Live Long and Prosper：. Roles of Sugar and Sugar Polymers in Seed Vigor

Seed vigor refers to the overall capacity of the seed to （1） germi- nate and emerge after sowing （i.e., germination vigor） and （2） retain this potential during postharvest storage, known as seed longevity. Seed vigor plays vital roles in plant growth and realiza- tion of crop productivity. Long shelf life of seeds and their rapid and uniform germination and seedling emergence are highly desirable commercial traits. Despite its central importance, how seeds acquire their vigor is poorly understood.