Understanding the dynamics of seed drying, moisture hysteresis and their consequent impact on seed viability is a necessity for making informed, effective decisions regarding seed lots stored commercially or in genebanks.

The new research findings contribute to protecting genetic diversity and managing seed collections more efficiently. Even small adjustments to existing protocols can result in substantial benefits. Therefore, this study will directly contribute to enhancing seed conservation efforts, better managing companies' seed lots, and ultimately, strengthening agricultural resilience in the face of world population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Agroecology (AU Flakkebjerg), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 2 pm
Place: Building 7613, room C101, Lecture Theatre, Department of Agroecology (AU Flakkebjerg), Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, Slagelse 4200
Title of PhD thesis: Seed Quality and Moisture Relations

Contact information: Shabnam Rezaei, e-mail: Shabnam.rezaei@agro.au.dk

Members of the assessment committee:
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Kent J. Bradford, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California-Davis, USA

Associate Professor Sara Mira, Biotechnology-Plant Biology Department, Technical University of Madrid, Spain

Senior Researcher (chair) Henrik Skovgård. Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Senior Researcher Fiona R. Hay, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor:
Research Director Julia Buitink, Research for Agriculture, Food and Environment, INRAE, University of Angers, France

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.