The Encyclopedia of Seeds: Science, Technology and Uses is the first authoritative reference work to give an extensive insight into all aspects of seed biology, seed technology and the uses of seeds, and will be published by CABI, on October 6 th 2006.

Edited by Michael Black, J Derek Bewley and Peter Halmer, The Encyclopedia of Seeds was launched at the International Horticulture Conference and Exhibition 2006 in Seoul , South Korea in August 2006, where it generated substantial attention. To date the book has received hundreds of pre-publication orders – an indication of the exceptional interest it has already stirred.

Major seed-science themes of the book include in-depth articles on: anatomy, structure, composition, pathology and the molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and ecology of development, dormancy and germination.

Alongside these are articles on seed technology: production and processing for crop cultivation – multiplication, conditioning, handling and storage; the testing of germination, purity, vigour and health; and treatments and enhancements such as priming, coating, disinfection, inoculation and chemical and biological protection.

A third main strand of articles describe the varied uses of seed as sources of food, feed, food additives and beverages, poisons, pharmacological and psychoactive substances, and fibres and other manufactured products.

As editor Michael Black describes it: “The grand aim of The Encyclopedia of Seeds is to weave together the latest fundamental biological knowledge about seeds with the principles of agricultural seed production, processing, storage and sowing, along with the food and industrial uses and the historical, economic and cultural roles of seeds.”

Editor Derek Bewley continues: “No one before has brought together such a comprehensive synthesis of seed science and technology learning into a single volume. We have worked hard to ensure that our book proves a valuable knowledge tool for everyone who works with seeds, and is interested in seeds – including not only basic and applied researchers, but people working in all parts of the seed industry.

And Editor Peter Halmer goes on to highlight the unique features of The Encyclopedia of Seeds: “We have kept in mind the needs of students and professionals in biological and agricultural sciences, in academia and commerce, as well as those who work in administrative, regulatory and other seed-related areas. So information is presented in an easily accessible format, to meet the needs of this wide range of readers. The contents are alphabetically arranged, fully indexed and cross-referenced, to connect related entries and guide readers to follow their individual pathways through the Encyclopedia.”

With contributions from 110 expert authors worldwide, the editors have created 560 authoritative articles, illustrated with tables, figures, maps, black-and-white and colour photographs, further reading matter and 670 supplementary definitions.

Trevor Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, CABI said: “Here at CABI, we are always extremely interested in books which provide a platform not just to enhance the knowledge and research opportunities of our readers, but to help them be innovative and pioneering in their chosen fields. The Encyclopedia of Seeds is the only publication to cover all the major scientific themes and facets on the subjects of seeds and CABI is extremely excited to be the publisher of this ground-breaking book.”

When launched on October 6 th 2006, CABI will publish The Encyclopedia of Seeds at £185, however a pre-publication price of £140 is being offered. To place an order, please call +44(0)1491 829 400 or email orders@cabi.org quoting NEP or visit http://www.cabi-publishing.org/Bookshop/Index.asp. 

About CABI

CABI is a not-for-profit organisation that improves people's lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Its mission and direction is influenced by its 46 member countries who help guide the activities undertaken as a business. These include scientific publishing, projects and consultancy, information for development and mycological services. CABI's activities contribute directly to achieving Global Development Objectives, particularly those concerned with poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and partnership for development. 

About CABI Publications and Resources

CABI is a world-leading publisher of bibliographic databases, books, and interactive electronic resources aiming to further science and its application to real life. Behind each of our products is a team of subject specialists committed to delivering the most relevant and authoritative information to researchers worldwide. Our expertise includes animal sciences, entomology, plant sciences, environmental sciences, human health, parasitology, mycology, crop protection, rural economics, rural development, and leisure and tourism.

About the Editors  

J. Derek Bewley

Derek's interest in plants was stimulated by excellent teaching in botany at the University of London where he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees. His research interests in the biochemical and molecular aspects of seed biology led him to the Fox Chase Cancer Research Institute in Philadelphia and then to the University of Calgary in the Department of Biology. In 1985 he moved to the University of Guelph where he has been Chair of the Botany Department and Director of the Plant Biology Program. He was recently elected as a University Emeritus Professor, at Guelph .

During his career Derek has received a number of awards including the Gold Medal Award and C.D. Nelson Award of the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.  He is also an ISI Highly Cited author.

Together with Michael Black he has written four highly successful books on the basic science of seeds and they have co-edited one on the more technological aspects. He currently serves as Associate Editor of Seed Science Research and is President of The International Society for Seed Science (ISSS). He has also served in various capacities in the Canadian Society of Plant Physiology, on national and international committees, and as a consultant to the biotech industry and to university research and teaching programs.  

Michael Black

Michael spent almost all of his teaching and research career at the University of London , becoming Professor of Plant Physiology at King's College, where he now holds an Emeritus position. His scientific activities have been in the general area of developmental plant physiology including the effects of light on plant growth and more extensively in seed biology, especially development, germination and dormancy.

In addition to his research papers, Michael includes on his list of publications four well-received books on seed development and germination that he co-authored with Derek Bewley, and one co-edited with Derek, on more applied aspects of seed biology. He has also acted as an editor of two books arising out of the international meetings of the International Society for Seed Science (ISSS) and one covering seed desiccation phenomena.

Michael was founder/editor of the journal Seed Science Research and founder in 1999 of the ISSS. He has served in official positions in learned societies and UK research councils and in the University of London .

Peter Halmer

Peter gained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in biochemistry at the University of Cambridge , after which he specialised in seed physiology research in the University of Calgary, Washington University at St Louis and the University of London .

Peter's 26 year career at Germain's Technology Group (GTG), the international seed enhancements company, included a period as Research Director, during which he directed the company's international scientific and technical development programme. Peter's research activities have been mainly in seed technology and he is currently Chief Scientist at Germain's Technology Group, where he is focussing on new-project development.

Peter has written scientific reviews in books and at conferences, and participates in a range of technical and seed trade industry groups.

Link: http://www.cabi-publishing.org/bookshop/BookDisplay.asp?SubjectArea=Pla&Subject=Biotechnology%2C+Plant+Breeding+and+Genetic+Resources&PID=1870