Tropical Seed Science

TPSS 421

Faculty:

Orville Baldos

Goals:

To study seed sciences as they relate to the seed industries of Hawaii and other tropical locations. Specific objectives are:

  1. Study seed biology and biotechnology.
  2. Become acquainted with seed production, processing, storage and pathology.
  3. Conduct viability, vigor and performance tests of seeds.
  4. Conduct field studies of Hawaii's seed industry.

Skills and knowledge to be acquired:

Students must have a basic background in agricultural and biological sciences, and will be expected to be skilled in use of computer web and library searches. Research reports will emphasize knowledge of plant biology (physiology, genetics, pathology) pertinent to seed production and handling. Field trips will emphasize practical on-farm skills in seed production (agronomy, ecology, mechanization, reproductive biology).

Computer skills to be acquired:

None

Pre-requisites:

TPSS 200 or consent

Text(s):

Copeland, Larry O. and Miller B. McDonald. 1995. Seed Science and Technology (ed 3). Chapman and Hall, NY. 409 pp. (1st Edition, 1976, entitled "Principles of Seed Science and Technology", by L. O. Copeland: 2nd Edition, 1985, Copeland and McDonald, under the new title).

Course organization:

The major topic areas covered in the course are:

  1. Reproduction and Seed Formation
  2. Seed Storage, Dormancy, Longevity
  3. Seed Physiology, Germination and Viability Tests
  4. Seed Production
  5. Seed Processing, Treatments, Certification
  6. Seed Insects and Diseases, Quarantine Issues
  7. Seed Industries of Hawaii
  8. Seed Industries of the Asian Rim Countries

Grading:

Two mid-term exams (20% each), one final exam (30%), and two research reports (15% each) during semester.