Seed Physiology and the Environment

Learn about seed physiology—from anywhere.

Seed Physiology and the Environment is a course offered by Iowa State University that provides a learning opportunity for those with experience in the field. This opportunity to study with a renowned professor is presented in an online environment using recorded lectures, discussion, and activities that reinforce the concepts of seed physiology. As an industry professional, you will be interacting with students seeking academic credit in a blended learning environment.

In this course, you will explore the metabolic processes during seed development, maturation, deterioration, dormancy, and germination, and the relationship between seed deterioration and seedling vigor. The learning and communication ability of the students is enhanced through team approaches to problem-solving and class discussions. The class consists of lectures, critical evaluation of current literature, and class discussion. A special emphasis is given to the effect of different environmental stresses on metabolic pathways during seed development and maturation.

Intended Audience

The course is intended for [Need Info]

Course Procedures

The course starts on August 26, 2024. All coursework must be completed before the course ends on December 20, 2024. Once your registration information is received, we will send you your username and password to access the course site.

You can join the live class via Zoom or watch the recorded lecture videos. This is not a self-paced online course. You will complete the assignments by the due dates listed in the syllabus.

Upon completion of the assessment and the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Registration will open from May 1, 2024 to August XX, 2024. You can register at any time within this period. Next course offering will be scheduled XXXX. Check back in XXXX for information about future course offerings.

Course Materials

Course materials are provided within the course. No additional purchase is required.

You can purchase the following course textbook if desired.

Bewley, J.D., K.J. Bradford, H.W.M. Hilhorst and H. Nonogaki. 2013. Seeds: physiology of development and germination, 3rd ed. Springer, NY.

Contact Information

Contact isopd@iastate.edu for more information.

Instructor

A. Susana Goggi
Professor
Department of Agronomy

Research Interest

Focuses on the physiological aspects of seed development, maturation, longevity, dormancy, and germination. Current research includes strategies for minimizing the adverse effects of the production environments on seed quality of soybeans and corn, including the development of organic seed protectants as an alternative to chemical seed treatments, the study of soybean genome fluidity events affecting seed quality and vigor, and the evaluation of differential gene expression after frost damage in corn seed. In additioon, developing strategies for producing high quality seeds in corn cultivars with enhanced nutritional properties and other value-added traits, and strategies to minimize outcrosses caused by adventitious pollen flow into corn production fields.

Learn more about this instructor