Seed Quality: Interactions Between Genetic Traits and the Seed Production Environment.

Seed quality can be negatively affected by abiotic stress during seed development and maturation and cultivar selection. This presentation will summarize research conducted in my lab into the effects of cultivar selection, water stress, plant defoliation, excessive P and K fertilization, and other environmental stimuli on phenotypic and genotypic seed quality characteristics.  As climate change continues to challenge the production of high quality seed, new adaptation strategies must be developed to maintain the leading role of U.S. agriculture in securing food for a growing population.