Introduction to Tree Seed Technology

Contents Introduction. 1. Importance of seed quality. 2. Seed development and maturation. 3. Seed structure. 4. Seed germination. 5. Seed dormancy. 6. Provenance and seed source. 7. Seed production area. 8. Seed orchard. 9. Pollen handling and management. 10. Agro climatic factors affecting seed production. 11. Pollution and seed productivity. 12. Seed collection. 13. Seed extraction. 14. Seed drying. 15. Seed processing. 16. Seed treatment. 17. Seed pelleting. 18. Synthetic seed. 19. Seed storage. 20. Seed testing. 21. Seed certification and legislation. Glossary. Bibliography. Seed is an indispensable gadget for all people involved with plant kingdom. Seed by itself is a fascinating piece of art and Daphne J. Osborne admire thus the almost universal formation of the dry seed and its revival on the addition of water is nothing short of an evolutionary miracle. Understanding of molecular mechanisms of seed and development of technologies for best exploitation of seed's potential is all about seed science and technology. It is important to sensitize the students about the basic mechanisms of seed and the applicability of seed related technologies. This book is written for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students or a layperson that is interested to be introduced to tree seed technology. The chapters of the book are arranged in such a way that the reader first gets acquainted with the intricacies of the tree seed well. Later on the biological systems of seed are dealt with to describe how seeds form develop mature germinate or remain dormant. Thereafter details of quality seed production are elaborated with due importance to the influence of agroclimatic and pollution factors involved. All the efforts generated to produce quality seeds should culminate in obtaining high vigour seedlings for which seed handling techniques are imperative. Therefore chapter has been allocated to elaborate the methodologies and precautions to be followed during seed collection extraction drying processing treating and storing. The chapter on synthetic seed production is included to reflect the large strides made in the recent years in the field of plant propagation. In order to make available right quality of seed testing and certification of seeds has been implemented for agricultural and horticultural crops in India through seed acts. The same is yet to be extended for tree seeds also. The seed testing and certification procedures pertaining to trees seeds are provided in two chapters. The book is designed to be the straight forward and reader friendly. Figures and tables are provided at all necessary places to sustain the interest of the reader. 199 pp.…