The Brazilian production of horticultural crops is, for most of the species, enough to supply the national demand and, recently, processed and "in natura" produce have been exported. Seeds of several species have been imported due to habits of consumer and producer as well as lack of technology in plant breeding and seed production. Due to the continental dimension of the country, with diverse agricultural, social and econonical regions, research in horticultural seed production is necessary for several species. These investigations should be directed towards plant breeding, seed development, seed harvesting, drying and extraction, seed treatment and storage, seed quality control and, finally, economics of seed production. However, the National Research Program in Horticultural Seeds must emphasize plant breeding and seed production know-how for tropical and subtropical areas.