biostudies-literatureForti CFondazione CariploFondazione Cariplo (Cariplo Foundation)87https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7261768biostudies-literatureUnknown7(1)Seed priming, a pre-sowing technique that enhances the antioxidant/DNA repair activities during the pre-germinative metabolism, still retains empirical features. We explore for the first time the molecular dynamics of pre-germinative metabolism in primed eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) seeds in order to identify hallmarks (expression patterns of antioxidant/DNA repair genes combined with free radical profiles) useful to discriminate between high- and low-quality lots. The hydropriming protocol hereby developed anticipated (or even rescued) germination, when applied to lots with variable quality. ROS (reactive oxygen species) raised during hydropriming and dropped after dry-back. Upregulation of antioxidant/DNA repair genes was observed during hydropriming and the subsequent imbibitiHorticulture researchMolecular dynamics of pre-germinative metabolism in primed eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) seeds.PMC72617682016-0723Toppino LBassolino LMacovei AOttobrino VPagano AForti CRotino GLBalestrazzi AfalseMolecular dynamics of pre-germinative metabolism in primed eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) seeds.Seed priming, a pre-sowing technique that enhances the antioxidant/DNA repair activities during the pre-germinative metabolism, still retains empirical features. We explore for the first time the molecular dynamics of pre-germinative metabolism in primed eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) seeds in order to identify hallmarks (expression patterns of antioxidant/DNA repair genes combined with free radical profiles) useful to discriminate between high- and low-quality lots. The hydropriming protocol hereby developed anticipated (or even rescued) germination, when applied to lots with variable quality. ROS (reactive oxygen species) raised during hydropriming and dropped after dry-back. Upregulation of antioxidant/DNA repair genes was observed during hydropriming and the subsequent imbibiti2020-01-01T00:00:00Z20202026-05-04T12:18:46.838Z2020-06-14T07:07:28ZS-EPMC72617683252869910.1038/s41438-020-0310-8