The Role of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Determining Seed Physiological Quality: A Review

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by seeds serve as promising biomarkers for assessing seed vigor, viability, and deterioration during storage. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the types and chemical classes of VOCs released by seeds, factors affecting their emission, and methods for their collection and analysis. VOCs indicate seed aging, with increased emissions of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones associated with deterioration processes like lipid peroxidation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with seed deterioration include alcohols like ethanol, which can indicate fermentation, aldehydes such as hexanal, which is linked to lipid oxidation, and ketones like 2-heptanone, which can result from microbial activity and contribute to off-flavors and rancidity. The quantity and composition of VOCs correlate with the extent of seed deterioration, potentially offering a rapid, non-destructive alternative to traditional germination tests for evaluating seed quality. VOCs also mediate interactions between seeds and microorganisms, influencing germination and stress responses. Different research findings regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in seeds indicate their potential as indicators of seed quality, which could lead to improved seed management strategies. By utilizing VOC profiling, farmers can make informed decisions on seed selection and treatment, ultimately enhancing crop yield and resilience in agricultural practices. While VOC analysis shows promise for integration into seed quality testing, challenges remain in standardizing protocols and identifying robust markers across different seed types, species and storage conditions. Advances in VOC research may ultimately lead to novel solutions for improving seed and crop productivity. Future research directions in VOC analysis for seed quality testing should focus on standardizing VOC profiles across diverse seed species, integrating VOC analysis with precision agriculture technologies, exploring environmental influences on VOC emissions, developing non-invasive testing methods, conducting longitudinal studies on seed storage, applying VOCs in breeding programs, and establishing links between VOC emissions and disease resistance.