Seed Quality Basic Mechanisms and Agricultural Implications

Seed Quality: Basic Mechanisms and Agricultural Implications focuses on various aspects of seed quality and integrates research at basic and applied levels, supporting high-quality seeds as the basis of higher agricultural productivity. With its clear perspective and interdisciplinary focus on basic and applied aspects of seed quality, this book is immensely useful to students and teachers in many agricultural and botanical disciplines.Because seed quality is a critical component in the economic considerations of the farmer and the seedman alike, Basra looks in-depth at these aspects of seed production:

• seed viability
• seed health
• seed vigor
• seed testing
• variety identification
• crop yield
• seed storage
• seed production
• seed deterioration
• seed treatmentsSeed quality is of international agronomic concern, and the recent upsurge of interest in seed quality has accentuated a new awareness regarding its importance in crop production. This book meets the need for information and could form the basis of long-range planning by policymakers on quality assurance and management programs and in the facilitation of international trade. Researchers, students, and teachers in many agricultural and botanical disciplines--seed science and technology in particular--will find this book to be of immense use. It can be used as a handbook for those involved in seed industry and seed testing services. It is recommended for international courses in seed science and technology and seed training programs.

ContentsPreface

• Seed Viability
• Seed Vigor
• Methods of Viability and Vigor Testing: A Critical Appraisal
• Production Environment and Seed Quality
• Seed Quality and Microorganisms
• Storage of Orthodox Seeds
• Storage of Recalcitrant Seeds
• Mechanisms of Seed Deterioration
• Variety Identification: Modern Techniques and Applications
• Low Water Potential and Pre-Sowing Germinating Treatments to Improve Seed Quality
• Influence of Seed Quality on Crop Establishment, Growth, and Yield
• Index