HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Free Full Text (PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by TeKrony, D. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by TeKrony, D. M. Agricola Articles by TeKrony, D. M. Related Collections Seed Quality Seed Physiology Seed Technology

CSSA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM

Seeds

The Delivery System for Crop Science

Dep. of Plant and Soil Science, Univ. of Kentucky, 429 Plant Science Bldg., 1405 Veterans Dr., Lexington, KY 40546-0321

^* Corresponding author (dtekrony{at}uky.edu)

Seeds have always played a dominant role in agriculture, serving as the primary mechanism by which crop plants are propagated. During the past 50 yr, seed science has matured to gain recognition as a sub-discipline of crop science, which was enhanced by the establishment of graduate training in seed biology at many land grant universities. These programs have provided leadership to the C-4 Division, which led to nine special CSSA publications, two major reviews, and several excellent text books written by members of C-4. The division sponsored more than 15 symposia covering seed production, seed health, synthetic seeds, and distance education. The efforts of seed scientists enhanced the quality control programs of the seed industry by contributing to the development and use of seed vigor tests, sophisticated genetic and herbicide trait tests, improved techniques for seed production and storage, and seed enhancements including film coating, priming, and pelleting. The major factors that have influenced seed science during the past five decades include: The Plant Variety Protection Act and the granting of utility patents, the influence of biotechnology, the use of seed enhancements, seed vigor testing, and the internet in teaching and training. Seeds will continue to provide a mechanism for the propagation of crop plants, however, in the future they may assume new roles as a delivery tool in high technology.

Abbreviations: GM, genetically modified • AP, adventitious presence • PEG, polyethylene glycol • SOP, standard operating procedures • ISO, International Organization for Standardization