b'The Seed is the ThingExploring seeds in a changing climate.Shel Zolkewich szolkewich@issuesink.comTUCKED INTO Avalley roughly 50 miles southeast ofSeed World (SW): Can you explain how and why the Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Wageningen Universityagricultural economy is so dependent on the seed? & Research (WUR) has a simple but steadfast missiontoLeonie Bentsink (LB): The global seed treatment market was explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. valued at $5.33 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $13.46 The university graduates specialize in life and social sciences,billion by the end of 2025. Our agricultural system is based on focusing their research on scientific, social and commercial chal- the high quality of seeds that is produced.lenges in the field of life sciences and natural resources. Among its robust list of ongoing research projects, the role of the smallSW: How is WUR working to educate people about the but might seed figures prominently.importance of seed?Seed World had the opportunity to speak with LeonieLB: Honestly, there has not been a lot of attention on the Bentsink, a leading researcher at Wageningens Department ofimportance of seeds for a long time. This is currently changing. Plant Sciences. She specializes in molecular genetics, plant physi- Weve just started teaching a new Master of Science course ology, adaptation and seed quality.entitled Seed Science and Technology (54 students enrolled). In I am intrigued by the potential of seeds to survive storage andthis course, students are taught about seeds in a broad sense, to time germination to appropriate moments that allow success- fundamental aspects, but also about seed technology and seed ful establishment of the seedling, Bentsink says. My researchsystems. This course is important for Wageningen University as focuses on fundamental aspects of seed traits, like seed dor- 18% of our plant science students end up in the seed industry. mancy, seed longevity and germination, in relation to their eco- Also weve embarked on a new initiative, called Seeds for the logical importance and application prospective for the industry. Future in which Wageningen University, Wageningen Research and the seed industry aim at tightening bonds and increasing the critical mass on seed science.SW: Can you showcase one completed project and give us the highlights of the results? Perhaps one that you spearheaded?LB: It is difficult to choose. Maybe I can refer to the study most of my current work (and of many other groups worldwide) is based on. With the aim to identify loci (the positions of genes) 44/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2020'