Seed Science and Technology, a multi-disciplinary subject, is advancing rapidly keeping pace with the development of improved plant varieties and other climate-resilient technologies. Knowledge of the underlying biological processes and application of appropriate technologies for variety maintenance and seed production, quality assurance, testing and enhancement, processing, packaging and storage etc., are important in a seed programme.
Modern approaches to improve seed quality therefore combine classical genetics, plant molecular biology and a variety of seed technologies. These “seed biotechnologies” enhance physiological quality, vigoro and synchroneity to establish a crop in the field under diverse environmental conditions. Seed technology is the science dealing with the methods of improving physical and genetical characteristics of seed.
It involves such activities as variety development, evolution and release of varieties, seed production, seed processing, seed certification and storage. Thus, seed technology is interdisciplinary science which includes broad range of subjects. It also includes seed quality control, seed marketing, seed distribution and research on above aspects of seed.
The book covers the fundamentals and recent advances of seed science and technology with the latest research information and an exhaustive and updated list of references on different topics. It is expected to benefit the students as well as the scientists, faculty members and seed sector professionals, working in the public and private seed sectors, certification authorities and seed producing agencies.