The Importance of Seeds

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Seeds are central to life as they contain important gene pools necessary for the improvement and diversification of plant species. They are found in both coniferous and flowering plants and range in different shapes, sizes and textures specially designed to maximise reproduction. Without them plants cannot germinate.

The environment has been shaped by the distribution of seed plants since the early evolution of vascular plants. Over time they have evolved mechanisms for effective seed dissemination and take advantage of habitat opportunities caused by ecological processes or human disturbances. Humans have cultivated many varieties of species for which over generations have developed specific adaptabilities to site conditions. Building a close and direct relationship with nature has even helped form cultural identities. This interaction with nature has increased biodiversity by the hands of humans for hundreds of years.

The collection, conservation and utilisation of seeds is important to the environment in promoting biodiversity through species, genetic and ecosystem diversity. It also helps us to take control of our food supply by developing crops with desired strains or retaining varietal characteristics for certain growing conditions. This diversity is necessary for increased tolerance and resistance to changing temperatures (heat and cold), changing soil properties (salt, nutrient deficiencies), pests and disease. Edible and sown seed varieties are used for the production of food but humans also obtain useful oils from them, produce grain alcohol (ethanol) and other products. There is also a potential for species that provide pharmaceutical prospectives which may become lost without the preservation of seeds.

Good seed with high quality can increase crop yields and improve biodiversity which can create more sustainable forms of agriculture. Crop genetic diversity is essential against extreme events ensuring that a blight does not wipe out a complete crop and that some food is still produced. The conservation of seeds are now more prominent in a time of environmental and socio-economic pressures which necessitate seed banks for preservation. Issues of seed quality and loss of genetic diversity are now needed to be addressed when creating and applying effective seed supply policies.