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Objective: To integrate existing knowledge on the physiology of recalcitrant chayote seeds and their interaction with fruit tissues, highlighting their impact on conservation alternatives and postharvest life.
Methodology: A systematic review of the scientific literature related to the recalcitrant seed of Sechium edule was conducted, focusing on studies published over the last 25 years. The review addressed fruit and seed biology and physiology, conservation practices in germplasm banks, and postharvest management alternatives for reducing premature seed germination.
Results: Chayote has a recalcitrant seed characterized by high sensitivity to dehydration and low temperatures, which hinders conventional storage. This characteristic represents a major challenge for conservation programs, making the maintenance of living plant collections essential for preserving the biodiversity of the genus Sechium. Moreover, this same trait reduces the postharvest life of the fruit. Therefore, postharvest treatments such as wax coatings, 1-MCP application, and cold storage are viable alternatives for extending shelf life. The knowledge generated also provides valuable information for designing more efficient and sustainable postharvest strategies and contributes to the conservation and appropriate use of species with recalcitrant seeds, which cannot be preserved using conventional seed storage methods.
Implications: The physiology of recalcitrant chayote seeds has direct implications for postharvest fruit deterioration because their high metabolic activity promotes premature germination and vivipary, while also hindering long-term conservation.
Conclusions: The recalcitrant seed is not only a challenge for long-term conservation but also the main physiological determinant of postharvest deterioration in chayote fruit. Despite these limitations, viable conservation alternatives are available, including in vivo, in situ, and in vitro approaches.