Goals and Objectives

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

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).

None

TPSS 200

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).

Limited use is necessary in Hawaii, as field trips can provide hands-on experience year-round. Some supplementation is expected by 35 mm slides from unique crops.

Guest speakers drawn from U.H. faculty and retired faculty (e.g., Dr. Doug Friend, Dept. Botany (ret.), and Alvin Yoshinaga, Lyon Arboretum), and from seed industry researchers (e.g., Dr. Greg Edmeades, duPont-Pioneer, Dr. Bruce Coulombe, Syngenta-Novartis, and Tom deCourcy, Pharmacia-Monsanto-Holden's Foundation Seeds).

1. Waimanalo Research Station
   
2. Hawaii Agricultural Research Center
   
3. Molokai; Hawaiian Research, Ltd. Pharmacia (Monsanto-Cargill)
   
4. Oahu: Garst Seed Co. International Chemicals Inc.; Pioneer Hybrid International; duPont (Parent Seed Center); Holden's Foundation Seeds; Pharmacia (Monsanto)
   
5. Kauai; Pharmacia (deKalb & Monsanto), Syngenta (Northrup-King & Novartis), Pioneer Hybrid International; duPont (Research Center)
   
   

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
   
   

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

James L. Brewbaker