How are seeds dispersed? - Knowing how seeds are spread can help gardeners and farmers alike.
How are new varieties of plants registered - and why? - Peers review the publication, and other breeders and farmers learn of the new varieties' availability.
Sesame cultivation: expansion versus temperature stress - Farmers are becoming more interested in growing sesame due to its drought and disease tolerance, and good return on investment.
What is the quinoa seed and germplasm collection like? - Quinoa is a pseudo cereal, and this group in Oregon is creating new varieties that add to the diversity of this healthy food.
What are seeds made of - and how can they grow into fruitful plants?! - Seeds consist of a plant embryo protected by a seed coat. Endosperm within the seed provides nutrients for the growing plant.
Why are seeds of different sizes and shapes? - Orchid seeds are as small as dust, and coconuts are a very large seed. These variations serve a purpose for helping the plants survive in their natural environments.
The incredible, edible seed - Seeds carry the nutrients baby plants will need in order to survive their first few days of life, and seeds are also healthy and tasty for people!
How does the USDA help make global seed trade safer? - Seed imports and exports are crucial, but come with risks. Seeds can carry pests like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Programs of the USDA aim to make regulations more consistent across the globe.
Protecting seeds: The what, why, and how of seed treatments - As early as 2000 BC, people have understood the importance of protecting seeds. Modern seed treatments provide protection that is safe for seeds, safe for people, and safe for the environment.
How are seeds labeled for a farmer's purchase? - Seed gets inspected, classified, and labeled to ensure farmers understand the quality of seed they are purchasing.
How can you prevent weed seeds from germinating in your garden? - Cover crops are used by many farmers and they can offer soil benefits. They can also help control weeds!
How can crops that are not grown from seeds be preserved in seed banks? - Not all plants make viable seeds for reproduction. Learn about how scientists conserve this genetic information.
Are there edible cotton seeds? - Most of us associate cotton with its fiber. A by-product of cotton fiber production is the leftover seeds. Discover how scientists are helping cotton seeds become a source of protein for humans.
Polyploidy - or how do we get seedless fruit? - It should come as no surprise that plants are weird and different, even when it comes to their chromosomes. Plant breeders intentionally develop polyploids with desirable traits – for example, seedless watermelons.
What are the factors that determine seed germination? - When you buy your packet of squash seeds each spring, you plant them in the ground, and expect plants to sprout! It seems like an easy process, but there’s a lot of plant physiology going on.
Why is it important to have seed banks and seed access? - Species extinction due to natural and man-made influences is undeniable and a serious threat to our planet. Once they are gone, we have lost them forever.