group 3: Implications for Agriculture - The findings provide actionable molecular modules for breeding resilient crops, allowing for adjustments in seed dormancy through genetic editing techniques, which can support sustainable agricultural development under changing climate conditions [4]