Seed Abstracts is a fully searachable abstracts database of internationally published research. Seed Abstracts brings you the latest information on seed science, covering all aspects of research on both wild and cultivated plants.

Derived from CAB Abstracts, the applied life sciences database, coverage includes seed physiology, seed germination and dormancy, embryology and seed development, seed technology, seed production, seed composition, seed ecology and the seed industry.

Each week Seed Abstracts delivers all the new highly-targeted, searchable summaries covering key English and non-English language journal articles, reports, conferences and books about Seeds. Over 9,000 records are added to the database each year.

Seed Abstracts includes a fully searchable backfile to 1982. Over 171,000 research summaries bring a wealth of current and seminal research in seeds to your fingertips!

Seed Abstracts, updated weekly online, is also available in print, delivered monthly.

CAB Direct (CABI’s own platform)

Anatomy and morphology

Anatomy of morphology of seeds, including

• – seed coat structure
• – the use of seed structure and anatomy in taxonomy

Breeding and genetics

Aspects covered include:

• – breeding for seed characteristics, seed quality and seed production
• • – genes affecting seed characteristics
  • – gene expression in seeds

  – genetically modified seeds

• – genetic variation in seed characteristics
  • – plant genetic resources, and conservation of genetic resources as seeds in gene banks

Ecology and dispersal 

• – biotic and abiotic methods of seed dispersal in species and ecosytems
• – effects of dispersal method and ability on vegetation ecology
• • – effects of soil tillage and disturbance on seed banks
  • – seed banks, including size and persistence of seed banks

  – seed predation

• • – seedling emergence and natural regeneration of plant communities

  – the role of seed banks in revegetation and reclamation

• – weed seeds and the carry-over of crop seeds as volunteer weeds

Embryology and seed development

All aspects of embryogenesis and seed development including

• – apomixis
• – embryo abortion
• – embryo rescue and use of in vitro culture for seed development
• – identification of seed maturity and optimum harvesting stage – seed set
• – seed maturation
• – seed and grain filling
• • – the physiology of development, including metabolism and biosynthesis, and changes in enzyme activity and composition

  Equipment

Equipment for the processing and treatment of seeds including threshing and grading, and agricultural machinery used for seed production, harvesting and sowing.

• Pests and diseases

  Pests and diseases of seeds, and the effects of pests and diseases on the seed production process.

  Coverage of pests includes pests of stored seed and grain as well as pests of seeds in the field.

Insect, nematode and vertebrate pests are all included. Disease coverage includes

• – all seedborne fungi bacteria and viruses
• • – control of pests and diseases of seeds

  – diseases and decay of seeds in storage

• • – organisms attacking other parts of the plant which impact on seed crops and seed production

  – seed treatment for protection against pests and diseases

• • – the detection and identification of seedborne diseases

Seed composition

The chemical composition of seeds. Includes broad composition (contents of proteins and oils, and other major components) the chemical structure of seed constituents, isolation and identification of new compounds from seeds, and variability of composition between genotypes and environments.

Seed germination and dormancy

Both agronomic and physiological aspects of seed germination and dormancy are covered. Types and mechanisms of seed dormancy, and internal and external factors regulating dormancy are included, as is dormancy breaking occurring naturally and as affected by seed treatments.

• • – agronomic aspects of germination covered include

  – breakdown of storage compounds

• – changes in enzymes and growth regulators
• – effects of sowing date, seed size and quality
• – effects of tillage and soil compaction
• • – differences in germination between cultivars
  • • – germination physiology, including

Seed industry

Covers the seed trade including national and international regulations, seed marketing, economic aspects of seed production, and the private and public sector seed industries.

Seed production

Coverage of seed production literature includes:

• – commercial production of seeds for sowing
• • – effects of production methods, environment and harvest date on seed quality
• – management of seed orchards for tree species, and collection of tree seeds
• • – pollination, level of seed production in different species, and environmental effects on seed output
• • • • – production of hybrid seeds and the use of male sterility

    – seed output of wild plants and weeds

Seed treatment and testing

All aspects of seed testing including

• • • – all properties of seeds other than composition, including physical, mechanical and optical properties

    – cultivar identification

  • – purity standard procedures and rules for seed testing and sampling

  – seed certification

• – seed health testing
• – seed identification
• • – seed technology and treatment, including treatments to enhance germination and plant growth, and protection against pests and diseases
  • • – testing for germination, vigour and viability

Storage 

• – effects of storage on seed quality
• • – methods of storage for preservation of plant genetic resources
  • – seed treatments to prevent storage decay

  – storage conditions

• – storage physiology and behaviour, including recalcitrant and orthodox seeds
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