Improvements to minimize mechanical damage are necessary in harvesting and conditioning equipment as well as the development of recommended handling procedures. Seeds inevitably deteriorate during maturation, harvesting, and conditioning. The resulting loss in seed quality decreases stand establishment. Methods to reduce this deterioration must be found. Seed quality tests must also be developed to inform seed consumers and producers when loss in seed quality has occurred.
Studies are underway to identify improved seed vigor and genetic purity tests.
Faculty Mark Bennett Professor Ph.D., Univ. Miller McDonald Professor Ph.D., Cornell Univ. Development of new seed quality tests to monitor seed quality, determining the factors that govern seed quality Mark Sulc Associate Professor Univ. Wisconsin Seed vigor and seedling establishment of forage crops under biotic and abiotic stress Peter Thomison Associate Professor Ph.D., Ohio State Univ.