Revised and expanded throughout, this latest edition of the bestselling Seeds Handbook: Biology, Production, Processing, and Storage includes valuable information on all areas of seed biology, production, and processing. The author, one of the most respected and prolific scientists in the field, identifies current developments in seed testing and certification, storage, transportation, and distribution. Tracking the evolution and advancement of seed industries and technologies, he fully covers the development and supply of high-quality seeds for every key agronomic and horticulture crop.
Contains methods to enhance the genetic and physiological characteristics of more than 80 major and minor crops
With an abundance of current research and additional figures and illustrations, this edition of the Seeds Handbook offers chapters on modern biotechnological issues such as the production of synthetic seeds, loss-reduction biotechnologies, and new strategies in the seed production industry. It provides in-depth information on burgeoning areas of seed science including tissue culture and cellular totipotency, induction and regeneration protocols, development and maturation, hormone requirements, drying and storage of somatic embryos, protective encapsulation, and crop applications. With an eye to the future, it looks at challenges in the provision and enhancement of seeds for crop plants, practical methods of seed production and micropropagation, genetically modified seeds, and world food security.
Seed Morphology and Development
Seed Dormancy
Seed Germination
Seed Viability and Longevity
SEED PRODUCTION
Basic Principles of Seed Production
Cereal Crops
Pulse Crops
Oilseed Crops
Vegetable Crops
Flowers and Ornamental Crops
Sugar and Fiber Crops
Grasses and Forage Legumes
SEED PROCESSING AND STORAGE TECHNOLOGY
Drying, Cleaning, and Upgrading
Seed Treatment
Seed Packaging and Handling
Seed Transportation and Storage
Seed Testing
Seed Marketing and Distribution
Seed Certification and Legislation
NEWER SEED BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Seed-Production Industry
Micropropagation
Synthetic Seed Biotechnology
Transgenic Seeds, Plants, and Crops
Loss Reduction Biotechnology of Seeds
World Food Security: Future Challenges
Biography
Babasaheb B. Desai
"…A few other books can be compared to Desai's Seeds Handbook, but none seems to provide broad information about seed science and technology. …Considering its wide coverage, this book will be helpful to seed breeders and seed farmers. …a good reference resource for agriculture students in general, and for seed technology scholars in particular. …a useful addition for academic and public libraries."
- E-Streams, Vol. 7, No. 12, December 2004
Journal of Plant Physiology