b'FROM OUR DESKVegetable and Flower Seed Vitalto Food and Well-beingITS BEEN Awhirlwind since I began as Seed WorldBeyond economics, theres the essential aspect of U.S. editor just three months ago. The one thing thatnutrition and health. Seeds are the starting point of stands out the most to me is the word relationships.a dietary chain that leads to a healthier population. Ive spent the majority of my short tenure here orient- With increasing focus on plant-based diets, the role ing myself to Seed World Group, networking, travelingof the vegetable seed industry in supporting this shift to some pretty amazing events like ASTA Field Cropbecomes even more pivotal. Its responsibility extends Seed Conference, the Independent Professional Seedto ensuring biodiversity, providing a range of nutritional Association Conference and now the ASTA Vegetableoptions, and making sure that these options are acces-and Flower Conference. Not gonna lie; Ive loved thesible to as many people as possible.AIMEE NIELSON travel and networking and now Im ready to keep myThe flower seed industry is behind the beauty and Editor, Seed World U.S. feet planted firmly here in Kentucky for a few months!environmental health of our environment. While flow- Ive had dozens of virtual and in-person meetingsers are often perceived as merely ornamental, they with so many of you. The thing that strikes me theplay an important role in our ecosystems. They support most is your incredible accessibility and your genu- pollinators, maintain biodiversity and aid in soil conser-ine love of our industry and agriculture. I am lookingvation. Also, the psychological benefits of flowers are forward to following up with you and getting yourwell-documented. In urban environments, with limited feedback, story ideas and generally getting to knowgreen spaces, the presence of flowers can improve you better. mental well-being, reduce stress and promote a sense I want to especially compliment David Armstrong,of community. The flower seed industry is instrumental on our cover, for making time to talk to me during ain creating these places of tranquility and beauty in very busy season of life. David is doing some fantasticincreasingly concrete-dominated landscapes.work at Sakata. We talked about labor challenges, theSome of the topics Im most enthusiastic about U.S. Farm Bill extension, how new breeding technolo- in this issue include university research. We talked to gies foster growth and his vision for ASTA. (page 6) a University of Kentucky professor about a mystery Were focusing much of this months content on thein Arabidopsis plant sperm cells (page 12) and also vegetable and flower sector of the seed industry. Thisdetailed a multi-institutional study about spinach dis-part of the industry is vibrant and thriving, yet even Iease resistance at the molecular level (page 44). Could have taken it for granted in the past. Its easy to marvelLupin be the next powerhouse protein? Find out on at a beautifully laid-out meal or bask in the serenity ofpage 16. Can plant breeders amp-up produce flavor? a blooming garden without giving a second thought(page 26). to the origin of these pleasures. Both begin with a tiny,I hope you enjoy reading about 2023s Top unassuming entity - a seed. Innovations. We received many wonderful entries, and At the core of the vegetable seed industry is anit was very challenging for our team to narrow the field undeniable fact: it feeds us. From humble home gar- from so many that have promise to enrich and better dens to vast commercial farms, seeds are the founda- the seed industry. tion of the food on our plates. This industry doesntAs always, please communicate your feedback, just provide sustenance; its the backbone of a globalstory ideas and industry happenings. Until next timenetwork that supports millions of jobs, from agricul- Its an honor to partner with you,tural workers and researchers to transportation andAimeeSWretail. The economic impact is colossal, yet its some-times understated in discussions of global trade and industry.FEBRUARY 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /5'