Seeds and their importance in the quantitative and qualitative production of agricultural products

Humans understanding of the role of seeds dates back tens of thousands of years, when humans realized that if a grain produced by a wheat plant falls into the soil, it will grow and develop into a similar plant. Then, in the Neolithic era, they gradually realized the primary role of seeds and found the ability to produce crops within their own living space. They stopped traveling long distances to obtain food to some extent, and settlement and seclusion became common, and civilizations and cities were formed. It can be said that one of the most important reasons for the formation of civilizations was the knowledge of seeds.

After that, over the years, he learned to plant, grow, and harvest agricultural products, and it took thousands of years for him to be able to think about the role of seeds, become aware of the importance of seeds, and be able to distinguish between them and make a selection and choice between seeds.
Perhaps this is how exemplary farmers emerged, understood the importance of seeds in production, and engaged in the seed trade.

Centuries passed until, in the late 18th century, Mendel and then in the early 19th century, other scientists discovered how traits were inherited in the pea plant, and the first steps were taken in identifying the hereditary reserves in the seed.

Humans were able to genetically modify plants and change the genetic structure of plants as desired. Produce high-yielding, quality-oriented plants that are adaptable to different climates and agricultural conditions.

Today, humanity is increasingly aware of the importance of seeds and these genetic reserves of the world for the lives of humans and other creatures, and is using new methods to modify the genetic structure of plants in order to create security in providing food.

Although such activities damage plant biodiversity, scientists strive to preserve and protect the world's diverse and valuable genetic resources in various ways and by creating plant gene banks.

In a simple definition, it can be said that a seed refers to a part of a plant of interest in agriculture and horticulture that can lead to the propagation and reproduction of that plant. In agriculture, a seed refers to any part of a plant that can produce another generation of the same plant. They say.

Seeds vary greatly in terms of physical characteristics such as color, shape, size, biochemical, physiological properties, etc.

In modern agriculture, seeds are a factor in transferring technological innovation based on scientific agriculture to farmers. So that they can exploit the genetic potential of new varieties.

Seeds are considered one of the important inputs for sustainable production. Considering the role of farmers' technical knowledge, the importance of modified seeds adapted to different climatic conditions and cultivation environments in increasing production can vary from 30% to 50%.

Currently, in Iran, like in other countries, programs are being carried out to produce and develop the cultivation of modified varieties in dry and irrigated lands and different climates of the country. Considering the technical knowledge and efforts of activists in the field of modified seed production, it has led to an increase in the quantity and quality of various agricultural products and plays a very valuable role in achieving food security in our country.