Research Topics WSSC
Wageningen Seed Science Centre's academics and training staff has expertise in virtually every field, ranging from the basics of plant improvement to issues concerning seed legislation.
Biotechnology
For certain crops, selection and crossing are inadequate to introduce desired characteristics into a new variety. In such cases biotechnological methods, often referred to as genetic modification, may offer a solution.
Seed production and quality management
Wageningen Seed Centre (WSC) studies the principles that underlie the physiology of seed development in various crops.
Research and training in seed technology
Wageningen University & Research provides top quality research, training and education in seed technology to companies, governmental bodies and NGOs. In doing so we support organisations around the globe in improve and secure seed quality and, therefore, food production. This work is an excellent practical example of Wageningen University & Research’s mission to improve the quality of life.
Tropical forest seed technology
Needless to tell that tropical forests are endangered all around the world. Apart from the loss in biodiversity, in our view, the clearing of tropical rainforests lies at the heart of the disruption of the rainfall patterns all around the world, and constitutes a major factor in global warming.
Seed quality control: vigour and seed health
Wageningen Seed Centre (WSC) is developing tests to determine seed health and seed vigour. These tests must assure that only high quality and healthy seeds will be certified and used for cultivation. Some tests are 'high tech', such as DNA chip technology, the application of flow cytometry or immuno-fluorescence.
Propagation material for organic farming
In organic farming, the use of organic starting material is obligatory according to the current EU regulations. However, sufficient material of high quality is not available for all crops, and in those cases farmers still rely on conventionally produced seeds, tubers, bulbs or cuttings.
Seed legislation and seed policy
Wageningen Seed Centre (WSC) is active in testing for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) for the purpose of plant variety protection and national listing, according to the guidelines of the International Union for Plant Variety Protection (UPOV).
Genetic resources and biodiversity
Locally adapted varieties are crucial in maintaining food security, especially in areas with little control over crop growth conditions. The use of high yielding varieties does hardly contribute to food security in these vulnerable areas, so farmers have to propagate their own varieties.
Plant breeding
Wageningen Seed Centre (WSC) is active in the development of new varieties. Stable and high yields, durable resistance against pests and diseases, and product quality are the primary breeding goals.
Seed storage
Most crop seeds can be stored dry. Some seeds however do not tolerate desiccation, these are called recalcitrant and are stored on the long term in genebanks under cryopreservation. Desiccation tolerant (orthodox) seeds are best stored dry, cool ) and oxygen free. Especially the latter is too often ignored.