Course

Syllabus

Practical

Seed and its type- concept seed quality – genetic principles of seed production – agronomical principles of seed production – generation system of seed multiplication – SMR, SRR and VRR – breeder seed production system in India – seed production planning – seed certification system in India – seed certification for export and import – isolation requirement for seed production in cereal pulse, oil seeds and vegetable crops – method of taking field count during quality seed production – maturity indices of different crops- seed extraction procedures – Seed processing equipment and grading – seed sampling and sampling procedure – physical purity test – seed germination test and seedling evaluation – viability test – Seed vigour testing- Seed health testing (Blotter method) – seed moisture estimation – Electrical conductivity test for seed vigour – genetic purity test – Visit to a seed processing plant/seed testing laboratory/seed certification office

Objectives

1. To understand the principles and practices of quality seed production, seed certification, and seed multiplication systems for agricultural and horticultural crops.

2. To develop practical skills in seed processing, seed sampling, and laboratory seed quality testing using standard procedures and equipment.

3. To evaluate seed quality parameters and interpret test results to support quality assurance and certification in the seed industry.

Course Outcome:

Any student who has undergone the course shall be able to:

Suggested Readings

1. Agarwal, R.L. (2015). Seed Technology (2nd Ed.). Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

2. Copeland, L.O. and McDonald, M.B. (2001). Principles of Seed Science and Technology (4th Ed.). Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston.

3. Vanangamudi, K., Srimathi, P., Natarajan, N. and Bhaskaran, M. (2010). Seed Science and Technology. New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi.

4. Justice, O.L. and Bass, L.N. (1978). Principles and Practices of Seed Storage. Castle House Publications Ltd., London.

5. Basra, A.S. (Ed.) (2006). Handbook of Seed Science and Technology. Food Products Press, New York.

6. International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). (Latest Edition). International Rules for Seed Testing. ISTA, Bassersdorf, Switzerland.

7. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. (Latest Edition). Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS). Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, New Delhi.

8. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Seeds Act, 1966; Seeds Rules, 1968; and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 (Latest Amendments).

9. OECD. (Latest Edition). OECD Seed Schemes: Rules and Directions. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris.