Synthetic seed technology and in vitro conservation of vegetable germplasm: a review

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-025-01321-y
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Keywords: Artificial seed, Seed, Vegetable crops, Storage, Synthetic seeds


Abstract


Synthetic seeds are artificially encapsulated somatic embryos or other vegetative parts which can be sown as seeds and converted into plants. Various applications of synthetic seeds in agriculture have been made through utilising the advantages of the vegetative regeneration system with the capacity for long-term storage. This technology is also widely used for propagating parthenocarpic crops and crops producing recalcitrant seeds. Synthetic seed technology has been widely used in various vegetable crops viz., tomato, sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli, cassava, sweet pepper, asparagus, cucumber, carrot, egg plant and potato. Synthetic seeds can be broadly classified into (i) Desiccated synthetic seeds and, (ii) Hydrated synthetic seeds. Alginate matrix has been reported to be the best encapsulation for artificial seed production. Artificial Intelligence (AI) using Nutrients, growth regulators, antibiotics and other adjuvants can also be incorporated into the coating matrix during encapsulation to facilitate normal development of plant propagules leading to proper germination and healthy plant formation. Synthetic seed technology is besotted with several drawbacks like cost-effective mass production of micro-propagules, lack of dormancy, synchronic defects in somatic embryo development, improper maturation, low rates of conversion into plantlets, and a reduced number of viable mature somatic embryos. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques can be used in synthetic seed technology to make this technology more advanced, efficient and futureproof. This review provides a comprehensive overview upon the relevance, and classification of synthetic seed technology as well as various conventional ways of synthetic seed production and their application in several important vegetable crops.

Artificial seed, Seed, Vegetable crops, Storage, Synthetic seeds


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Department of Agriculture, Brainware University, Barasat, India