The formation, dispersion and germination of seeds are crucial aspects in the life-cycle of seed-bearing plants without fruits (gymnosperms, such as cypresses, firs, etc.) and seed-bearing plants with fruits (angiosperms, such as fruit trees). The unique properties of seeds — particularly their tolerance for desiccation, their mobility and their capacity to program germination so as to coincide with the times of year that offer the required environmental conditions to ensure the survival of young plants — have undoubtedly contributed to the evolutionary success of seed-producing plants. These features, together with their nutritional properties, have had a key influence on man’s evolution through the development of agriculture, thus giving rise to the model of society that we know today. Nowadays, seeds continue to represent a staple food for people; this makes them a crucial element in our economic model, for which they produce annual profits of around $1 billion at the global level.
In this lecture, the speaker will present the biological aspects of the main types of seeds which explain their importance to man’s history. She will also be discussing some of the scientific challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a future society that is ecologically and economically sustainable.
Cycle: Stars of research to help build the future
Organized by: Residence for Researchers, CERCA
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