Principles of Seed Science and Technology

Abstract

This book is written for the advanced undergraduate student or layperson 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. 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 straightforward, easy-to-read manner that will be easily understood by students and laypersons alike. Special care has been taken to address both current state-of-the-art as well as future trends in seed technology.