Abstract

Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants, representing the transition from dormancy to active growth. Ferula asafoetida, commonly known as "asafoetida," is a perennial herbaceous plant with significant medicinal and culinary uses. Despite its economic importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying seed germination in Ferula asafoetida remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the proteomic and metabolomic changes associated with seed germination in Ferula asafoetida. Using a combination of high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic analyses, we identified key proteins and metabolites involved in the germination process. Proteomic analysis revealed dynamic changes in protein expression patterns during different stages of seed germination. Several proteins related to energy metabolism, stress response, and hormone signaling pathways were found to be differentially expressed, indicating their potential roles in regulating germination.

Metabolomic analysis uncovered alterations in metabolite profiles, highlighting the importance of various metabolic pathways in seed germination. Key metabolites involved in energy production, osmoprotection, and cell wall remodeling were identified, suggesting their contributions to germination success. Integration of proteomic and metabolomic data provided comprehensive insights into the molecular events driving seed germination in Ferula asafoetida. Our findings shed light on the intricate regulatory networks orchestrating this critical developmental process and lay the foundation for further studies aimed at improving seed germination efficiency and crop productivity in Ferula asafoetida.