Field Studies Of Seed Biology

The main objective of this manual is to detail tree seed research methods that have been gleaned from the literature and from the personal experience of the authors. Following a discussion of planning and organizing a field study, the manual is arranged by subject areas most often associated with field studies of tree seeds: natural seed production, seed dispersal, seed predation, seed banks, assessing seed quality and viability, and effects of silvicultural practices on emergence. Where applicable, information is provided throughout on such matters as experiment design, prediction and measurement methods, data analysis, sampling, equipment used, and field and laboratory testing.

New Challenges in Seed Biology - Basic and Translational Research Driving Seed Technology combines different aspects of basic and translational research in seed biology. A collection of eight chapters written by seed biology experts from the field of seed physiology, ecology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and seed technology was gathered. We hope that this book will attract the attention of researchers and technologists from academia and industry, providing points for interactive and fruitful discussion on this fascinating topic.

The seed plays a fundamental role in plant reproduction as well as a key source of energy, nutrients and raw materials for developing and sustaining humanity. With an expanding and generally more affluent world population projected to reach nine billion by mid-century, coupled to diminishing availability of inputs, agriculture is facing increasing challenges to ensure sufficient grain production. A deeper understanding of seed development, evolution and physiology will undoubtedly provide a fundamental basis to improve plant breeding practices and ultimately crop yields. Recent advances in genetic, biochemical, molecular and physiological research, mostly brought about by the deployment of novel high-throughput and high-sensitivity technologies, have begun to uncover and connect the molecular networks that control and integrate different aspects of seed development and help determine the economic value of grain crops with unprecedented details. The objective of this e-book is to provide a compilation of original research articles, reviews, hypotheses and perspectives that have recently been published in Frontiers in Plant Science, Plant Evolution and Development as part of the Research Topic entitled "Advances in Seed Biology". Editing this Research Topic has been an extremely interesting, educational and rewarding experience, and we sincerely thank all authors who contributed their expertise and in-depth knowledge of the different topics discussed. We hope that the information presented here will help to establish the state of the art of this field and will convey how exciting and important studying seeds is and hopefully will stimulate a new crop of scientists devoted to investigating the biology of seeds.

In response to enormous recent advances, particularly in molecular biology, the authors have revised their warmly received work. This new edition includes updates on seed development, gene expression, dormancy, and other subjects. It will serve as the field's standard textbook and reference source for many years to come.

This up-to-date review of seed genomics, from basic seed biology to practical applications in crop science, provides a thorough background understanding of seed biology from a basic science perspective. A valuable resource for advanced graduate students, post-docs, researchers and professionals in the Plant and Crop Sciences, this book brings together top researchers in the field to cover three general themes: genomic approaches to studying seeds, genomic analysis of basic seed biology, and crop seed genomics. A valuable resource for advanced graduate students, post-docs, researchers and professionals in the Plant and Crop Sciences

Seed Biology, Volume I: Importance, Development, and Germination is a part of a three-volume treatise, which aims to bring together a large body of important information on seed biology. Organized into six chapters, this book begins with a discussion on the importance and characteristics of seeds. Separate chapters follow that discuss the development of gymnosperm and angiosperm seeds, as well as the anatomical mechanisms of seed dispersal. Other chapters focus on the morphogenetic events involved in the germination and the scientific basis for the concept of physiological predetermination or seedling vigor, including the potential application of this concept in agriculture, forestry, and management of natural resources. This work will be useful to various groups of research biologists and teachers, including plant anatomists, pathologists, and physiologists as well as agronomists, biochemists, ecologists, entomologists, foresters, and horticulturists.

Structures and processes related to the evolution and formation of seeds are studied under seed biology. Seed producing plants are also known as spermatophytes. Fundamentally, seeds are means of reproduction. These are further classified into angiosperms and gymnosperms. Angiosperm seeds are produced in a hard protective structure called fruit. Gymnosperm seeds are unenclosed and develop either on the surface of leaves or scales. Seeds occur in various shapes and sizes. They perform several functions such as dispersal to new locations, nourishment to embryo and dormancy during unfavourable conditions. Various factors like weather, insects and diseases can affect the seed production. This book covers in detail some existent theories and innovative concepts revolving around seed biology. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included herein. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying seed biology as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.