Learn about seed physiology—from anywhere.
Seed Physiology and the Environment is a course offered by Iowa State University that provides a learning opportunity for those with experience in the field. This opportunity to study with a renowned professor is presented in an online environment using recorded lectures, discussion, and activities that reinforce the concepts of seed physiology. As an industry professional, you will be interacting with students seeking academic credit in a blended learning environment.
In this course, you will explore the metabolic processes during seed development, maturation, deterioration, dormancy, and germination, and the relationship between seed deterioration and seedling vigor. The learning and communication ability of the students is enhanced through team approaches to problem-solving and class discussions. The class consists of lectures, critical evaluation of current literature, and class discussion. A special emphasis is given to the effect of different environmental stresses on metabolic pathways during seed development and maturation.
Intended Audience
The course is intended for a broad audience within the seed industry. The information presented in this course is useful for anyone working with seed, from seed producers and plant breeders, to seed conditioning specialist and seed company administrators and sale representatives interested in the effect of environmental factors on their seed products.
The course modules were designed to provide fundamental knowledge about the interaction between seed and the environment surrounding them. The modules are divided into the stages of seed development, seed maturation, seed dormancy, seed deterioration and each module highlights the influence of environmental conditions during each phase on final seed germination and seed vigor. Modules also include easy games, educational movies, and exercises to help remember important concepts of seed biology. While the course highlights examples from corn and soybean as model crops, the knowledge is easily transferable to other monocotyledonous (grasses) and dicotyledonous (legumes, cucurbits, brassicas, etc.) species. The course is also beneficial for a global audience working with seed.
