Advances in Seed Quality Evaluation and Improvement

This book discusses various aspects of Seed Science and Technology including seed production, seed certification, seed quality enhancements, seed testing and harvesting, and post-harvest management. Continued efforts are being made to preserve plant genetic resources over long term in order to conserve biodiversity and provide food security. Seed and germplasm repositories hold high importance in this regard. Various technologies such as cryopreservation is being commonly employed to preserve seeds and plant tissues at extremely low temperatures. This book discusses the advancements of data storage and information management systems that have aided in the creation of extensive seed databases, and thus enabling researchers to quickly catalogue and access data on seed kinds, properties and availability. This book also explains the sophisticated technologies such as nanobiotechnology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, magnetic resonance and multispectral imaging which are currently being used for examining seed quality, genetic analysis, seed preservation and seed handling operations. The scope of these technologies in increasing the effectiveness and precision of seed research, developing better crop varieties and promoting sustainable environmental preservation has also been covered.

This book is a reference source for Scientists, researchers and authorities involved in the production and certification of seeds. It is also valuable for seed experts working in the public and commercial sectors globally.

Dr. Bidhan Roy is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Seed Science and Technology at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. He has more than 25 years of experience in teaching and research. Dr. Roy completed his graduation from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. He completed his masters and doctorate degrees from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal, India. Dr. Roy has published several research and review papers including manuals, books, monographs and book chapters. Dr. Roy has registered 48 farmers’ varieties under Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority and one farmer variety under National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources.

Dr. Gopal Shukla is currently working as a Professor of Forestry in North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, India with teaching and research experience of more than ten years. He holds a masters and doctoral degree in Forestry from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. The focus of his research and development work is on agroforestry, medicinal plants, forest ecology and conservation with national and international publications including 100 research papers, 25 book chapters and eight books. 

Dr. Vijay Dunna is currently working as a Principal Scientist at ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and has more than 20 years of experience in research and teaching. He started his academic career in the year 2005 in Biodiversity International as a scientific assistant. Dr. Vijay has also worked as a Seed Technologist in Vibha Agrotech Ltd In Hyderabad, India. He has a research experience in working as a research scientist at Nath Biogenes, India Ltd In the year 2006. Dr. Vijay switched his career as a scientist at Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University. He has also worked as a senior scientist in ICAR - Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute from 2011 to 2017. 

Dr. Priyanka Sharma has started her academic career in the year 2022 and is currently working as an Assistant Professor cum Scientist at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India. She has obtained her bachelor’s degree and masters in agriculture with specialization in Seed Science and Technology from Assam Agricultural University, India. She pursued her doctorate degree in Seed Science and Technology from Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. She has published several research papers, review articles and popular articles in national and international reputed journals. Besides carrying her research works on quality seed production, she has extended her research interests in the areas of plant biotechnology. 

Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla assumed the charge as vice-chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya, India in 2021. An eminent scientist in the field of agriculture, Prof. Shukla specialized in Seed Science and Technology and has a track record of advancing social, economic, and cultural development in various capacities. He has been teaching and conducting research for more than 29 years. He has published 65 research papers, 50 articles, 17 book chapters and five books and manuals. Prof. Shukla is best known for introducing and developing six high yielding varieties of soybean in Uttarakhand.