Seeds! The Diversity of Wonder

Now Available for Viewing!

Join Iowa State University Seed Science Center on a journey around the world to discover the grand collaboration between nature and humanity to feed, clothe, and beautify the world! This six-part series film was developed to engage and inspire youth, the public, and policymakers on the beauty and value of seeds to society. This film was made possible by a financial gift from an anonymous donor. 

 

      Part 6 - A day without seeds   


Part 1: The Seed Artist

Seeds travel the world by wind, water, birds and many other ways.  These travel designs can be surprisingly intricate.  Artist and photographer Robert Llewellyn is fascinated with seeds.  So much so that he has turned his talent and camera to capturing the art of seeds and their dispersion. Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 

 

 


Part 2: The Seed Pioneers

Each October, presidents, prime ministers, cabinet officials, and other dignitaries from around the world travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for an event that honors the fundamental of life: food.   The World Food Prize was started by Norman Borlaug, an Iowa farm boy who is credited with saving millions of lives by helping farmers around the globe increase their yields through improved seeds. Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 

 


Part 3: Let Seed be Thy Medicine

In Zambia, white maize is eaten in every meal.  But while it grows well in the region, it lacks the key nutrient, vitamin A.  A deficiency of this essential nutrient has left over half the population with weak immune systems, stunted growth, and night blindness.  This has led scientists to explore how breeding this vitamin into the seed used by the Zambians could help end what is known as “hidden hunger.” Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 

 


Part 4: A Day Without Seeds

Imagine a day without seeds.  That day would not start with cotton sheets on your bed, or a steaming hot cup of coffee.  Both of those begin with seeds. From fuel to food, our society is dependent on seeds in many ways you may not even realize.  A Day Without Seeds is the Bronze winner of the 2019 Telly Awards. Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 


Part 5: The Seed Bank

An intricate network of seed vaults exist around the globe to ensure the continuation of plant life and to preserve the genetic material of seeds.  We’ll take you on a journey that spans from the “doomsday” vault deep under the surface of a Norwegian island to the “Fort Knox” of seeds in Colorado to the Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa. Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 

 


Part 6: The Seeds of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a uniquely diverse region for cultivated crops.  While many parts of the world specialize in just a handful of crops, Andhra Pradesh is home to over 200 different varieties.  Farmers are the lifeblood of this region.  A good crop starts with good seed, which increases yield and decreases use of pesticides.  That is why the government has made access to quality seed a top priority. Watch the video. Download the reflection sheet.

 

 


Part 7: The Seed Pandemic

Seeds are vital for agriculture, representing renewal and civilization. A new virus, the tomato brown rugose fruit virus, emerged in 2018, threatening tomato crops globally. It spreads rapidly, especially in greenhouses, and infected fruit becomes inedible. The industry faces challenges with no cure or resistant varieties available. Iowa State University created testing methods and prevention strategies to manage this threat, while the COVID-19 pandemic complicated efforts. Watch the video.

 


Click here to view the whole movie.  

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A Pierce Mill Media Production

David Patterson Lambert pictured on the left

This film is dedicated to the life and legacy of David Patterson Lambert (pictured on the right)


For more information contact:

Iowa State University Seed Science Center

seedsci@iastate.edu 

515-296-5386