Crop Establishment, Seed and Transplant Technology

Worldwide horticulture depends on seed quality to maintain its competitiveness and food security. Poor seed and transplant quality causes yield reduction, negatively impacting growers’ profitability, regional economies, commodity prices and product availability to consumers. The Working Group Crop Establishment, Seed and Transplant Technology, traditionally known as SEST, engages in the dissemination of relevant science in seed biology, physiology, germination and emergence, vigor, dormancy, purity, seed and transplant health, seed systems, transplant physiology, regulation of transplant size, grafting, stand establishment methods, mechanization and automation. It provides basic understanding of how developmental, environmental, and biotic stresses affect seed production and seedling transplant quality traits of existing or new crops and then translate that knowledge into technologies and practical methods to improve stand establishment and crop performance. Species emphasized within Working Group SEST include all traditional commercial vegetable crops (root, leaf, and fruit) grown worldwide as well as emerging specialty horticultural crops for the generation of food, beverages, natural products and bioactive compounds. The Working Group SEST has members who are scientists in academia, industry and government agencies, seed companies, transplant nurseries, and growers involved in testing, production technologies, distribution, delivery and use of high-quality seeds and transplants. It provides opportunities to share knowledge and network at symposia and workshops held at different locations around the world.