Seed Propagation

Seed propagation isn't always straight forward! Some plants may germinate and grow with ease, but for others, the seed and seedlings must be handled in a very particular way to ensure not only germination, but also survival of the seedling. 

• Learn to propagate plants from seeds
• Understand the botanical characteristics of seed
• Study appropriate treatments in order to sustain seed viability

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • scope
   • open ground propagation
   • controlled environment propagation
2. Seed Botany
   • anatomy
   • physiology
   • pollination
   • hybridisation
   • genetic purity, etc.
3. Seed Sources
   • selection
   • collection
   • timing
   • wild collecting
4. Seed Storage
   • treatments
   • cleaning
   • drying
   • storage
   • disease control
   • germination testing
5. Dormancy
   • breaking dormancy
6. Germinating
   • annuals
   • perennials
   • vegetables
7. Propagating selected Woody Species
8. Direct Seeding
   • grasses
   • woody species
   • revegetation projects, etc.
9. Seedling Management

Aims

• Discuss the nature and scope of commercial seed propagation.
• Explain the botanical characteristics of seed and the processes that occur when a seed germinates.
• Determine appropriate procedures for harvesting different seeds in different situations.
• Determine appropriate treatments for different types of seeds following harvest in order to sustain viability.
• Determine appropriate treatments for breaking dormancy in order to initiate germination with a range of different seeds.
• Determine how to sow and germinate seed of commonly grown herbaceous plants including vegetables, annuals and perennials.
• Determine appropriate propagation techniques for a range of woody plants including trees, shrubs, ground covers and climbers.
• Determine propagation and plant establishment strategies for developing a variety of different types of plantings through direct seeding onto sites where germinated plants will remain permanently in the position where the seed germinates.
• Manage germinated seedlings as they develop in a way that will optimise the survival rate.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This is a course for:

• Nursery Professionals and nursery workers
• Seed company staff, plant breeders
• Environmental or revegetation officers
• Anyone else interested in developing a deeper understanding of seed propagation.