A Text Book of Seed Science and Technology: Seed Science and Technology is the science of new discipline which deals with the principles and methods of production of Quality Seed and improving the quality of the seed by various seed enhancement techniques starting from sowing till the storage. The Importance of Seed Quality can be felt by the proverb “what are known as Seeds of Hope may turn into Seed of Frustration if Quality is not maintained”. The Multidisciplinary development of the subject has necessitated an up to-date knowledge of this aspect of science in order to truly comprehense synthesis of the whole field of seed. The splendid growth of this science has catered to the development of related areas viz., Biology, Physiology and Biochemistry which has direct and indirect impact on Seed Science and Technology. The s of this book have been formulated to help the reader in acquiring the knowledge of Seed Technology starting from Seed Biology to seed Processing and care is taken to cover the basic and fundamental aspects of Seed Technology. It also includes the area of applied science and covers the area of seed legislation, law governing the seed production and marketing of the produced seeds.

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.

This book is based on the ICAR syllabus of Seed Science and Technology. It comprises of two major parts: 1. Seed Science and Technology and 2. Advances in Seed Science and Technology. The pat 1 consists of eight units of Seed Science and Technology like seed biology, seed production, seed processing, seed quality control, seed storage, seed health, seed industry development and marketing and protection of plant varieties. The part 2 involves the advances in Seed Science and Technology on seed physiology and biochemistry. In this, the units such as seed development and maturation, seed dormancy and germination, and seed deterioration are included.

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.

A reference text with the latest information and research for educators, students, and researchers! World hunger and malnutrition remain an alarming concern that spurs researchers to develop quality technology. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology is an extensive reference text for educators, students, practitioners, and researchers that focuses on the underlying mechanisms of seed biology and the impact of powerful biotechnological approaches on world hunger, malnutrition, and consumer preferences. This comprehensive guide provides the latest available research from noted experts pointing out the likely directions of future developments as it presents a wealth of seed biology and technological information. Seed science is the all-important foundation of plant science study. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology provides an integrative perspective that takes you through the fundamentals to the latest applications of seed science and technology. This resource provides a complete overview, divided into four sections: Seed Developmental Biology and Biotechnology; Seed Dormancy and Germination; Seed Ecology; and Seed Technology. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology is extensively referenced and packed with tables and diagrams, and makes an essential source for students, educators, researchers, and practitioners in seed science and technology.

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