Principles of Seed Technology
Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Seed development, maturation and chemical composition 3. Concept of seed quality and factors affecting it 4. Seed-borne diseases 5. Insects during production and storage 6. Nematodes associated with seeds 7. Seed production and certification 8. Seed processing 9. Tetrazolium test for seed viability 10. Seed testing 11. Seed storage and packaging 12. Cultivar purity test 13. Indian seed legislation 14. References
Advances in plant breeding have led to the development of high-yielding varieties of different crops. When a new and superior cultivar is developed and released for cultivation it is important that its seeds be multiplied and made available to farmers. The use of new varieties is a valuable way for obtaining higher yields as seeds are the cheapest input in modern agriculture. Seeds of improved varieties should be (i) true to type, (ii) having high germination percentage and high vigour, (iii) physically pure (iv) free from seed-borne diseases and (v) chemically treated.
Production and delivery of seeds of improved varieties having the desired quality attributes is a highly technical and exacting task and is different than that of evolution of varieties through plant-breeding techniques. It calls for a constant vigil, high level of management and a technically and financially sound organization. The scientific production, processing, storage, distribution and maintenance of essential seed-quality attributes at all the stages of seed multiplication are the activities which are included in the broad discipline of seed science and technology. The bulletin contains information on these aspects of seed technology.
The bulletin Principles of Seed Technology has been written for those who want to have a preliminary knowledge of seed science and technology. The undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture may also find it of help. Even the production and certification staff working in various states will find it useful.
Advances in plant breeding have led to the development of high-yielding varieties of different crops. When a new and superior cultivar is developed and released for cultivation it is important that its seeds be multiplied and made available to farmers. The use of new varieties is a valuable way for obtaining higher yields as seeds are the cheapest input in modern agriculture. Seeds of improved varieties should be (i) true to type, (ii) having high germination percentage and high vigour, (iii) physically pure (iv) free from seed-borne diseases and (v) chemically treated.
Production and delivery of seeds of improved varieties having the desired quality attributes is a highly technical and exacting task and is different than that of evolution of varieties through plant-breeding techniques. It calls for a constant vigil, high level of management and a technically and financially sound organization. The scientific production, processing, storage, distribution and maintenance of essential seed-quality attributes at all the stages of seed multiplication are the activities which are included in the broad discipline of seed science and technology. The bulletin contains information on these aspects of seed technology.
The bulletin Principles of Seed Technology has been written for those who want to have a preliminary knowledge of seed science and technology. The undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture may also find it of help. Even the production and certification staff working in various states will find it useful.
