Advanced Seed Science and Technology, 4.5 HEC
Subjects: Forest science / Forest management / Biology.
Level: PhD.
Prerequisites: PhD-student or equivalent.
Objectives: After the completion of the course the student should be able to:
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Describe process of seed development from gametophyte formation, fertilization,
maturation to drying as well as the evolutionary advantage of seed size
Characterize seed dormancy types, their underlying causes, and apply different dormancy
alleviation methods
Have knowledge of factors influencing seed germination, including hormonal interactions
during seed dormancy and germination, photo- and thermoregulation of seed germination
Apply techniques, such as Incubation, Drying, Separation (IDS), priming and NearInfrared Spectroscopy, to improve seed lot performance
Characterize seed storage behavior, identify factors influencing the longevity of stored
seeds, and ways to extend longevity of seeds during storage
Distinguish different dispersal modes, and gain knowledge of the evolution of seed
dispersal, predation and natural defense
Characterize soil seed bank in relation to nature, functions, and factors influencing its
build-up.
Content: The following major topics will be covered in lectures, discussions and excursions:
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Seed developmental biology
Seed dormancy and germination
Technological advances in seed quality improvement
Advances in seed storage for ex situ conservation of genetic resources
Seed ecology: Dispersal, predation and natural defense mechanisms, and soil seed banks.
Implementation: Lectures, Lab demonstration, excursions, and literature review.
Scheduled activities
- Lectures
- Lab demonstration
- Excursions
- Literature studies
- Presentation of the seminar & examination
Total
Estimated hours
ca 20
ca.20
ca 30
ca 40
ca 10
ca 120
Literature: Selected chapters from the following books plus review papers will be supplied.
Books
1. Basra, A.S. 2006. Handbook of Seed Science and Technology.
2. Baskin, C.C. & Baskin, J.M. 2001. Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography & Evolution of
Dormancy and Germination.
3. Copeland, L.O. & McDonald, M.F. 2001. Principles of Seed Science and Technology.
4. Cousens, R., Dytham, C. & Law, R. 2008. Dispersal in Plants: A Population Perspective.
Selected review articles
1. Gutierrez, L., ET AL. 2007. Combined networks regulating seed maturation. TRENDS in
Plant Science 12(7), 294 – 300.
2. Iglesias-Fernández, R., et al. 2011. Progress in research on dry after-ripening. Seed
Science Research 21, 69–80.
3. Kucera, B., et al. 2005. Plant hormone interactions during seed dormancy release and
germination. Seed Science Research 15, 281–307.
4. Berjak, P. 2006. Unifying perspectives of some mechanisms basic to desiccation tolerance
across life forms. Seed Science Research 16, 1–15.
Examination and requirements for passing the course:
Pass a written and oral presentation of literature review. Approved participation in excursions and
lab demonstrations.
Miscellaneous:
The number of students is limited to 15.
Language: English.
Responsible department: Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre.
Location: Alnarp.
Time: 7 – 11, November and 21 – 25 November, 2011.
Information: Per Christer Odén, Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre. Phone
+4640415394. Fax +4640415398. E-mail: per.oden@slu.se.
Registration: Violeta Kokos, Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 49, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden. Visiting address Rörsjövägen 1.
Tel: +4640415172. Fax: +4640462325. E-mail: violeta.kokos@slu.se.