Extraction and identification of peptides in the spermosphere of a French common bean genotype (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

Seeds are crucial for plant reproduction, dispersal, and agriculture. Seed quality and vigour greatly impact crop production, referring to their ability to germinate rapidly and uniformly under varying environmental conditions, producing healthy seedlings that can withstand biotic and abiotic stress accentuated by global climate change. During germination, seeds release exudates, complex mixtures of organic and inorganic molecules, into the micro-environment surrounding them, known as the spermosphere. These exudates play a pivotal role in seedling development and overall plant fitness by influencing microbial selection, growth, and interactions in the spermosphere, ultimately shaping the plant's microbiome. Proteins such as enzymes have previously been demonstrated to be released by the seeds in its exudates. However, limited information is available pertaining to peptides in seed exudates. Here we developed an experimental protocol to extract and identify peptides in the spermosphere on one common bean genotype.