Textbook Of Seed Science & Technology

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A Text Book of Seed Science and Technology
Seed Science and Technology is the science of new discipline which deals with the principles and methods of production of Quality Seed and improving the quality of the seed by various seed enhancement techniques starting from sowing till the storage. The Importance of Seed Quality can be felt by the proverb “what are known as Seeds of Hope may turn into Seed of Frustration if Quality is not maintained”.
The Multidisciplinary development of the subject has necessitated an up to-date knowledge of this aspect of science in order to truly comprehense synthesis of the whole field of seed. The splendid growth of this science has catered to the development of related areas viz., Biology, Physiology and Biochemistry which has direct and indirect impact on Seed Science and Technology.
 
 
The chapters of this book have been formulated to help the reader in acquiring the knowledge of Seed Technology starting from Seed Biology to seed Processing and care is taken to cover the basic and fundamental aspects of Seed Technology. It also includes the area of applied science and covers the area of seed legislation, law governing the seed production and marketing of the produced seeds.

Preface

Seed Technology is an interdisciplinary science dealing with superior crop varieties, their evaluation and release, Seed Production, Seed Processing, Seed Storage, Seed Testing Seed certification, Seed Quality control, Seed Marketing and Distribution. For achieving increased seed production “Quality seed” is one of the basic and cheapest inputs.
Government of India passed seed act during 1966, to make available right quality of seed to the Indian farmers in adequate quantities at reasonable price in time. The value of pure improved seed can hardly be over emphasized. To ensure this elaborate seed programme, Government of India established the National Seed Corporation, State Seed Corporation and State Seed Certification Agency.
The present book entitled “A Text book of Seed Science and Technology” has been prepared to fulfil the course requirement of Seed Technology for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as the seed farmers and those who are interested in seed business.
The authors acknowledge with thanks the University authorities for granting permission to write and publish this book. The authors are also thankful o the teacher colleagues who provided constructive and well-intended criticisms well as suggestions for new inclusions, while preparing this manuscript. The uthors wish to thank their family members and friends for their constant help nd encouragement in bringing out this publication.
Useful suggestions and healthy criticisms to improve the book will be welcome and thankfully acknowledged.

Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Seed Structure and Development
3. Seed Multiplication
4. Seed Quality
5. Seed Production Technology
– Paddy
– Sorghum
– Bajra
– Maize
– Blackgram
– Soyabean
– Cowpea
– Redgram
– Groundnut
– Sunflower
– Castor
– Gingelly
– Tomato
– Brinjal
– Chilli
– Bhendi
– Gourds
6. Hybrid Seed Production Techniques
7. Post Harvest Technology for Seed Crop
8. Seed Processing
9. Seed Testing
– Sampling
– Determination of Heterogeneity
– Purity analysis
– Germination Test
– Seedling Evaluation
– Quick Test for Viability
– Estimation of Seed Moisture
– Grow Out Test
– Seed Health Test
10. Seed Storage
11. Seed Certification
12. Seed Legislation
13. Seed Village
Bibligraphy
Introduction
Seed technology is defined as “that discipline of study having t.o do with seed production, maintenance quality and preservation (Cowan, 1973).
Feistritzer (1975) has defined seed technology as the method through which the genetic and physical characteristic of seeds could be improved. It involves such activities as variety development, evaluation and release, seed production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control and seed marketing etc.
So seed technology in widest sense, includes development of superior crop plant varieties, their evaluation and release, seed production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control, seed marketing, seed distribution and the related research on these aspects,
The major goal of seed technology is to increase agricultural production through the spread of good quality seeds of high yielding varieties. To achieve this goal, the quality seeds must be rapidly multiplied and supplied to the farmers at proper time with the reasonable price.
Seed quality is the degree of excellence in regard to the physical and genetical characters. High quality seed lots posses high genetic purity and high germination percentage and minimum inert, weed and other crop seed and are free from diseases and pest attack. If it is lacking in any of these qualities, it is said to be low quality seed lots. Only good quality seeds expected to respond well for fertilizers and other inputs used. Among the various inputs, seed is the basic and cheapest input. Good Agriculture depends on the multiplication of good quality seeds of high yielding varieties. If quality is not maintained it proves the words of Sudir sen as “what are known as seeds of hope may turn into seeds of frustration”.
Significance of a good quality seed
– Good quality seeds of improved varieties ensure higher yield atleast10-12%
– Ensures genetic and physical purity of the crops
– Gives desired plant population
– Able to withstand the adverse conditions much better
– Seedlings will be more vigourous, fast growing and can resist pest and disease incidence to certain extent
– Ensures uniform growth and maturity
– Development of root system will be more efficient that aids absorption of nutrients efficiently and result in higher yield.
– It will respond well to added fertilizer and other inputs.
Goal of seed technology
1. Rapid multiplication
2. Timely supply
3. Assured high quality seed
4. Reasonable price
In brief the role of seed technology in Agriculture sector is timely supply of quality seeds for reasonable price.
Characteristics of good quality seed
1. Improved variety : The variety must be superior to existing ones. It must be the latest variety suited to the area in regard to the production potential and other desirable characteristics.
2. Genetic purity : Genetic purity of seeds refer to trueness to type. If the seed possesses all the genetic qualities that breeder has placed in the variety, it is said to be genetically pure.
3. Physical purity : Physical purity of a seed lot refers to the physical composition of seed lots. Freedom from inert matter, broken grains, soil and dust particles, chaff etc., so also weed seeds and other crop seeds.
4. Seed germination and vigour :
Seed germination refers to ability of a seed when planted under normal sowing conditions to give rise to a normal seedling. Vigour refers to potential of the seed to give rise into a normal plant under wide range of environmental conditions.
5. Planting value :
Planting value is the real worth of a seed lot for raising the crop. It is determined by calculating pure live seed percentage
6. Seed health
Health of seed refers to the presence or absence of disease organisms /insect pests on seeds.
7. Seed moisture
Seed moisture is the most critical factor in the maintenance of seed germination and viability during storage.
8. Seed size, weight and specific gravity
The seed size, weight and its specific gravity has been found to have positive correlation with seed germination and vigour in many crops.
9. Seed colour
Seed colour often reflects the conditions during seed maturation. Good normal colour and shine are the indications for good quality seed.
Differences between Seed and Grain
Seed
It should be a viable and vigorous one It should be physically and genetically pure Should satisfy minimum seed certification standards
It can be treated with pesticide /fungicide to protect seed against storage pests and fungi
Respiration rate and other physiological and biological processes should be kept at low level during storage
Should be compulsorily certified production
It should satisfy all the quality norms
Seed can be utilized as grain provided if it is not treated with poisonous chemicals
Grain
Need not be a viable one No such requirement
No need of certification
It should never be treated with any chemicals, since used for consumption
No such specifications are required.
No such condition in grain
No such quality norm is required
Grain never can be converted into seed.
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