LPLF10327U Seed Science and Technology

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Erasmus Mundus - Agris Mundus
MSc Programme in Agriculture
Content
Morphology, anatomy and identification of seeds of common crops, trees and important weeds of the world.
- Development and maturation of seeds
- Dormancy and germination and the environmental and hormonal regulation mechanisms
- Seed tests and technology such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules
- Vigour and viability
- Seed testing equipment, seed cleaning equipment, coating of seeds and seed certification and quality
- Maintenance of genetic purity and identity using biotechnology methods to identify gene manipulated crop (GMO) seeds will also be introduced
- Commercial aspects concerning import and export of seeds, seed health and phytosanitation
- Storage and longevity of seed are also included as are future directions in seed biology and technology
Learning Outcome
After completing the course the students will be able to:

Knowledge:
- show overview of seed morphology, anatomy, biology and ecology
- describe the seed chain from production to marketing
- list national and international organisations working with seeds and seed relevant legislation

Skills:
- Identify seeds and morphological structures
- Apply seed testing methods and methods to break dormancy.
- Apply seed cleaning techniques and modern technology to identify varieties and investigate seeds.
- Be able to produce artificial seeds.
- communicate knowledge about seed science and technology.

Competences:
- Evaluate results from various seed testing methods(e.g ISTA tests, vigor tests, biotechnological methods).
- Discuss the application of various seed science and technology methods to new situations
Literature
Chapters in textbooks and research papers
In addition to lectures, practical and theoretical exercises on seed morphology of various type of seeds, seed identification of common crop and weed seeds are carried out. Germination experiments are conducted to illustrate seed tests. Germination curves are be estimated using statistical models. Methods to identify gene manipulated crop seeds (GMO) are introduced. Students are working in groups for must of the praticals and exercises.Excursions to Danish seed companies.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 7
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Excursions
  • 15
  • Lectures
  • 18
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 100
  • Project work
  • 25
  • Theory exercises
  • 10
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination
Individual oral examination of course curriculum and reports on experimental work.
Weight: Oral examination 100%
Exam registration requirements
Submitted reports of the experimental work
Aid
Only certain aids allowed
Folder with seed collection
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Criteria for exam assesment

See learning goals