The development of seedlings involves many morphological, physiological and biochemical processes, which are controlled by many factors. Some reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) are implicated as signal molecules in physiological and phytopathological processes.

Airaki et al. report the differential regulation of ROS and NO metabolism, and of NADP-dehydrogenases, in the different organs of pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings during development in the absence of stress. These data show that ROS and RNS metabolism contributes to the regulation of seedling development through interactions in a range of metabolic pathways. The temporal and spatial regulation of H2O2 and NO accumulation is important in this signalling hub, contributing to the overall success of seedling establishment.
This article appears in the special issue ROS and NO Reactions in Plants.