This Fourth Edition of Principles of Seed Science and Technology, like the fIrst three editions, is written for the advanced undergraduate student or lay person who desires an introduction to the science and technology of seeds. The fIrst nine chapters present the seed as a biological system and cover its origin, development, composition, function (and sometimes nonfunction), performance and ultimate deterioration. The last nine chapters present the fundamentals of how seeds are produced, conditioned, evaluated and distributed in our modern agricultural society. Two new chapters have been added in this fourth edition, one on seed ecology and the second on seed drying. Finally, revisions have been made throughout to reflect changes that have occurred in the seed industry since publication of the Third Edition. Because of the fundamental importance of seeds to both agriculture and to all of society, we have taken great care to present the science and technology of seeds with the respect and feeling this study deserves. We hope that this feeling will be communicated to our readers. Furthermore, we have attempted to present information in a straight-forward, easy-ta-read manner that will be easily understood by students and lay persons alike. Special care has been taken to address both current state-of-the-art as well as future trends in seed technology.

Reproductive processes in plants; Seed formation and development; The chemistry of seeds; Seed germination; Seed viability testing; Seed dormancy; Seed vigor and vigor tests; Seed longevity and deterioration; Seed production; Seed conditioning and handling; Seed enhancements; Seed certification; Seed testing; Seed pathology and pathological testing; Seed marketing; Seed legislation and law enforcement.

Contents: Part One: Introductory Topics/ Part Two: General Principles of Seed Production / Part Three: Foundation and Certified Seed Production / Part Four: Seed Processing, Storage and Marketing / Part Five: Seed Testing / Part Six: Seed Certification and Seed Legislation

This Third Edition of Principles of Seed Science and Technology. like the first two editions. is written for the advanced undergraduate student or lay person who desires an introduction to the science and technology ofseeds. The first eight chapters presentthe seed as abiologicalsystemand coverits origin. development. composition. function (and sometimes nonfunctionJ, performance and ultimate deterioration. The last seven chapters present the fundamentals ofhow seedsare produced. conditioned. evaluated and distributed in our modern agricultural society. A new chapter on seed enhancement has been added to reflect the significant advancements made in the last 10 years on new physiological and molecular biology techniques to further enhance seed performance. Because of the fundamental importance of seeds to both agriculture and to all of society. we have taken great care to present the science and technology of seeds with the respect and feeling this study deserves. We hope that this feeling will becommuni cated to our readers. Furthermore. we have attempted to present information in a straight-forward. easy-to-read manner that will be easily understood by students and lay persons alike. Special care has been taken to address both current state-of-the-art as well as future trends in seed technology. . We believe this Third Edition represents a new level in presenting information that appeals to advanced undergraduate students as well as to those desiring more fundamental information on seed form and function. At the same time. it continues to havethestrengths ofthe firsttwoeditions.initsreadabilityaswellas itscomprehensive coverage of the broader area of seed science and technology.

Seed testing centers exist in almost every country in every corner of the globe. More and more students are enrolling in programs that require knowledge of the complex and fascinating science of seed pathology. The implications of seed pathology for human health remains an important issue. For all of these reasons and more, this book is a necessary and timely reference that covers the full range of related topics, including techniques for detecting and studying microorganisms associated with seeds, their epidemiology, and control. No other book like this exists. Until now, the information has been widely scattered in journals and other sources. This is an excellent new edition - ideal for students and teachers in the agricultural and life sciences; individuals involved in seed certification; members of plant quarantine laboratories; plant pathologists doing research in seed pathology; and producers of planting seeds for the next season's crops. Features