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Untitled document
Seed Biology Short Course
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
9 am - 5 pm
The day before the Organic Seed Growers Conference, we will be hosting a Seed Biology Short Course taught by Dr. Hiro Nonogaki from Oregon State University and Joel Reiten of Bejo Seeds. This course will cover topics relating to seed quality such as flower induction and development, pollination biology, seed development, seed maturation and post-harvest seed physiology.
The class will be an excellent opportunity for farmers and seed professionals to better understand how seed biology is related to seed quality. Find answers to questions such as "Why is the germination rate so low in my carrot seed?". A binder of course materials will be provided to all participants.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Each 45 minute session will include 5-10 minutes for questions.
8:30 Coffee and tea 9:00 Introduction of speakers and participants Session 1 9:30 - 11:30
9:30 - 10:15 Flowering, pollination, and fertilization
Hiro Nonogaki 10:15 - 11:00 Plant nutrition and seed quality
Joel Reiten
Seed producers have always known that plants need high levels of fertility for high seed yields and good seed quality but when to apply the nutrients has always been in question. New research shows that high levels of fertility and micronutrients are needed much earlier in the plant's life to ensure good pollen development as well as the initial formation of the ovary tissue that will eventually form the seed. I will present some of the latest research on types of fertilizers and methods of fertilizer application, both organic and conventional, to ensure high seed yields and quality.
11:00 - 11:30 Questions and discussion with participants
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch (included in course fee)
Session 2 12:30 - 2:30
12:30 - 1:15 Seed development and maturation
Hiro Nonogaki
1:15 - 2:00 Pollinators and planting dates
Joel Reiten
1. Why don't my bees work? A look at pollination problems in open pollinated and hybrid seed production. What are some of the most common mistakes made by seed growers and some simple tricks to make your pollinators happy.
2. How important is planting date, vernalization, and rest to the plants' ability to yield a good seed crop? Because of the Williamette Valley's mild winter, bi-annual seed crops work well here. Most bi-annual crops need a period of exposure to cold weather (vernalization) or rest between their vegetative growth and reproductive cycle. This rest needs to come at the proper time in the plant's life cycle. I will take a short look at several crops and talk about how the age of the plant influences its response to vernalization and seed yield/quality.
2:00 - 2:30 Questions and discussion with participants
2:30 - 3:00 Coffee and tea break
Session 3 3:00 - 5:00
3:00 - 3:45 Seed dormancy, germination, and longevity
Hiro Nonogaki
3:45 - 4:30 Seed conditioning and seed quality
Joel Reiten
Many seed growers breathe a sigh of relief in the fall after the seed crop is brought in. Cleaning, drying and storage conditions are thought of as winter projects that can wait. I will look at the effects on seed quality of drying, storage of uncleaned seed, and seed treatments to reduce seedborne pathogens.
4:30 - 5:00 Questions and discussion with participants
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