Seed Science and Technology. Volume 52 Issue 1 (2024)

Abstract

As the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2024, we can also commend its specific role in supporting research on seeds. Indeed, one of ISTA's objectives is " To actively promote research and dissemination of knowledge in seed science and technology, for the sampling, testing, storing, processing and distribution of seeds". One of the main ways in which scientific knowledge of seeds is disseminated by ISTA is through its scientific journal, Seed Science and Technology, which itself celebrated its 50th volume in 2022 with a special issue of review articles and editorial (Jones, 2022). The review articles covered some of the history of research on particular aspects of seed testing, and gave up-to-date summaries of our current understanding of topics such as vigour, seed storage, tetrazolium testing, etc. Collectively, they cite many original research papers published in Seed Science and Technology. Since 2003, Seed Science and Technology has been available electronically at https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ista/sst, and articles published since 2018 are open-access, meaning that they are available for anyone to read for free. The 1973 to 2002 back issues of SST are available from ISTA at publication. sales@ista.ch. The articles in this latest issue of SST will similarly each advance our understanding of seed processes and responses, continuing to contribute to the body of knowledge on seeds. The authors of the articles in this issue cover different regions of the world, emphasising the global nature of seed science and the ISTA community.