This mini-review synthesizes current evidence regarding the effects of space radiation on cereal seeds, with emphasis on viability, germination, genetic integrity, and implications for extraterrestrial agriculture. Available data indicate that prolonged exposure to space radiation—particularly under low-shielding conditions—generally reduces seed viability and germination capacity, with marked interspecific variability, rice being more sensitive than barley or wheat. However, responses are heterogeneous, as some cereals exhibit enhanced germination under specific exposure scenarios, highlighting the complex interaction between radiation dose, quality, genotype, and environmental conditions. At the genomic level, space radiation induces DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations, and structural variation, supporting its application in mutation breeding programs. Orbital experiments aboard Mir and the International Space Station demonstrate that cereals can complete their life cycle in microgravity, although reproductive success is constrained by multiple interacting stressors, including atmospheric composition and system engineering limitations. For deep-space agriculture, current evidence remains insufficient, as low-Earth orbit (LEO) conditions do not fully replicate the radiation environment beyond Earth's magnetosphere. Emerging studies suggest that sustainable extraterrestrial crop production will require integrated strategies combining biological adaptation and physical radioprotection. Overall, space radiation represents both a risk factor for seed performance and a potential tool for crop improvement in future space-based agricultural systems.
