Review on Population Based Threshold Models: A Utility to Measure and Enhance Seed Behaviour

Seed germination is a complex biological process governed by the inherent diversity within seed populations. Traditional metrics such as germination percentage offer limited insight into the nuanced responses of individual seeds to environmental and physiological factors. Population-based threshold models provide a robust framework for quantifying germination behaviour by incorporating individual seed thresholds distributed normally across a population. These models enable the estimation of key parameters factor-time constant, median base threshold, and standard deviation of thresholds that collectively describe the speed, sensitivity, and variability of germination responses. By fitting germination time-courses to these parameters, researchers can predict responses to hydration, temperature, water potential, plant growth regulators, and storage conditions. This approach not only enhances our understanding of seed dormancy and germination mechanisms but also supports the development of predictive tools for seed performance and viability over time. The review highlights the model’s applicability in both natural and agricultural systems and its relevance for seed conservation, quality assurance and crop establishment strategies.