Seed Biology, Production & Quality - February 2013

Delivering improved varieties and crop protection through high quality seed is a vital component of modern agricultural production systems. It is critical that seed producers have an understanding of the biological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of seed health, vigor and viability, and how those qualities are measured. This course presents the scientific background for production, handling, storage and quality control procedures in the seed industry. It updates participants on new information in these topics, including seed pathology and seed enhancement. The course targets professionals in the seed industry, new employees, consultants, and seed producers to extend and update their knowledge. 

The course has been expanded to include both hands-on exercises and detailed discussions of seed production and seed technology. Participants have the opportunity to attend Seed Central Research and Technology, Brainstorming and Forum events on the afternoon of February 14. For more information see Seed Central.

Topics include:
Flowering and pollination
Seed development and maturation
Seed production and certification
Seed health and phytosanitation
Seed harvesting and conditioning
Seed vigor and viability
Seed storage and longevity
Seed biotechnology
Seed enhancement

See: The Agenda

When: February 12-14, 2013 (adjourns after lunch on Thursday)

Location: UC Davis Conference Center & Buehler Alumni Center
Daily parking and permits for $7.00 are available in lot VP2 and in the South Entry Parking Structure

Registration Fee: The cost of the course is $850 however, there is an early bird opportunity of $750 until December 15, 2012. The fee includes three lunches, two socials & course materials.

Instructors:

• J. Derek Bewley, University Professor Emeritus, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
• Kent J. Bradford, Professor, Department of Plant Sciences and Director, Seed Biotechnology Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
• Lindsey du Toit, Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University
• Robert Gilbertson, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
• Henk W.M. Hilhorst, Professor, Department of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
• Peter Marks, Aginnovation LLC
• Deborah Meyer, Senior Seed Botanist-Supervisor, California State Seed Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, USA
• Hiroyuki Nonogaki, Professor, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
• Jerry Reimer, Sakata Seed America
  

Directions from the:
San Francisco Airport to Davis, CA
Sacramento Airport to Davis, CA

Hotel Recommendation:
Hyatt Place, Davis CA
See hotel for more information

For questions or additional information, please contact Susan DiTomaso at scditomaso@ucdavis.edu or at 530-754-7333.