ABSTRACT
Seeds, after dispersal, are autonomous and exposed to the hazards of the environments. They have a strong protective covering with cuticle, waxy coatings, and seed coat and pericarp with thick-walled lignified or suberised cells. Immature developing seeds and internal components of seeds, the endosperm and embryo or the embryo after removing the seed coat and pericarp, can be processed like any other soft material. Dry seeds need to be softened for any histological study. Seeds are usually soaked in water, but prolonged soaking of infected seeds at room temperature or temperature congenial for revival and growth of the pathogen may enable the pathogen to spread to new areas. Large seeds with a thick seed coat and pericarp should be boiled and, after cooling, the seed coat and pericarp should be separated from the rest of the seed components. Usually paraffin-embedded seeds and seed parts are used for histopathological investigations of seeds infected by microorganisms other than viruses.
