Abstract: Seed ecology is the scientific study of the interaction mechanisms between seeds and their environment. In ancient China, a systematic cognitive framework in seed ecology had been established, driven synergistically by the demands of grain production, practices in herbal medicine, the naturalist traditions of literati, fruit cultivation and horticultural technologies, and experiences in famine relief. Classic literature such as “Guan Zi”, “Lüshi Chunqiu”, “Fan Shengzhi Shu”, and “Qi Min Yao Shu” all contain contents of seed ecology. Ancient China’s understanding of seed ecology included seed development, the impact of water and fertilizer, seed abortion, postmaturity ripening, and storage. Ancient China developed mature methods for seed selection, seed health, storage, and sowing, created advanced seed treatment techniques including sun drying, sand storage, and herbal treatment, and had a profound understanding of the scientific principles of water physiology, mineral nutrition, material transport, and storage physiology. Based on empirical cognition, close attention to the impact of natural environment, exploration of the medicinal value of plants, and emphasis on seed diversity, ancient wisdom and modern science were bridged, providing ideas and methods for modern seed ecology.

Key words: seed ecology, China, ancient times, storage, treatment