Role of seed quality in improving crop yields

Abstract

Despite being an important source of food and feed, seeds are essentially an important delivery system of genetic information. Seed quality is a crucial determining factor of yield and quality of crop production. Good quality seed is superior to other standard seed in genetic and physiological purity and is free from seedborne diseases and disorders. The quality of the seeds is determined by the interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors and climatic changes significantly affect seed characteristics. Production of better quality seeds in an effective and efficient manner is a challenge for increasing food demand. Seed quality is a complex trait and novel research approaches to improve seed quality involve a combination of seed technologies, genetics, and molecular biology. Some of the classical methods of seed improvement include coating, pelleting, priming, and production of artificial seed. Development of hybrid seed varieties that adapt to unfavourable climatic conditions and are resistant to a range of pests and diseases are at the forefront of the seed industry in improving crop yield. Hybrid seed varieties of rice, wheat, corn, barley, soybean, and diverse field crops are commonly used in various regions of the world for enhanced crop yield. Modern gene technology methods are being used to modify (GM) crops/seeds genetically to carry one or more beneficial traits such as herbicide and insect resistance, better resistance to drought/waterlogging, and modified nutritional profiles. Research on genetics of seed development and chemistry of seed reserves is an essential need in developing new technologies for crop improvement. The key challenge ahead is the identification and incorporation of beneficial genes and traits into elite cultivars, and development of new approaches to producing GM crops to minimise regulatory constraints and increase consumer acceptance.