Seed biology and technology

Abstract

Seeds play a pivotal role in agriculture, serving as the means to propagate plants from one generation to the next, as food for humans and animals and as an important commodity in the global economy. Seed biology and technology is central to our civilisation. Mechanisation of agriculture and adoption of biotechnology are two of the pillars for advancement of seed science in recent years. Understanding the reproductive behaviour and dissecting the function of a flowering plant opened unlimited avenues for a successful seed production with development of new varieties/cultivars and hybrids leading to increased productivity. Application of biotechnology in seed science is undoubtedly emerging as a promising technology to modify the composition of seeds to improve nutrition status, therapeutic value, pre- and postharvest tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, etc. More and more stringent seed laws and bills, acts and rights, rules and regulations, legislation and registration matters brought quality seeds into seed supply chain for profitable marketing. This chapter provides a review and serves as a ready reckoner for various aspects of seed science from the beginning to the end.