ABSTRACT
The viable seed is a source of a new plant, a beginning based on inherited parental characteristics. Seeds contain genetic material in compact form that is well protected from extraneous factors. Different horticultural crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops, are propagated by either sexual or asexual reproduction, or by both means. Normally, seeds multiply annuals, whereas vegetative propagation is used in perennial crops. Even in the latter, seeds are used for raising rootstocks and also in breeding programs. Seeds are a viable tool for long-term conservation of genetic di versity because they are easier to handle, practicable, inexpensive, and ca pable of maintaining genetic stability on storage.
