Two public workshops on plant biotechnology will be held this week at UC Davis, sponsored by the campus's Seed Biotechnology Center and University Extension. The conferences will focus on the role of seed biotechnology in increasing both crop yield and nutritional quality. Genetically altered seeds are being explored for their potential to withstand diseases and insects, with less use of agricultural chemicals. And, nutritional improvements developed through biotechnology are expected to have a major impact on future food quality. The first conference, "Basics of Plant Biotechnology for Business Professionals," will be held Monday, March 13. Participants will learn what biotechnology is and how it is used for crop improvement. This workshop will give an overview of the techniques and terminology of plant biotechnology and describe applications in breeding, seed production and new-product development. Consumer concerns related to the use of plant biotechnology in agriculture also will be discussed. The second workshop, "Seed Biology, Production and Quality," will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, March 14-15. This course will present the scientific background for production, handling, storage and quality control procedures in the seed industry. Participants will learn about the entire life cycle of seeds from flowering and pollination through seed development, harvesting, conditioning, storage, enhancement and germination. Both programs, taught by Kent Bradford, director of the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center, will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Club on Old Davis Road.