Subject/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:
•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 Near-Infrared 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:
• 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 Estimated hours
- Lectures ca 20
- Lab demonstration ca.20
- Excursions ca 30
- Literature studies ca 40
- Presentation of the seminar & examination ca 10
Total 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.