Seeds: The delivery system for crop science

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.