General Introduction to Organic Seed Quality & Health

The Crop Trust is a non-profit international organization dedicated to conserving crop diversity and making it available for use globally, forever, for the benefit of everyone.

We work with donors and partners to lead global projects that protect crop diversity, conserve crop wild relatives and develop technology to make this diversity accessible worldwide.

We seek professionals with a passion for global food security and a strong drive to contribute to our mission of conserving crop diversity for future generations.

Type

Self-Paced

Duration

1.15 hours

Fee

Free

Topics

Characterization

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Overview

Seed germination and seedling establishment are the main factors for a successful start of a crop, determining crop health, weed suppression and overall crop performance. They are critical, but sensitive phases in crop production. Also, some plant pathogens can be transmitted by seeds to the next generation, affecting crop health. Therefore, providing organic seeds that are vigorous and healthy is an important contribution to organic cropping systems. This is ensured by adequate seed production practices, seed storage and testing.

After completing this module, you will be able to

describe the different aspects of seed quality
list the main factors driving seed quality and health
explain the scope and importance of managing seed quality and health throughout the plant breeding and seed propagation cycle.

Host

LiveSeeding

The Live Seeding project promotes the growth of organic seed and plant breeding for the transition to more sustainable local food systems.

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Related Courses

Organic Plant Breeding: Module 2

The LiveSeeding project offers 5 training packages, comprising 25 modules on organic breeding and seed production. These include online and on-site sessions. The materials provide an in-depth overview of the knowledge, concepts, strategies, tools and opportunities of organic breeding, and are tailored to a diverse range of trainees, including organic farmers, students at various levels (secondary school, Bachelor's, Master's and PhD), scientists, seed producers, organic breeders and others involved in organic and agroecology-oriented farming who are interested in organic seed systems.

Link to website: https://liveseeding.eu/trainings-summer-school/

Link to repository on ECO-PB website: https://www.eco-pb.org/trainings.html

Seed Development and Metabolism

The seed development and metabolism course introduces students to the basic concepts of seed physiology. An understanding of the processes which occur during seed development, maturation, storage and germination is needed to clarify why certain procedures are used for seed germination, why some seeds do not respond to procedures used, and to help analysts explain to customers why their seed is of low quality. Seed composition is a critical factor in how well seed stores or germinates. Stage of seed development and maturity will also influence seed storability, germination and growth.

This course is beneficial for individuals interested in learning about seeds and for those who are studying to become registered seed technologists or certified seed analysts. Individuals registered or certified by the Society of Commercial Seed Technicians or by the Association of Official Seed Analysts are in demand by seed companies and by state and federal seed laboratories.

Seed Anatomy and Identification

Seed analysts must know the basic nature of seeds and the terminology associated with them before they can do analytical work effectively. It is the purpose of this course to give insights to the structures of seeds and the flowers from which they come. These structures will be used to identify seeds of the different species.