Tree Seed Technology and Nursery Operations

TREE SEED TECHNOLOGY AND NURSERY OPERATIONS

Course Code: FBM 1104

Credit Units: 3 CU

Contact Hours: 45

Course Description

The course provides students with basic skills in identifying sources of tree seeds, collecting seeds, treating them and marketing tree seeds. Special attention is paid to selection of mother trees and ensuring that non viable seeds are not collected for planting.

Objectives

·  Understand major seed collection and processing techniques

·  Carry out seed testing and pretreatment and storage

·  Design seed collection strategy in a regulatory manner

·  Promote proper phytosanitary regulation for tree germplasm acquisition.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students be able to:

·  Identify tree seed sources

·  Collect the seeds

·  Process the seeds for planting or commercial sale.

Course Outline

·  Introduction, Evolution of Seeds, Seed Biology, Development and Ecology, Seed Structure (3 LH; 3 PH)

·  Fruit and Seed Dispersal, Seed Dormancy (Embryo Dormancy, Seed Coat Dormancy, Embryo immaturity, Seed coat impermeability, Light requirement, Species Without Seed Dormancy) (4 LH; 4 PH)

·  Seed Management Options, Seed Production and Handling, control of genetic variation in seed production, Kinds of seeds, Planning and Preparation of Seed Collections (4 LH; 4 PH)

·  Basic principles of seed collection, Seed collection, Fruit and Seed Handling between Collection and Processing Seed Processing, Phytosanitary Problems and Seed Treatment, Seed storage Dormancy and Pretreatment are highlighted (8 LH; 8 PH)

·  Nursery practices including Germination and Seedling Establishment (3 LH; 3 PH)

·  Seed Testing and germplasm management Genetic Implications of Seed Handling, Microsymbiont Management, Seed Documentation, Trade and Transfer of Forest Seed, Constraint of seed production and Handling in Uganda are covered (8 LH; 8 PH)

Mode of delivery:

Lectures: 30 CH

Practicals: 30 PH

Mode of assessment

·  Continuous assessment (coursework, field and laboratory practical reports, tests) = 40%

·  University examinations = 60%

Basic Reading List

Albrecht, J. (ed.) 1993. Tree seed handbook of Kenya. GTZ Forestry Seed Centre, Muguga. Kenya Forest Research Institute. GTZ / KEFRI.

Bonner, F.T., Vozzo, J.A., Elam, W.W. and Land, S.B. Jr. 1994. Tree seed technology training course. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station.

FAO (1995) Seed Technology and Handling

IPGRI 1996. Intermediate / recalcitrant tropical forest tree seeds. Proceedings of a Workshop on Improved Methods for Handling and Storage of Intermediate / Re-calcitrant Tropical Forest Tree Seeds. 1995, Humlebaek, Denmark. IPGRI, Rome and Danida Forest Seed Centre, Denmark.

Burley J (1996) Global needs and problems of collection, storage and distribution of multipurpose tree germplasm.

Midgley, S.1996. Seed collection strategies in a changing world. In: IUFRO: Innovations in tropical tree seed technology. Proceedings of the IUFRO Symposium of the Project Group P.2.04.00, ‘Seed Problems’. Arusha, Tanzania. 1995.

Poulsen, K.M., Parratt, M.J. and Gosling, P.G. (eds.) 1998. ISTA Tropical and sub-tropical tree and shrub seed handbook. International Seed Testing Association. Zurich.