Advances in Seed Quality Evaluation and Improvement

This book discusses various aspects of Seed Science and Technology including seed production, seed certification, seed quality enhancements, seed testing and harvesting, and post-harvest management. Continued efforts are being made to preserve plant genetic resources over long term in order to conserve biodiversity and provide food security. Seed and germplasm repositories hold high importance in this regard. Various technologies such as cryopreservation is being commonly employed to preserve seeds and plant tissues at extremely low temperatures. This book discusses the advancements of data storage and information management systems that have aided in the creation of extensive seed databases, and thus enabling researchers to quickly catalogue and access data on seed kinds, properties and availability. This book also explains the sophisticated technologies such as nanobiotechnology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, magnetic resonance and multispectral imaging which are currently being used for examining seed quality, genetic analysis, seed preservation and seed handling operations. The scope of these technologies in increasing the effectiveness and precision of seed research, developing better crop varieties and promoting sustainable environmental preservation has also been covered. This book is a reference source for Scientists, researchers and authorities involved in the production and certification of seeds. It is also valuable for seed experts working in the public and commercial sectors globally.