Variability and heterogeneity of seeds: theory and practice (review)

The practice of application of terms characterizing the phenomenon of variability and heterogeneity of seeds, fruits and diasporas is given. The ambiguity and inconsistency of some of them is shown. The methods of systematization and typification of seeds of different quality, based on the features and nature of the manifestation of variability of seed characteristics and causes of their causes, are considered. The main directions of practical use of knowledge about seed polymorphism, including to increase seed productivity and optimize the variability of seed parameters in the growing process, are shown. The principles of evaluation and selection of aligned fractions by morphological features correlated with high sowing and productive qualities in the process of seed refinement in the post-harvest period are presented. The morphological and anatomical causes of defects and injuries in the process of drying and processing of seeds as specific indicators of different quality are considered...