The symposium was hosted by Seed Dynamics May 23, 2013 at the Pivot Point Conference Center in Yuma, Arizona.
The idea to host the symposium was conceived following an extremely challenging fall season in 2012, when germination, seedling emergence and early seedling growth were compromised by environmental extremes and cultural complications relative to those extremes.
The discussion topic for the symposium was seed, priming, coating & seed treatments as they are affected by heat, humidity, soil moisture, salts, herbicides, and other factors.
Seed Dynamics engaged the services of two capable and well respected gentlemen, Hank Hill and David Still, both involved in the vegetable seed world, to present relevant material relating to the topic.
Hank Hill, Ph.D., is currently the Seed Physiologist at Seed Dynamics. He has held this position since 1991. Prior to arriving in California, Hank spent 1 year in a post Doctorate position at Cornell University working on vegetable seed physiology and technology. Hank received a Ph. D. in Agronomy at the University of Florida. Hank’s work related interests include nearly all aspects of applied seed physiology and technology. The majority of Hank’s research efforts have been spent on the development of priming and pelleting products for vegetable and flower seeds, to include priming lettuce seed to improve responses to environmental stresses. Hank’s work also includes increasing the shelf life of primed products.
David Still, Ph. D., Professor Cal Poly Pomona, has studied seed biology for the last 24 years beginning with a postdoc in Dr. Kent Bradford’s lab at UC Davis. Following his postdoc, David joined the University of Arizona as an Assistant Research Scientist where he was stationed at the Yuma Agricultural Center. At Yuma he was involved in numerous studies in which seed quality and priming treatments were evaluated both in the field and in the laboratory. He then moved to Cal Poly Pomona where he is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. He teaches classes in seed biology and plant breeding and genetics. He continues his research in seed biology and is studying how seeds germinate under environmental stress.
There were 150-175 people present, many of whom are leaders and decision makers in the vegetable industry. The topic-related information presented was well received by all those in attendance and many expressed their gratitude that Seed Dynamics presented this opportunity.
A delicious lunch was served to all following the presentation.
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