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The Seed Library

1. Introduction

This is a reference library about seeds. The main topics include Seed Biology, Collection, Treatment, Storage and Germination.

We'll share here good reads for whoever wants to improve their relationship with seeds, and keep an updated table of contents with all the documents available in the end of this first post.

To our knowledge, all the documents posted here can be distributed without restrictions, so please let us know if you see anything that should not be here.

2. Adding Books and References

• This section is to post and store books and documents. If you want to share an external resource (article link, video stream, online tutorial, etc.) or if you want to recommend a book, please do so in the Gardening Resources and Links section.
• Materials restricted by copyright are not allowed.
• Please post title and some basic information if possible (author/source, year, a little description or an abstract when available) and attach the document/s to your post. This also applies to small papers and journal publications, please add them as attachments instead of pasting their contents inside of your post.
• Up to five attachments are allowed per post. PDFs are awesome

3. Index of Contents

3.1. Seed Biology

- An Outline of Tree Seed Biology (Robbins AMJ, 2004)

3.2. Seed Collection

- Guidelines for Seed Collection (Robbins AMJ, 2004)
- A Field Manual for Seed Collectors (Millenium Seed Bank Project)

3.3. Seed Treatment, Storage and Distribution

- Seed Processing and Treatment (Robbins AMJ, 2004)
- Basic Rules for Seed Storage (Robbins AMJ, 2004)
- Guidelines for Distribution of Tree Seed (Moestrup, Schmidt, Nathan 2008)

3.4. Seed Germination

- Simple Germination Testing (Robbins AMJ, 2004)

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AN OUTLINE OF TREE SEED BIOLOGY
Robbins, AMJ (2004)

Abstract: This technical note provides an outline of the biological principles behind the various practices of tree seed handling, so that they may be carried out with a better understanding of why they are done. It is not intended to be a detailed treatise (for which there are many good texts available), but rather a means by which forest officers can refresh their memories as to the principles, and provide a framework within which they can expand their knowledge, when necessary.

GUIDELINES FOR SEED COLLECTION
Robbins, AMJ (2004)

this manual has been written for District Forest Controllers and their staff, with the aim of ensuring
that proper seed handling practices are used in each forest district.

SEED PROCESSING AND TREATMENT
Robbins, AMJ (2004)

This leaflet explains how seed should be handled after collection and before storage or sowing in the Seed processing, and treatment covers such activities as: after-ripening of the seed; removal of unwanted seed parts; separation of empty seed; cleaning; preparation for storage; treatment against pests; treatment to improve germination.

BASIC RULES FOR SEED STORAGE
Robbins, AMJ (2004)

There are two main methods of storage, determined by the class of seed that has to be stored. Most species have seeds that store best when dry ('orthodox' seed), but some species have seed that will lose viability if dried and must therefore be kept moist during storage ('recalcitrant' seed).

SIMPLE GERMINATION TESTING
Robbins, AMJ (2004)

A lot of time, effort and seeds can be wasted in the nursery if seeds are sown without knowing how many are viable and have the potential of producing a seedling. A guess can be made from past experience, but collection, processing and storage methods can cause large differences between seed lots.
It is therefore important to test each seed lot for viability after collection, and also before sowing if some period of storage has been needed.

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GUIDELINES FOR DISTRIBUTION OF TREE SEED IN SMALL BAGS - SMALL QUANTITY AND HIGH QUALITY
Søren Moestrup, Lars Schmidt and Iben Nathan (2008)
Faculty of Life Sciences - University of Copenhaguen

The guideline provides practical information on how to distribute high quality tree seed to farmers and other small-scale tree planters in small bags and through commercial channels. The target groups of the guidelines are tree seed programmes and decision-makers at all governmental levels, international donor organisations, development projects and NGOs with an interest in improved tree planting. The guidelines can also be useful to private enterprises and potential seed dealers. Focus is on technical and marketing issues.

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A FIELD MANUAL FOR SEED COLLECTORS
Millenium Seed Bank Project
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

This Manual of Seed Collecting is part of the MSBP’s information-sharing process, and is designed to provide general guidelines regarding seed collecting practice.

[Seed Collector]

This was a hyperlink provided by member "Auxin".   I converted it to a pdf.

Title: A guide to efficient long term seed preservation by César Gómez-Campo...

Dept. Biología Vegetal, Escuela T. S. Ing. Agrónomos. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. 28040 - Madrid. Spain.