PRACTICAL MANUAL

PBG. 4.3 (1 + 2)
PRINCIPLES OF SEED
TECHNOLOGY

Fourth Semester B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri.

Prepared by:

Dr. Vaishali Ladumor

Department of Genetics and

Plant Breeding
College of Agriculture
Parul University, Vadodara –
391760.
 PRACTICAL MANUAL
PBG. 4.3 (1 + 2 )
PRINCIPLES OF SEED
TECHNOLOGY

For Fourth Semester B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture

Prepared by
Dr. Vaishali Ladumor

Department of Genetics and

Plant Breeding
College of Agriculture
Parul University, Vadodara –
391760.
 DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
PARUL UNIVERSITY VADODARA – 391 760

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Mr./Ms.

Reg. No. has performed practical’s for Fourth semester B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture

in the course No. PBG. 4.3 Principles of Seed Technology Credits: 1+2 during the academic year

2024-25.

He/She has performed practical’s out of .

University Seat No.

Course teacher External examiner

 INDEX
Sr.
Name of Exercise Page No. Date Sign.
No.

SEED PRODUCTION IN MAJOR CEREALS

1

2 SEED PRODUCTION IN MAJOR PULSES

3 SEED PRODUCTION IN MAJOR

OILSEEDS
4 SEED PRODUCTION IN IMPORTANT
VEGETABLES CROPS

5 SEED SAMPLING

SEED GERMINATION TEST

6

7 PHYSICAL PURITY TEST

8 SEED MOISTURE TEST

9 SEED VIABILITY TEST

10 VISIT TO SEED PRODUCTION FARM

11 VISIT TO SEED TESTING LABORATORIS

12 VISIT TO SEED PROCESSING PLANT

 EXERCISE–1
SEES PRODUCTION IN MAJOR CEREALS

1. SEED PRODUCTION IN WHEAT:

Wheat (Triticum aestivum)is one of the important food grain crops of India
belonging to the family Gramineae. Wheat is a primary important cereal in Asia. Seed
production can be taken up during October - February in rainfed areas and in mid
November-March /April in irrigated areas.
1. Method of seed production
Wheat is a self-pollinated crop with cross- pollination to the extent of 0 – 4%. The
crop should be raised in isolation and seeds are allowed to set by open-pollination. To
maintain the varietal purity an isolation distance of 3 metres is maintained in both
certified and foundation stages of seed production.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with the same crop in the previous season.
Land should be free of volunteer plants. Land should be fertile with good irrigation
and drainage facilities and with neutral pH.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Seeds used for seed production should be of good quality certified seeds from an
authentic source. Seeds should be healthy, uniform in size and free from the insect or
disease attack and with good germination percentage. Seed rate is 35 – 40 kg/ acre (85
- 100 kg/ha).
5. Nutrient management
During final ploughing farm yard manure @ 5 – 6 tonnes/acre (12 – 15 tonnes/ha)
should be applied and incorporated into the soil. Mix 800 gms/acre (2 kg/ha) of
Pseudomonas or Aspergillus with farmyard manure or compost @325–
400kgs/acre(800–1000kg/ha) or vermicompost @ 200–400kg/acre (500–1000 kg/ha)
and apply to the soil before sowing. Applyneemcake/pongamcake/castorcake/
groundnut cake @ 60 – 80 kg/acre (150 – 200 kg/ha) for increased production. Apply
Jeevamrut @ 200 litres/acre (500 litres/ha) along with irrigation water during first
four irrigations for good crop growth.
6. Weed management
Weeding is important during early stages of cultivation. Manual weeding is most
preferred under organic management. For rain-fed crops two manual weeding is
 enough. For irrigated crops a minimum of three weeding during20-25days, 40–
45daysand60–65daysafter sowing is essential.
7. Irrigation
First irrigation is done before sowing since the seeds should be sown in irrigated wet
soil. Crop should be irrigated at 10-20 days interval. Irrigation during tillering to
flowering and panicle initiation stage to heading are very critical. This determines
the quality of the seeds.

8. Pest and disease management

Wheat is commonly affected by pests and diseases like termites, armyworms, brown
wheat mite, aphids, jassids, rust, smut, kernel bunt etc., at different growth stages.

9. Roguing
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase to harvesting phase. The seed
production field should be checked for off-types and diseased plants and rogued off.
Major roguing is done before flowering stage to assure the genetic purity of the seeds.
Off-types are identified by plant type, plant height, days for flowering, leaf colour,
panicle shape and colour of glumes etc. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted
at the final inspection is 0.050% for foundation seed production and 0.20% for
certified seed production.

10. Field inspection

A minimum of two field inspections should be done between flowering and
harvesting stages by the Seed Certification Officer. During inspection parameters
such as isolation requirement, off- types, volunteer plants, diseased plants etc., are
checked.
11. Harvesting
Harvest is done soon after the maturation of the seeds that turns from green to straw
yellow in colour. Earheads should be harvested when the seeds attain maximum
physiological maturity. Irrigation to the seed plot should be with held at this point to
facilitate the drying of the crop/ seeds. Crop should be harvested with their panicles
intact.
12. Seed standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of the certified and foundation seeds
should be 98% with a minimum of 80% of germination capacity and 8 - 13% of
moisture content. The presence of inert and husk less seeds should not exceed 2.0%.

Answer the following quations:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for wheat crop.
2. Wright wheat basic informations:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean wheat open spikelet flower and label it
 2. SEED PRODUCTION IN RICE:

Paddy (Oryza sativa) is a well known cereal belonging to the family Gramineae. It is
the second important cereal next to wheat in Asia. It is a staple food for more than60% of the
population. Paddy seed production canbe taken up in all the seasons like December -
January, April - May, May - June, June - July, July – August and September – October.
1. Method of seed production
Paddy is a self-pollinated crop with cross- pollination to the extent of 0 – 4%. The crop
should be raised in isolation and seeds are allowed to set by open-pollination. To
maintain the varietal purity an isolation distance of 3 metres is maintained in both
certified and foundation stage of seed production. If isolation by space is not possible
then the time isolation of 21 days can begien. Barrier is olation with polythene sheets of 2
metres height or barrier crops like sesbania, sugarcane and maize covering a distance of 3
metres would also serve the purpose.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with the same crop in the previous season.
This standard requirement is applicable for both nursery and main field. Land should be
free of volunteer plants. Land should be fertile with good irrigation and drainage facilities
and with good sunlight and aeration.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Seeds used for the seed production should be of good quality certified seeds from an
authentic source. Seeds should be healthy with good germination percentage. Seed rate is 60
kg/acre (150 kg/ha). Quality seeds can be separated from unviable seeds by soaking in water.
5. Nursery preparation
To raise seedlings for one hectare of land 800 m2 of nursery bed is required. The nursery
bed should be ploughed for four times and then spread with neem leaves. Neem leaves
should be allowed to decay in the water for 6 – 7 days. After that the land should again be
ploughed for four times and leveled. Neem leaves can be substituted with neem cake (8 -
10 kg) or vermicompost (10 – 15 kg). It has to be added and incorporated into the soil
during the last plough. Then seeds are sown on a leveled nursery bed. Leaves of
Adhatoda vasica can be incorporated into the soil while preparing the nursery. This will
increase the soil fertility, act as an insecticide and render the easy uprooting of the
seedlings.
6. Nutrient management
During final ploughing cow dung 5 – 6 tonnes/ acre (12 – 15 tonnes/ha) / goat dung 5
tonnes/ acre (12.5 tonnes/ha) / poultry waste 2 tonnes/ acre
(5tonnes/ha)/pigdung1tonne/acre (2.5 tonnes/ha) can be applied and incorporated into the
soil. To meet the nitrogen need biofertilizers like Azospirillum / Azotobacter /
Phosphobacteria are also used.
7. Weed management
Weeding should be done manually and the weeds removed should be trampled into the
field for the conservation of nutrients and for organic matter as mulch. The first weeding
should be done at 15 – 20 days after transplanting.
8. Irrigation
Water is stagnated in the field at a depth of 2 – 5 cm till the transplanted seedlings are
well established. Then 5 cm of water is maintained up to the dough grain stage of the
crop (the stage when the milky portion of the grain turns in to soft dough). Flooding is
not necessary if the field is saturated with rains. In this case irrigation should be done
during initial seedling period covering about10days,duringtilleringtoflowering, a critical
stage and panicle initiation stage to flowering (heading).
9. Rouging
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase to harvesting phase. The seed production
field should be checked and off-types and diseased plants should be removed. Major
roguing is done before flowering stage to assure the genetic purity of the seeds. Off-types
are identified by plant type, plant height, days taken for flowering, leaf colour, flag leaf
shape, panicle shape and colour of glumes etc. Maximum percentage of off-types
permitted at the final inspection is 0.050% for foundation seed production and 0.20% for
certified seed production.
10. Field Inspection
A minimum of two field inspections should be done from flowering to harvesting stage
by the Seed Certification Officer. During inspection parameters such as isolation
requirement, off- types, volunteer plants, diseased plants etc., are checked.
11. Harvesting
Harvest is done soon after the maturation of the seeds that turns from green to straw
yellow colour. Ear heads should be harvested when the seeds have attained the
maximum physiological maturity i.e., 90% of the seeds are straw yellow in colour.
Irrigation to the seed plot should be withheld at this point as it delays the drying of
theplants/seeds. Plant should be harvested with their panicles intact.
12. Seed Standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should be
98% with a minimum of 80% of germination capacity and 8 - 13% of moisture content.
The presence of inert and husk less seeds should not exceed 2.0% and other crop seeds,
other distinguishable varieties and weed seeds should not be more than 10 Nos/kg for
foundation and 20 Nos/kg for certified seeds.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for rice crop.

2. Wright rice basic information:

Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean rice open spikelet flower and label it
3.SEED PRODUCTION IN MAIZE:

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the well known major millet belonging to the family
Gramineae. The best season for seed production is November – December. Seed setting
should not coincide with rains for quality and effective seed setting. The temperature of 37oc
is favourable for seed setting.
1. Method of seed production
Maize is a highly cross-pollinated crop. Seeds are allowed to set by open pollination in
isolation. The isolation distance maintained between the varieties is 200 metres for
certified and 400 meteres for foundation seed production. The spacing between the plants
should be 45 x 10 cm.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The selected land should be free from volunteer plants. The land should not be cultivated
with same crop in the previous season. Land should be fertile with good drainage facility.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Good quality certified seeds should be obtained from an authentic source.Seeds should be
healthy with good germination percentage. Seed rate is4 kg/acre (10 kg/ha). Selected
seeds should be treated with Azospirillum @ 60 gms/kg of seeds. The seeds are sown in
ridges and furrows at a depthof4cmasoneseedperholealongthesides of the ridges. The
spacing between the plants should be 45 x 10 cm.
5. Nutrient management
Before final ploughing compost or farmyard manure@5tonnes/acre(12.5tonnes/ha)should
be applied and ploughed into the soil. Instead of this cattle penning can also be practiced.
50 kg neem cake and 500 kg vermin compost per acre (125 kg neem cake and 1250 kg
vermin compost hectare) should be applied as basal manure.
6. Weed management
Hoeing and hand weeding should be done on the 17th or 18th day after sowing.
7. Irrigation
The irrigation should be done once a week after life irrigation on the third day of sowing.
Irrigation during silk formation stage and milky stage of cob are very critical.
8. Pest and disease management
Maize is affected by pests like stem borer, aphids, corn worm and diseases like leaf spot,
charcoal stalk rot and stem blight at different growth stages.
 9. Rouging
Roguing should be done to remove the unwanted plants, off-types and diseased plants
from the seed production field. Roguing is done based on the leaf wateriness, tassel
colour ,cob shape, stem and silk colour, number of leaves, presence and absence of
auricle etc. To avoid genetic contamination detasselling should be done perfectly without
shedding tassel. Detasselling should be done when the tassel is well out of the boot leaf
but before the anthers shed their pollen. It should be done daily upto14 days from
anthesis. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted at the final inspection is
0.01%forfoundationseedproductionand0.05% for certified seed production.
10. Field Inspection
In maize a minimum of four field inspections should be conducted between vegetative
and harvesting stages by the Seed Certification Officer. First inspection is done during
the vegetative stage before flowering to check the parameters like isolation requirement,
off-types, volunteer plants and diseased plants. Second to fourth inspection is scheduled
between flowering to maturation stage to check off-types, isolation distance and other
relevant factors.
11. Harvesting
Seeds attain physiological maturation 45 days after flowering. The physiological
maturation can be visually identified by darkening of the silk and the drying up of the
husk to yellow. The cobs of the male plant should be harvested first and removed from
the field before the harvesting of the female cobs.
12. Seed Standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should
be98% with a minimum of 80% of germination capacity and 8 - 12% of moisture
content. The presence of inert matter should not exceed 2.0%.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for maize crop.
2. Wright maize basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean maize open spikelet flower and label it
4. SEED PRODUCTION IN SORGHUM

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is one of the important major millet belonging to the
family Gramineae. The best season for seed production is November–December. The
pollination should not coincide with rains. Rains prevent quality and effective seed
setting. The temperature of 37oc is favourable for seed setting.
1. Method of seed production
Sorghum is often a cross-pollinated crop and seeds are allowed to set by open-pollination
in isolation. The crop should be raised in isolation of 200 meters for foundation and 100
meters for certified seed production to maintain the varietal purity. Time isolation is not
permitted. The spacing between the plants should be 45 x 15 cm.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should be free from volunteer plants and wild grass varieties like
Johnson grass, sudan grass and other forage types. The land should not be cultivated with
the same crop in the previous season. Land should be fertile with good drainage facility.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Seeds used for the seed production should be of good quality certified seeds from an
authentic source. Seeds should be healthy with good germination percentage. Seed rate is
3 kg/acre (7.5 kg/ha) for irrigated crop (transplanted) and for direct sown rainfed and
irrigated are 6kg/acre (15kg/ha)and 4kg/acre(10kg/ha),respectively. In cultivation
through transplantation, the duration of the crop is reduced by10days and the seed rate is
also reduced by 1 kg/acre (2.5 kg/ha).
5. Nutrient management
Before final ploughing compost or farmyard manure @ 5tonnes/acre (12.5tonnes/ha)
should be applied and ploughed into the soil. Instead of this cattle penning can also be
practiced. 50 kg neem cake and 500 kg vermin compost per acre (125 kg neem cake and
1250 kg vermin compost per hectare) should be applied as basal manure. After first
weeding at 20–25 days after sowing first top dressing should be done using enriched
vermi compost (2 kg Azospirillum, 2 kg Phosphobacteriumand 2 liters Panchagavya
mixed with 250 kg vermi compost and kept covered for a week and then used) @ 250
kg/ acre (600 kg/ha) followed by the second top dressing at 40–45days after sowing
using 25 kg neem cake and 250 kg vermin compost per acre (60 kg neem cake and 600
kg vermicompost per hectare). During flower initiation stage 10% tender coconut
solution (1 litre tender coconut water + 9 litres of water) should be sprayed.
6. Weed management
Sorghum is slow growing in the early stages and is adversely affected by weeds. Hence,
 the field should be maintained weed free up to 45 days. Hoe or hand weeding on the
10th day of transplanting is a must. Hoe or hand weeding between 30 – 35 days after
transplanting and between 35 – 40 days for a direct sown crop is necessary.
7. Irrigation
The crop should be irrigated once a week to increase the percentage of seed setting.
Irrigation during primordial initiation, vegetative, milky and maturity stages are very
critical. When irrigation during critical stages are withheld that will result in poor seed
setting and reduced size of the seeds.
8. Pest and disease management
Sorghum is affected by pests like shoot fly, stem borer, sorghum midge, ear head bug
and diseases like kernel smut, head smut, downy mildew, rust and grain mold at
different growth stages of the crop.
9. Roguing
Roguing should be done in the vegetative phase. Off-types and volunteer plants should
be uprooted and removed before they start shedding pollen. Off-types are identified
based on the plant height, leaf shape, leaf colour, stem pigmentation, days for flowering
etc. Rogue other plants like Johnson grass, sudan grass, forage plants and diseased
plants of kernel smut and head smut. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted at the
final inspection is 0.01% for foundation seed production and 0.05% for certified seed
production.
10. Field inspection
A minimum of three field inspections should be done between vegetative and harvesting
stages by the Seed Certification Officer. First inspection is done during the vegetative
stage to check isolation requirement, off-types, volunteer plants and diseased plants.
Second inspection is done during the flowering stage to check off-types, isolation and
other relevant factors. The third inspection should be scheduled at the time of maturity
prior to harvest to check for designated diseases, true nature of plants, head and seed.
11. Harvesting
Seeds attain physiological maturity 40 – 45 days after 50% flowering. A black layer
formed over the seeds is a sign to confirm the physiological maturation of the seeds.
After confirming the maturity the earheads should be harvested. At this time the
moisture content would be around 20 – 25%.
12. Seed standards
The percentage of maximum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should be
98% with a minimum of 75% of germination capacity and 8 - 13% of moisture content.
The presence of inert matter and huskless seeds should not exceed 2.0% and other
distinguishable varieties and weed seeds should not be more than 10/kg for foundation
and 20/kg for certified seeds.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for sorghum crop.
2. Wright sorghum basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean sorghum open spikelet flower and label it
5. SEED PRODUCTION IN PEARL MILLET

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is widely grown millet variety belonging to the
family Gramineae. The best season for seed production is October - December. The
temperature favourable for seed setting is 37o c. The pollination should not coincide with
rains. Rain affect effective seed setting and production of quality seeds.
1. Method of seed production
Bajra is a highly cross-pollinated crop with 80% of cross-pollination. The crop should be
raised in isolation and seeds should be allowed to set by open-pollination. The isolation
distance maintained between the varieties is 400 metres for foundation seed and 200
meters for certified seed production.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The selected land should be fertile and free from volunteer plants. The land should not be
cultivated with the same crop in the previous season. If cultivated, it should be of same
variety and duly certified by the seed certification agency.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Seeds used for seed production should be of good quality certified seeds from an
authentic source. Seeds should be healthy with good germination percentage. Use only
graded seeds. Remove the seeds affected with Ergot and Sclerotia to prevent primary
infection. Seed rate is 3 kg/acre (8 kg/ ha). Add the selected seeds to the salt water (1 kg
salt in 10 litres of water) and remove the floating seeds affected by Ergot and Sclerotia.
Wash the seeds in fresh water for 2 – 3 times to remove the salt and shade dry. Selected
seeds should be treated with Azospirillum @ 250 gms / 3 kg of seeds (600 gms / 8 kg of
seeds). Seeds can be sown directly in the main field in ridges and furrows or seedlings
can be raised in the nursery and transplanted to the main field.
5. Nutrient management
Before final ploughing compost or farmyard manure @ 5 tonnes/acre (12.5 tonnes/ha)
should be applied and ploughed into the soil. Instead of this cattle penning can also be
practiced. 50 kg neem cake and 500 kg vermicompost per acre (125 kg neem cake and
1250 kg vermicompost per hectare) should be applied as basal manure. After first
weeding at 20 – 25 days after sowing first top dressing should be done using enriched
vermicompost (2 kg Azospirillum, 2 kg Phosphobacterium and 2 litres Panchagavya
mixed with 250 kg vermicompost and kept covered for a week and then used) @ 250 kg/
acre (600 kg/ha) followed by the second top dressing at 40 – 45 days after sowing using
25 kg neem cake and 250 kg vermicompost per acre (60 kg neem cake and 600 kg
vermicompost per hectare). During flower initiation stage 10% tender coconut solution (1
litre tender coconut water + 9 litres of water) should be sprayed.
6. Weed management
 The seed production field should be maintained weed free from the initial stage. The first
weeding should be done at 30 – 35 days after sowing. Subsequent weeding can be done
depending upon the intensity of the weeds.
7. Irrigation
The field should be irrigated soon after sowing and life irrigation is done on the third day
of sowing. Irrigation should be done once in 10 days. Irrigation during tillering, milky
stage and maturation stage are very critical. Proper irrigation during critical stages
increases the seed setting and quality of the seeds.
8. Pest and disease management
Pearl millet is affected by pests like shoot fly, root grub and diseases like downy mildew
and ergot at different growth stages.
9. Roguing
Intensive roguing should be done at three growth stages like seedling, tillering and seed
setting. To maintain genetic purity of the crop, off-types and diseased plants are rogued
out periodically based on the colour and waviness of leaves, plant height, shape and size
of the earhead and colour of the grains etc. The rogues should be either pulled out as a
whole plant or cut off at the base. Plants affected by green ear, ergot and grain smut
diseases should be removed and discarded from time to time.
10. Field inspection
A minimum of three field inspections should be conducted between pre flowering and
harvesting stages by the Seed Certification Officer. First inspection is done before
flowering to check isolation, volunteer plants, off-types, downy mildew etc. The second
inspection would be made during 50% flowering to determine relevant factors. The final
inspection would be made at the maturity stage before harvesting to determine the true
nature of the crop and other relevant factors. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted
at the final inspection is 0.050% for foundation seed production and 0.10% for certified
seed production.
11. Harvesting
Seeds attain physiological maturation 30 - 35 days after 50% flowering. The
physiological maturation can be identified by change in the colour of the seeds from
green to straw yellow. A dunken layer also forms at the point of attachment to the panicle.
The moisture content of the seeds at this stage is 30 – 35%. Harvesting is done in two
pickings since, the maturation of the earheads are not uniform because of the tillering
habit of the crop.
12. Seed standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should be
98% with a minimum of 80% of germination capacity and 5 - 12% of moisture content.
The presence of inert matter should not exceed 2.0%.

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for bajra crop.
2. Wright bajra basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean bajra open spikelet flower and label it
 6. SEED PRODUCTION IN FINGER MILLET

Finger millet or Ragi (Eleusine coracana) is one of the important minor millets
belonging to the family Gramineae. This is widely grown in hilly and rainfed areas. It is a
tropical crop can be grown to an altitude of 2100 metres. The best season for seed production
is December – January. Pollination should not coincide with rains for quality and effective
seed setting. The temperature of 37°c is favourable for seed setting.
1. Method of seed production
Ragi is a self-pollinated crop and should be raised in isolation. The isolation distance
maintained between the varieties is 3 metres for both foundation and certified seed
production to maintain the varietal purity.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
Ragi can be grown in poor to fertile soil. The crop can tolerate salinity better than any
other crops. The selected land should be free from volunteer plants. The land should not
be cultivated with same crop in the previous season. Land should be ploughed 2 - 3 times
to get fine tilth and levelled.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Ragi is a season bound crop and the best season to take up sowing is December - January
and June - July. Seeds used for seed production should be of good quality certified seeds
from an authentic source. Seeds should be healthy with required germination percentage.
Recommended seed rate is 2 kg/acre (5 kg/ha). Selected seeds should be treated with
Azospirillum @ 125gms/kg of seeds.
5. Nutrient management
Before final ploughing compost or farmyard manure @ 5 tonnes/acre (12.5 tonnes/ha)
should be applied and ploughed into the soil. Instead of this cattle penning can also be
practiced. 50 kg neem cake and 500 kg vermicompost per acre (125 kg neem cake and
1250 kg vermicompost per hectare) should be applied as basal manure. After first
weeding at 20 – 25 days after sowing first top dressing should be done using enriched
vermicompost (2 kg Azospirillum, 2 kg Phosphobacterium and 2 litres Panchagavya
mixed with 250 kg vermicompost and kept covered for a week and then used) @ 250
kg/acre (600 kg/ha) followed by the second top dressing at 40 – 45 days after sowing
using 25 kg neem cake and 250 kg vermicompost per acre (60 kg neem cake and 600 kg
vermicompost per hectare). During flower initiation stage 10% tender coconut solution (1
litre tender coconut water + 9 litres of water) should be sprayed.
6. Weed management
 The seed production field should be maintained weed free from the initial stage. The first
weeding should be done on 15th day after planting and followed by the second one on
30th day. After hand weeding allow the weeds to dry for 2 – 3 days.
7. Irrigation
The irrigation should be done once a week after life irrigation on the third day of sowing.
Irrigation during flowering and grain setting stages are very critical
8. Pest and disease management
Ragi is affected by pests and diseases like pink stem borer, aphids, root aphids, earhead
caterpillars, blast, brown spot, mottle streak virus etc., at different growth stages.
9. Roguing
Roguing should be done often to remove the offtypes, volunteer plants and diseased
plants from the seed production field to avoid the genetic contamination. Roguing should
be done upto the flowering stage. Maximum percentage of offtype permitted at the final
inspection is 0.05% for foundation and 0.10% for certified seed production.
10. Field inspection
A minimum of two inspections should be done between flowering and maturity stages by
the Seed Certification Officer. The first inspection is done at the time of flowering to
check the isolation and off-types and the second done during the maturity stage prior to
harvest to check the off-types and to estimate the yield.
11. Harvesting and processing
Harvest is done once the earheads are physiologically mature. Physiologically mature
earheads will turn from brown to green colour. Harvesting is done in two pickings since,
the maturation of the earheads are not uniform because of the tillering habit of the crop.
Second harvesting should be done seven days after the first one. Mature earheads should
be harvested and threshed with bamboo sticks. Threshed grains are further cleaned by
winnowing.
12. Seed standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should be
97% with a minimum of 75% of germination capacity and 12% of moisture content. The
presence of inert matter should not exceed 2.0%.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for ragi crop.
2. Wright ragi basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean ragi open spikelet flower and label it
 EXERCISE–2
SEES PRODUCTION IN MAJOR PULSES

1. SEED PRODUCTION IN GREEN GRAM AND BLACK GRAM:

Greengram and blackgram (Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo) belong to the family
Leguminosae are widely cultivated pulse crops. The optimum season for seed production is
June – August, September – November and February – March for both blackgram and
greengram. Though it can be grown in all the three seasons, June – July is the best season.
1. Method of seed production
Greengram and blackgram are highly self pollinated crops with cross pollination to
the extent of 5 – 10%. The crop should be raised in isolation and seeds are allowed to
set by self pollination. To maintain the varietal purity an isolation distance of 5 metres
for certified and 10 metres for foundation seed production is maintained between
varieties and of the same variety not conforming to varietal purity requirements of
certification
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should be free from volunteer plants. The soil should be fertile with
neutral pH and proper drainage facility. It should be prepared to fine tilth. Ridges are
formed with a gap of 60 – 90 cm.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Good quality certified seeds should be obtained from an authorised dealer. Seeds
should be healthy with a good germination percentage. Only graded seeds should be
used. Remove the off colour and out sized seeds. Seed rate is 8 kg/ acre (20 kg/ha).
Selected seeds should be treated with Trichoderma viride @ 4 gm/kg of seeds or
Pseudomonas @ 10 gm/kg of seeds. Mix Trichoderma or Pseudomonas in rice gruel
and mix the solution with seeds. Shade dry the seeds for 30 minutes before sowing.
Treating the seeds with Trichoderma or Pseudomonas protects the crops from disease
causing microorganisms. Seeds should be treated with Rhizobium @ 250 gm/acre
(600 gms / ha) to facilitate natural nitrogen fixation by plants.
Treated seeds should be dibbled at 3-4 cm depth at the side of the ridges. Sowing
should be planned in such a way that the maturation of seeds does not coincide with
rains. It will increase the percentage of off coloured seeds. The spacing maintained is
25 x 10cm for rainfed and 30 x 10cm for irrigated crop.
5. Nutrient management
During land preparation, farmyard manure @ 10 truck loads/acre (25 truck loads/ha)
 should be added and incorporated into the soil by ploughing. To meet the nutritional
need of the crop Panchakavyam @ 300 ml/tank should be sprayed.NPK @ 10:20:10
kg/acre (25:50:25 kg/ ha) is recommended for irrigated crop, whereas for rainfed crop
it is 5:10:5 kg/acre (12.5:25:12.5 kg/ha) for good seed yield. This will increase the
number flowers and improve the seed setting and quality of the seeds.
6. Weed management
Hand weeding is done on 15th and 30th day after sowing.
7. Irrigation
The first irrigation is done soon after the sowing and life irrigation is done on the third
day. After this, irrigation should be done once in 10 – 15 days depending upon the soil
and climatic conditions. Water stagnation should be avoided at all growth stages.
Irrigation during flowering and pod formation stages are very critical.
8. Pest and disease management
Aphids, army worms, pod borer, white fly, yellow mosaic, leaf curl and leaf crinkle
(Virus), root rot and powdery mildew are the common pests and diseases that affects
the greengram and blackgram crop.
9. Roguing
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase to reproductive phase. Offtypes are
removed based on the leaf colour, plant stature, leaf shape, pod colour, flower colour
and seed colour. Maximum percentage of offtypes permitted at final inspection is
0.10% for foundation seed production and 0.20% for certified seed production. In
case of greengram the permitted limits of seed borne disease like halo blight affected
plants is 0.10% for foundation and 0.20% for certified seed production.
10. Field inspection
A minimum of two inspections will be done from flowering to maturity stage by the
Seed Certification Officer. The first inspection is done during flowering followed by
second in flowering and maturity stage to check the isolation, offtypes, volunteer
plants, diseased plants and estimated yield.
11. Harvesting
Harvest is done soon after the maturation of the seeds. Seeds attain physiological
maturity 30 days after 50% flowering. The mature pods of blackgram turns black and
greengram pods turns brown. At this stage the moisture content of the pods will be 17
– 18%.
12. Seed standards
The percentage of maximum physical purity of foundation and certified seeds should
be 98% with minimum of 75% of germination capacity and 9% of moisture content.
Presence of other distinguishable varieties should be 10/kg for foundation seed and
that of certified seed is 20/kg of seed.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for green gram and blackgram crop.
2. Wright blackgram basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean blackgram open flower and label it

 2. SEED PRODUCTION IN COWPEA AND SOYABEAN:

Cowpea and Soya bean (Vigna unguiculata and Glycine max) belongs to the family
Leguminosae. The suitable season for seed production is June – July and September –
October for both cowpea and soya bean. There should not be rain or high humidity at the
time of harvest as this will hamper the germination.
1. Method of seed production
Cowpea and Soya bean are self pollinated crops. In cowpea cross pollination occurs
to the extent of 15 – 20% and mainly through insects. The crop should be raised in
isolation. To maintain the varietal purity an isolation distance of 5 metres for certified
and 10 metres for foundation seed production is maintained between varieties in
cowpea and in soybean an isolation distance of 3 metres is maintained between
varieties for certified and foundation seed production.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with the same crop in the previous season.
The land should be fertile with a pH range of 6 – 7.5 and proper drainage facility.
Land should be ploughed for 3 – 4 times. During last plough apply FYM @ 10
truckloads per acre (25 truckloads per hectare).
4. Seed selection and sowing
Certified seeds of good quality should be obtained from authenticated source. Seeds
should be healthy with good germination percentage. Remove the off colour and out
sized seeds. Seed rate is 16 kg/acre (40 kg/ha) for soybean and for cowpea 8 kg/acre
(20 kg/ha). Selected seeds should be treated with Trichoderma viride @ 10gm/kg of
seeds to control seed borne diseases like root rot and wilt. Shade dry the seeds for 30
minutes before sowing. Seeds can also be treated with cow’s urine, cow pat pit,
panchagavyam etc.
Treated seeds should be dibbled at 2 - 4 cm depth in seed beds. Sowing should be
planned in such a way that the harvest does not coincide with rains. It will reduce the
seed quality. The spacing maintained is 45 x 15cm for cowpea and 30 x 10 cm for
soya bean.
5. Nutrient management
The nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium requirement of soya bean is 8:32:16
kg/acre (20 : 80 : 40 kg/ha) and for cowpea is 10:20:10 kg/acre (25:50:25 kg/ha).
Seed treatment with Rhizobium meets the nitrogen requirement to the extent of 8
 kg/acre (20 kg/ha). Farmyard manure @ 5.5 tonnes/acre (14 tonnes/ha) or compost or
biogas slurry @ 5 tonnes/acre (12.5 tonnes/ha) is applied.
6. Weed management
Hand weeding is done 25 – 30 days after sowing. This will control the weeds at the
initial stage itself.
7. Irrigation
The first irrigation is done soon after the sowing and the life irrigation is given on the
third day of sowing. After this, the field is irrigated once in 7 – 10 days. Irrigation
during flowering and pod filling stages are very critical.
8. Rouging
Roguing should be done from vegetative stage to harvesting stage. During this time
off-types and volunteer plants are removed as and when they occur. Rouging is done
based on the colour of leaves and stem, growth pattern, flower colour, pod colour
and seed colour etc. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted at final inspection
is 0.10% for foundation seed production and 0.50% for certified seed production.
9. Field Inspection
A minimum of three inspections should be done from vegetative to maturity stage by
the Seed Certification Officer. The first inspection is done before flowering followed
by the second during flowering and maturity stage to determine isolation, off-types,
volunteer plants, presence of designated diseased plants and also to estimate the yield.
10. Harvesting
Harvest is done soon after the maturation of the pods. In cowpea the matured pods
will be straw yellow in colour and harvested by hand picking. Since flowering is
continuous in cowpea, pod setting is also continuous. Harvesting is done periodically
as and when the pods get mature. In soya bean, seeds attain physiological maturation
23 – 25 days after anthesis. Maturation can be confirmed by yellowing of the plant
and browning of the pods. This crop should be harvested at once, pods intact along
with the plant.
11. Seed Standards
The percentage of minimum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds of
cowpea and soya bean should be 98% with maximum germination capacity of 75%
for cowpea and 70% for soybean seeds of both certified and foundation stage.
Moisture content should be 9% for cowpea and 12% for soybean and the presence of
other crop seeds for foundation seeds should be 5/kg and certified seeds of cowpea
should be 10/kg, whereas for soya bean it should be 10/kg and 40/kg respectively.

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for cowpea and soyabean crop.
2. Wright cowpea and soyabean basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean cowpea and soyabean open spikelet flower and label it
3.SEED PRODUCTION IN PEGION PEA:

Redgram or pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) belonging to the family Leguminosae is

commercially known as toor dal. It is one of the widely used pulse varieties. The seed
production of this crop can be taken up in all the three seasons June – August, September –
November and February – March.
1. Method of seed production
Redgram is a cross pollinated crop. Cross pollination occurs mainly by bees and
thrips. Seeds are allowed to set by open pollination under isolation. To maintain the
varietal purity an isolation distance of 100 metres for certified and 200 metres for
foundation seed production is necessary from fields of other varieties and of the same
variety not conforming to the varietal purity requirements of certification.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with the same crop in the previous season
and should be free of volunteer plants. The land should be fertile with neutral pH. The
soil should be light with proper drainage facility. A deep tilling up to 1.5 feet and a
shallow tilling should be done before sowing.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Certified seeds of good quality should be obtained from authenticated source. Seeds
should be healthy with good germination percentage. Remove the off colour and out
sized seeds. Seed rate is 10 kg/acre (25 kg/ha) for short duration varieties and 4
kg/acre (10 kg/ha) for long duration varieties.
5. Nutrient management
The nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium requirement of redgram is 10:20:10 kg/
acre (25:50:25 kg/ha). Seed treatment with Rhizobium meets the nitrogen
requirement to the extent of 8 kg/acre (20 kg/ha). Farmyard manure @ 5.6
tonnes/acre (14 tonnes/ha) or compost or biogas slurry @ 5 tonnes/acre (12.5
tonnes/ha) is applied.
6. Weed management
The first weeding / hoeing is done 20 – 25 days after sowing. The second weeding is
done on 50 – 60 days after sowing. Weeding is not required after 60 days of sowing.
If needed, then manual weeding should be done.
7. Irrigation
The first irrigation is done immediately after sowing and the second irrigation is
done 2 – 3 days after sowing. After this, the field is irrigated once in 8 – 10 days.
 Irrigation during flowering and pod filling stages are very critical.
8. Pest and disease management
Redgram is affected by aphids, pod borer, yellow mosaic virus and root rot at
different growth stages from vegetative stage to fruiting.
9. Rouging
Roguing should be done at a 7 – 10 days interval till the completion of the flowering
stage. Offtypes and diseased plants affected by leaf spot, stem canker, wilt, yellow
mosaic and sterility virus are removed from the seed field to maintain healthy crops.
Plants of early and late flowering types should also be removed.
10. Field Inspection
A minimum of three inspections should be done from vegetative to maturity stage by
the Seed Certification Officer. The first inspection is done before flowering followed
by the second during flowering and maturity stage to determine isolation, off-types,
volunteer plants, presence of designated diseased plants and also to estimate the yield.
11. Harvesting
The crop reaches the physiological maturity in 32 – 38 days after anthesis in winter
and summer respectively. Harvesting takes place soon after the maturation of seeds.
Matured pods should be harvested in two to three pickings. Harvest should not
coincide with rains, because it will result in off coloured and dimpled seeds.
12. Seed Standards
The percentage of maximum physical purity of certified and foundation seeds should
be 98% with minimum germination capacity of 75%. The maximum moisture
content should be 9%. The presence of other crop variety should be 10/kg for
foundation and that of certified seed should be 20/kg of seed.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for pigeon pea crop.
2. Wright pigeon pea basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean pigeon pea open spikelet flower and label it
 EXERCISE–3
SEES PRODUCTION IN MAJOR OILSEED

1. SEED PRODUCTION IN GROUNDNUT:

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is one of the important oilseed crops belonging to the family
Fabaceae. The optimum season for seed production is December – January for the irrigated crop
and June – July for the rainfed crop. The maturation and harvesting period should not coincide
with the rainy season. If it coincides with the rains in-situ germination of the pods, will take
place.
1. Method of seed production
Groundnut is a self pollinated crop with 0 – 5% of cross pollination. The crop should
be raised in isolation and seeds should be produced by self pollination. The isolation
distance maintained between the varieties is 3 metres for both certified and foundation
seed production.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with groundnut in the previous season. The soil
should be fertile and porous with good drainage facility.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Certified seeds should be obtained from an authorised source. Healthy kernals free
from disease and pest infection should be used for sowing. Remove the decoated, tip
broken, coloured kernals and use uniformly graded seeds. Seed rate is 45 kg/acre (110
kg/ ha) for spreading type and 50 kg/acre (120 kg/ha) for bunch type.
Selected seeds should be treated with asafoetida solution (1.5 kg in 12 litres of water
is sufficient for120 kg of seeds) to prevent the crop from blight disease. Soak the
selected seeds in this solution for 12 hours and then shade dry for 30 minutes before
sowing. Biofertilizers like Rhizobium (600 gms for 120 kg of seeds) and Bio-control
agents like Trichoderma viride (480 gms for 120 kg of seeds) can also be used for the
seed treatment. Mix Rhizobium (or) Trichoderma with 500 ml of cooled rice gruel
and mix the solution with seeds. Shade dry the seeds for 30 minutes before sowing.
Treated seeds are dibbled either manually or mechanically (using seed drill) at a depth
of 7.5 – 10 cm. The spacing for bunch type is 30 x 10 cm and 45 x 20 cm for
spreading type.
5. Nutrient management
Groundnut is a deep rooted plant and hence uses both moisture and nutrients in the
deeper layers of the soil. Nitrogen requirement in rainfed crop is 4 kg/acre (10 kg/ha)
and in irrigated crop it is 7 kg/acre (17 kg/ha). Phosphorus requirement for rainfed
crop is 4 kg/acre (10 kg/ha) and in irrigated crop it is 14 kg/acre (35 kg/ha). Although
 Indian soils are rich in potassium, the recommended dose is 18 kg/acre (45 kg/ha) in
rainfed and 22 kg/acre (54 kg/ha) in irrigated crop. Based on this quantity, nitrogen
rich vemicompost and compost need to be applied before and after 20 days of sowing.
6. Weed management
Weeds reduce the yield upto 20 – 45% in groundnut. Based on the soil type and the
extent of weed infestation two hand hoeing and weeding should be done. The first
hoeing should be done three weeks after sowing. This should be repeated before the
onset of flowering. Weeding should not be done after 45 days as it may interrupt peg
elongation and pod formation.
7. Irrigation
Depending on soil texture, the frequency of irrigation varies. However, irrigation
should be given during the critical stages of growth like flowering, peg formation and
pod development / seed filling. The crop should be irrigated once in 10 – 15 days.
Irrigation before harvesting will make the operation easier.
8. Pest and disease management
Groundnut is affected by pests like root and pod feeders (white grubs), red hairy
caterpillar, leaf miner and tobacco caterpillar and diseases like leaf spot or tikka
disease, rust, Alternaria leaf spot and stem rot at different growth stages.
9. Roguing
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase upto harvest. Off-types are removed
based on the colour, growth pattern, flowering etc. Maximum percentage of off-types
permitted at final inspection is 0.10% for Foundation seed production and 0.20% for
Certified seed production.
10. Field inspection
A minimum of two inspections will be done, one at flowering and second at pod
maturity stage (15 days prior to harvesting) by the Seed Certification Officer.
11. Harvesting
When the crop matures, the older leaves will dry and fall off, top leaves will start
yellowing and the inner side of the pod will turn black and the seeds inside will move
freely. Soil moisture level is very critical during harvesting. The bunchy varieties are
harvested by hand whereas the spreading varieties by digging, ploughing or with the
help of a blade-harrow. Groundnut should be harvested in bright sunshine.
12. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Isolation distance 3m 3m
Off-types 0.10% 0.20%

13. Seed standards

Foundation seed Certified seed
Physical purity (min) 96% 96%
Germination (min) 70% 70%
Moisture (max) 9% 9%

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for groundnut crop.
2. Wright groundnut basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean groundnut open flower and label it

 2. SEED PRODUCTION IN SESAMUM:

Gingelly (Sesamum orientale) belonging to the family Pedaliaceae is one of the oldest
oil seed crops cultivated for culinary and medicinal needs. Seed production can be done in all
the three seasons - rabi (October - November), kharif (June - July) and summer (February -
March).
1. Method of seed production
Gingelly is a cross pollinated crop and seeds are allowed to set by open pollination
and then multiplied. The seed crop should be raised in isolation and the isolation
distance maintained between varieties is 50 metres for certified and 100 metres for
foundation seed production.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with the same crop in the previous season.
The land should be fertile with proper drainage facility.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Good quality certified seeds should be sourced from an authorised dealer. Seeds
should be healthy with a good germination percentage. Seed rate is 2 kg/acre (5
kg/ha). Selected seeds should be treated with bio-control agents like Trichoderma
viride @ 4 g/kg of seeds. Mix Trichoderma viride in rice gruel and mix the solution
with seeds. Shade dry the seeds for 30 minutes before sowing. Soaking the seeds in
hot water at 52oC for 30 minutes before sowing will control the bacterial leaf spot
disease.
5. Nutrient management
FYM or compost @ 4 tonnes/acre (10 tonnes/ha) is thoroughly incorporated into the
soil before the last plough. This will improve the texture as well as the nutrient
content of the soil. To improve the nitrogen content of the soil green manuring with
subabul @ 2 tonnes/acre (5 tonnes/ha) should be done or castor cake or neem cake @
400 kg/acre (1 tonne/ha) should be applied.
6. Weed management
Sesame is very sensitive to weed competition during the first 25 days after sowing.
The first weeding is done 20 days after sowing followed by the second one in 15 days
interval. Another weeding may be done in 15 days gap. Apart from hand weeding,
implements such as hand hoe, bullock drawn blade harrow, rotary or finger weeders
are used for weeding.
7. Irrigation
 Irrigation should be done once in 15 days. It is critical during flowering and pot
filling stage.
8. Rouging
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase to harvesting phase. Off-types are
removed based on the branching type, capsule size and colour of the seeds.
Maximum percentage of off-types permitted is 0.10% and 0.20% and permitted
percentage of plants affected by seed borne diseases is 0.50% and 1.0% for
foundation and certified seed production respectively.
9. Field Inspection
A minimum of three field inspections should be done from pre flowering stage to
harvesting stage by the Seed Certification Officer. First inspection is done before
flowering followed by the second inspection during flowering stage. The third
inspection is scheduled between fruit maturity and harvest.
10. Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when 75 – 80% of the pods become brown in colour and
few at the bottom have dehisced (burst open). At this stage the moisture content of
the pods and seeds will be 50 – 60% and 25 – 30%, respectively. For black seeded
variety, check the colour of the seeds in the 10th capsule from the bottom of the crop.
If the seeds are black in colour then harvest should be done. Delaying harvest may
result in yield loss.
11. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Isolation distance 100 m 100 m
Off-types 0.10% 0.20%
Plants affected by seed 0.50% 1.00%
borne diseases
12. Seed Standards
The percentage of physical purity of foundation and certified seeds should be 97%
with 80% of germination capacity and 9% of moisture content. The maximum
presence of seeds of other crops and weeds should be 10/kg for foundation and 20/kg
for certified seeds.

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for sesame crop.
2. Wright sesame basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean sesame open spikelet flower and label it
3.SEED PRODUCTION IN SUNFLOWER:

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) belonging to the family Asteraceae was introduced in

India in 1969 and became one of the important oilseed crops. The oil is used for culinary
purpose, preparation of cosmetics etc. Seed production can be taken up in all the three
seasons like kharif, rabi and summer. For rainfed conditions June – July and October –
November and for irrigated conditions April – May and December – January is suitable for
seed production.

1. Method of seed production

Sunflower is a cross pollinated crop. Anthesis takes place between 5 – 8 am and the
pollen grains are viable for 12 hours. Honey bees are the pollinating agents. During
pollination if the insect activity is low, it will result in poor seed setting and poorly
filled seeds. The isolation distance maintained between varieties is 200 metres for
certified and 400 metres for foundation seed production. The potential of the seed
storage depends on the oil content of the seeds. Sowing in September - October result
in seeds with low oil content. Hence the storage potential of the seed is very high. If
sowing took place in March – April, the resulting seeds will be high in oil content
with less storage potential.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should not be cultivated with sunflower in the previous season. The
soil should be fertile with neutral pH and good drainage facility.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Seeds should be obtained from the appropriate source approved by the seed
certification agency. Fresh seeds possess 45 – 60 days of dormancy. To break the
dormancy, the selected seeds should be soaked in water for 12 – 16 hours and seeds
can also be leached in running water. Seed rate is 3 – 4 kg/acre (8 - 10 kg/ha). Treated
seeds are sown in the field with a spacing of 45 x 30 cm.
5. Nutrient management
FYM or compost @ 4 tonnes/acre (10 tonnes/ ha) is thoroughly incorporated into the
soil before the last plough. This will improve the texture as well as the nutrient
content of the soil. NPK @ 16:8:8 kg/acre (40:20:20 kg/ha) is recommended for
better seed yield. Nitrogen supply can be split into two halves and applied as basal
dose at the time of sowing and as top dressing after 30 – 35 DAS just after weeding.
6. Weed management
Maintaining the seed field free from weeds and unwanted plants is very important for
 successful seed production. A total of two hand hoeing and a weeding should be
done. First weeding is done 30 – 35 days after sowing.
7. Irrigation
First irrigation is done soon after the seed sowing. On the third day after sowing
field should be again irrigated. After this depending on the nature of the soil field
should be irrigated once a week. Irrigation is very critical during flowering and seed
maturation stages. Water scarcity at these stages will result in ill filled seeds. Proper
irrigation will result in high yield of seeds.
8. Pest and disease management
Sunflower crop is affected by pest and diseases like white fly, jassids, capitulam
borer and root rot at different growth stages.
9. Rouging
Roguing should be done from vegetative phase up to harvest. Off-types are removed
based on the plant height, head size, branching habit, number of heads and colour of
seeds. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted at and after flowering stage is
0.10% for foundation seed production and 0.20% for certified seed production. The
percentage of plants affected by downy mildew allowed in foundation stage of seed
production is 0.05% and 0.50% for certified stage of seed production.
10. Field Inspection
A minimum of three inspections will be done from vegetative to harvesting stage by
the Seed Certification Officer. Normally first inspection is done at the stage when 6 –
7 pairs of leaves are present to check the isolation, presence of volunteer plants and
designated diseases. Second inspection will be made during flowering stage to check
isolation, off-types and other factors. Sometimes third inspection will be scheduled
prior to harvest to verify the designated disease, true nature of plant, flower head and
seed and also to estimate the yield of seed crop.
11. Harvesting
Sunflowers should be harvested when the backside of the flower heads turns lemon
yellow from green. After anthesis in about 40 – 45 days the heads will mature. Heads
are harvested in one picking.
12. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Isolation distance 400 m 200 m
Off-types 0.10% 0.20%
Plants affected by downy 0.05% 0.05%
mildew diseases

13. Seed Standards

The percentage of physical purity of foundation and certified seeds should be 98%
with 70% of germination capacity and 9% of moisture content.
Answer the following questions:
1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for sunflower crop.

2. Wright sunflower basic information:

Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean sunflower open spikelet flower and label it
 4. SEED PRODUCTION IN MUSTARD:

Mustard (Brassica sp.) is a well known condiment and an important oil seed crop of the
family Cruciferae. The plant is also used as a vegetable, fodder and medicine. Seed
production can be done in rabi (from September and October) in plains and in hills during
kharif (June - July).
1. Method of seed production
Mustard is a cross pollinated crop and seeds are allowed to set by open pollination
and then multiplied. The crop should be raised in isolation to maintain varietal purity.
The isolation distance maintained between the varieties is 50 metres for self
compatible and 100 metres for self incompatible types for foundation seed production
and for certified seed production it is 25 metres for self compatible and 50 metres for
self incompatible types. The isolation distance maintained between the varieties not
conforming to the varietal purity requirements for certification is 200 metres for self
compatible and 100 metres for self incompatible types for foundation seed
production. In Certified seed production, it is 50 metres for both self compatible and
self incompatible types.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
The land selected should be fertile and free from volunteer plants. It should not be
cultivated with the same crop in the previous season. The land should be tilled twice
to make the soil smooth.
4. Seed selection and sowing
Good quality certified seeds should be sourced from an authorised dealer. Seeds
should be healthy with a good germination percentage. Seed rate is 4 – 5 kg/acre (10 -
13 kg/ha). Selected seeds should be treated with bio-control agents like Trichoderma
viride @ 4 g/kg of seeds. Mix Trichoderma in rice gruel and mix the solution with
seeds. Shade dry the seeds for 30 minutes before sowing. This will help in the control
of root rot and Fusarial wilt disease. Treated seeds should be sown in ridges and
furrows at 4 – 5 cm depth. The spacing maintained is 45 x 15 cm. After sowing
planking is done to cover the seeds.
5. Nutrient management
FYM or compost @ 4 tonnes/acre (10 tonnes/ ha) or vermicompost @ 1.6 – 2
tonnes/acre (4 - 5 tonnes/ha) should be applied and thoroughly incorporated into the
soil before the last tilling. This will help to improve the texture as well as the nutrient
content of the soil. Green manure crops like Sunhemp or Sesbania are grown in the
field and ploughed into the soil after 40 – 50 days of sowing. This enhances the
nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients in the soil. Trichoderma viride @ 1.5
 kg/acre is mixed with 300 kg compost and kept as such for a week and then applied
to the field as top dressing. It will protect the crop from root rot and pathogens like
Pythium and Phytophthora.
6. Weed management
In kharif crop harrowing is done 25 – 30 days after sowing. The first weeding is done
45 – 50 days after sowing. Weeding is repeated before budding stage followed by
harrowing with hand harrow.
7. Irrigation
Irrigation should be done once in 15 days. It is critical during flowering and pot
filling stage.
8. Pest and disease management
Mustard aphid, painted bug, sawfly, Alternaria blight and white rust are some of the
common pests and diseases affecting mustard crop.
9. Rouging
Roguing should be done from the vegetative phase to the harvesting phase. Off-types
are removed based on the branching type, capsule size and colour and colour of the
seeds. Maximum percentage of off-types permitted is 0.10% for foundation seed
production and 0.50% for certified seed production.
10. Field Inspection
A minimum of three field inspections should be done from pre flowering stage to
maturity stage by the Seed Certification Officer. First inspection is done before
flowering followed by second inspection during flowering. The third inspection is
scheduled at maturity stage prior to harvesting.
11. Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when 75% of the pods become golden yellow in colour.
The moisture content of the seeds will be 25% in this stage. Delaying harvest may
result in yield loss. The crop is harvested at the level of lowest pods.
12. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Isolation distance 200 m 100 m
Off-types 0.10% 0.50%
Objectionable weed seed 0.05% 0.10%
13. Seed Standards
The minimum percentage of purity of foundation and certified seeds should be 97%
with 85% of minimum germination capacity and 8% of maximum moisture content.
Presence of other distinguishable variety in foundation seed should be 0.10% and
that of certified seed should be 0.50%.
Answer the following questions:
14. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for mustard crop.
15. Wright mustard basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

16. Draw neat and clean mustard open spikelet flower and label it
 EXERCISE–4
SEES PRODUCTION IN MAJOR VEGETABLE CROPS

1. SEED PRODUCTION IN TOMATO:

Tomato is self pollinated crop. Self fertilization is favoured by the position of receptive
stigma within the cone anthers and the normal pendant position of the flower. Anthesis starts
at 6.30 a.m. and continues upto 11.00a.m. Anther dehiscence occurs 1-2 days after opening of
corolla. Tomato is a typical day neutral plant. It requires temperature of 15-20° C for fruit
setting.
1. Method of seed production
Seed to Seed.
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
Selection of suitable land for tomato seed production is important where the previous
crop should not be the same variety to avoid the contamination due to volunteer
plants.
4. Isolation requirement
For Seed production of tomato, varieties require minimum of 50 M for foundation
seed and 25 M for certified seed. For hybrid seed production, it requires minimum of
200 M for foundation (parental line increase) and 100 M for certified hybrid seeds.
5. Nutrient management
After thorough preparation of a field to fine tilth, apply 25 tons of FYM per ha. Apply
100 : 100: 100 Kg of NPK/ha of which, 50% of the N is applied as basal dressing and
remaining 50% of N as top dressing in two split doses at just before flowering and
fruit formation stages.
6. Rouging
The roguing should be done based on the plant characters (determinate /
indeterminate), leaf, branching and spreading characters and also based on fruit size,
shape and colour. The plants affected by early blight, leaf spot and mosaic (TMV)
diseases should be removed from the seed production field.
7. Pest and Disease management
Fruit borer - Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura (common for both)
Simultaneously growing 40 days old American tall marigold and 25 days old tomato
seedlings @ 1:16 rows. i. Setting up pheromone traps @ 12/ha. ii. Collection and
destruction of damaged fruits and grown up caterpillars. iii. Spraying of triazophos 35
EC 2 ml/lit or carbaryl 50 WP 2 g/lit or Bacillus thuringiensis 2g/lit or quinalphos 2.5
ml/lit.
Damping off (nursery) Treating the seeds with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or
 Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g /kg of seed 24 hours before sowing. Application of
Pseudomonas fluorescens as soil application @ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of FYM
Stagnation of water should be avoided. Drenching with Copper oxychloride at 2.5
g/lit at 4 lit/sq.m.
8. Harvesting
The fruits are harvested after full maturity of the fruit when turn in to red color fruits
from first and last one or two harvests should not be used for seed extraction. The
fruits from in between 6-7 harvest should be used for seed extraction. The seed
viability is depends on the method on which the seeds were extracted and hence, it is
more important to choose proper methods of seed extraction. Before seed extraction,
the fruits are to be graded for true to type and selection of medium to large size fruits
for getting higher recovery of quality seeds.
9. Field inspection
A minimum of two inspections will be done, one at flowering and second at fruit
maturity stage (15 days prior to harvesting) by the Seed Certification Officer.
10. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Isolation distance 3m 3m
Off-types 0.10% 0.20%

11. Seed standards

Foundation seed Certified seed
Physical purity (min) 98% 98%
Germination (min) 70% 70%
Moisture (max) 8% 8%

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for tomato crop.
2. Wright tomato basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean tomato open flower and label it

 2. SEED PRODUCTION IN CHILLI:

Cross pollinated vegetable. The flower is protogynous. Flowers open in the morning
between 5.00 a.m and 6.00 a.m Anther normally dehisce between 8.00 a.m and 11.00 a.m.
Pollens are fertile on the day of anthesis and stigma is receptive for about 24 hours after
flower opening.
1. Method of seed production
Seed to seed
2. Seed production stages
Breeder seed – Foundation seed – Certified seed
3. Land selection
There is no land requirement as of previous crops, but the land should be free from
volunteer plants. Generally areas affected by wilt or root rot may be avoided. Crop
rotation must be followed to avoid endemic solanaceous pests.
4. Isolation requirement
Minimum isolation distance of 400 M for foundation and hybrid seed and 200 M for
certified seed production are necessary.
5. Seed treatment
Seeds should be treated with captan @ 2g/kg or Trichoderma viride @ 4g /kg of seed
and also seed treatment with Azospirillium @ 0.1 % improved the seedling vigour in
chilli.
6. Manuring
Application of 50 tonnes of FYM/ha for irrigated crop. Basal 100:70:70 kg of NPK
and 50 kg of N at 15 days after transplanting and 50 kg N at 45th days after
transplanting.
7. Rouging
Field inspection and roughing should be done both for varieties and hybrid at
different stages based on the plant height and its stature, flower colour and pod
characters. The plants affected with leaf blight, anthracnose and viral diseases
should be removed from the seed field.
8. Pest and disease management
Fruit borer: Spraying of carbaryl 50 WP 3 g/lit or chlorpyriphos 20 EC 3 ml/lit or
quinalphos 25 EC 2 ml/lit.
Thrips: Spraying of dimethoate 30 EC 2 ml/lit or methyl demeton 25 EC 2 ml/lit or
formothion 2 ml/lit or dust quinalphos 1.5 D at 20 kg/ha thrice at fortnightly intervals.
 Aphids: Acephate 75 SP 1 g/lit or methyl demeton 25 EC 2 ml/lit or phosalone 35
EC 2 ml/lit.
Yellow Muranai mite: Spray dicofol 18.5 EC 2.5 ml/lit or ethion 50 EC 4 ml/lit or
wettable sulphur 50 WP 6 g/lit.
Damping off: Treating the seeds with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas
fluorescens 10g /kg of seed 24 hours before sowing. Apply Pseudomonas fluorescens
as soil application @ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of FYM. Stagnation of water should
be avoided. Drenching with Copper oxychloride at 2.5 g/lit at 4 lit/sq.m
Leaf spot: Spraying of Mancozeb 2 g/lit or copper oxychloride 2.5 g/lit.
9. Harvesting
Harvesting should be done in different pickings. First and last two pickings can be
harvested for vegetable purpose. The well ripened fruits with deep, red colour alone
should be collected in each picking. After harvest, fruit rot infected fruits are to be
discarded. The harvested pods are to be dried under shade for one (or) two days and
then under sun for another 2 or 3 days. Before drying pods are to be selected for true
to type and graded for seed extraction. The seed are extracted from graded dried pods.
The pods are taken in gunny bag and beaten with pliable bamboo sticks. The seeds
are cleaned by winnowing and dried to 10% moisture content over tarpaulin.
10. Field Standards
Foundation seed Certified seed
Off-types 0.10% 0.20%
Plants affected by 0.10% 0.50%
diseases
11. Seed Standards

Foundation seed Certified seed

Pure seed (mini) 98% 98%

Inert matter (maxi) 2% 2%
Other crop seeds (maxi) no/kg 5/kg 10/kg
Weed seeds (maxi) no/kg 5/kg 10/kg
Germination (mini) 60% 60%
Moisture (maxi) 8% 8%

Answer the following questions:

1. Elucidate the important breeding objectives for chilli crop.
2. Wright chilli basic information:
Botanical Name -
Family -
Chromosome Number -
Centre of origin -
Mode of pollination -
Out crossing % -
Isolation distance -
Important wheat hybrids names –

3. Draw neat and clean chilli open spikelet flower and label it
 EXERCISE–5
SEED SAMPLING

Introduction
Sampling is the process of taking a small part or quantity of something for testing or
analysis; it is the first step in seed testing. In sampling, it is essential: (1) to obtain a sample
of proper size, and (2) to obtain a sample representative of the main seed lot. The results of
the laboratory tests can only show the quality and characteristics of the sample submitted for
the analysis; therefore, the validity of test results for a large seed lot is determined by the
success of obtaining a representative sample. Sampling seed lots for quality evaluation must
be done systematically, using appropriate techniques, tools, and procedures, to ensure that the
seed sample represents the entire lot.

Objectives
Quantify a seed lot according to accepted standards. Determine sampling intensity
according to size and characteristics of the seed lot. Learn about appropriate sampling
instruments and techniques according to recognized standards.

Materials required
Nobbe Type Trier: Used for sampling bags or sacks, Long Nobbe Trier: can be used
for sampling bulk bags and bulk bins where it is possible to sample through the liner wall.
Sleeve Trier / Spiral Sleeve Trier: Used for sampling seed in bulk bags or bulk bins. Pelican
Sampler: Used to take samples from free-flowing seed streams. Sample container: Sample
containers used to collect primary samples, composite samples and during mixing and
dividing must be clean and static free. Riffle Divider: Used to prepare the submitted sample
for testing by reducing the composite sample. Balances (weighing scales): Used for ensuring
samples for submission meet minimum sample weights. Automatic Sampler: Used to
mechanically sample through a cross section of the seed stream during processing. An
Automatic Sampler will be approved provided installation and operation meet requirements.
Seed sample envelope, calico bag, or approved moisture sample bag: Used to send samples to
the Official Seed Testing Laboratory. Seals: Paper seal for envelopes or sequentially
numbered metal seal (silver) for calico bags, attaching extra labels or re-labelling.

Procedure:

Sampling with the Nobbe Trier

 Select the correct seed trier. (Check the trier has a Unique Number, either engraved,
stamped, or with an identification sticker and is listed on the Seed Sampling
Equipment Register.
 Check the trier is clean and fit for use.
 Insert the point of the trier gently into the side of the bag / bin with the slot facing
down to prevent seed entering the trier.
 Angle the trier upwards at approximately 30° and push the trier up to the handle (this
should place the slot in the centre of the bag / bin).
 Hold the sample container over the end of the trier then turn the trier half a turn (180°)
so the slot is now facing upwards.
 Withdraw trier immediately at decreasing speed from the centre to the side of the bag
 ensuring that seed is running freely.
  Gently agitate the trier while it is being withdrawn to maintain an even flow of seed.
 Run the point of the trier over the hole a few times to pull the sack threads back
together.
 If the bag fibres break or there are holes in paper bags, use sticky tape to repair the
bags.
 Check that the sample collection container is
 clean and anti-static.
 Take primary samples (sub-samples) alternately
from top, middle and bottom of bag, and from
different random positions in bulk bins. Start
sampling the lower bags on pallets and work
upwards to prevent contamination spilling into
the sample container.
 Regularly check the primary samples to ensure
 homogeneity.
 If the sample does not appear uniform, stop
sampling and notify the Seed Store Manager.
 Repeat until sufficient primary samples are
obtained
 Weigh the composite sample and check against Standard Minimum Weights of
Submitted Sample
Sampling using hand method
 Primary samples are taken by removing handfuls of seed from
random positions and depths within the open bag. This position
should be varied between bags.
 Prior to sampling ensure sleeve is rolled up and hands are clean.
 Insert the open hand into the bag of seed to the required position
then close and withdraw the hand, taking care to keep fingers
tightly closed about the seeds so none escape
 Empty hand into the seed collection container.
 Brush hand down thoroughly into the sample collection container between primary
samples.
 To ensure that lower layers of bags or bins are effectively sampled, it may be
necessary to request that some bags be partially emptied, then refilled.
 Repeat until sufficient primary samples are obtained.

Activities:

1. What methods are adopted in the laboratory to obtain a working sample?

2. Explain the differences between the various kinds of equipment used in mechanical sample
reduction. In your opinion, which is the most suitable method? Why?
 EXERCISE–6
SEED GERMINATION TEST

Introduction:
Germination is the emergence and development of the seedling to a stage at which the
appearance of its essential structures indicates whether it can develop further into a
satisfactory plant under favorable conditions in the field.

Objectives:
Determine the germination potential of a seed lot, which is vital to compare the quality of
different lots and estimate the field planting value.

Materials required:
Petri dishes, forceps, covering net, water, blotting paper, sand, Germination incubator and
room germinator.

Procedure:

 Take a sample of 100 seeds at random from well-mixed pure seed. It is important to
not select seeds, as this would give biased results.
 Use two replicates of 100 seeds to ensure adequate spacing. Split replicates of 50
seeds (or even 25, particularly where there are seed-borne pathogens or saprophytes
present) to minimize the effect of adjacent seeds on seedling development.
 Place seeds uniformly and sufficiently apart on the moist substrate on the Petri dish. If
seeds grown on paper substrates are heavily infected, at an intermediate count,
transfer remaining seeds and seedlings to fresh media.
 Place Petri dishes in the germination apparatus; record the number of seeds set and the
date.
 Make two counts of seedlings. Schedule the first and final countings according to the
ISTA Rules.
 Keep the seed moist throughout the test period.

Observations result:

1) Sample 1
2) Sample 2
 EXERCISE–7
PHYSICAL PURITY TEST

Introduction:
What is quality seed? Quality seed is genetically pure, characterized by a high
germination percentage and appropriate moisture content; it is free from diseases, and has a
high content of pure seeds and no weed seeds. Quality seed is important in both the formal
and the informal sector.
The formal sector encompasses specific activities to make available new varieties and
maintain their purity; and to certify seed and distribute it to farmers through recognized seed
channels. Quality seed is produced under supervised conditions, which may vary depending
on the specific seed class or category.
The informal sector – also known as the traditional or farmer seed system – lacks
public sector regulation. Seed is exchanged and bartered among farmers or sold on the local
market. According to Cromwell, Friis-Hansen, and Turner (1992), five key features
distinguish the informal system: it is based on tradition, is semi-structured, operates at
individual community level, uses a wide range of exchange mechanisms and usually deals
with small quantities of seeds as widely demanded by farmers. This traditional system has
maintained local varieties and landraces for hundreds of years.
Objectives:
To determine the extent to which a given seed lot meets the standards set for certain attributes
like genetic, physical, physiological and health that determining the quality status of seeds.
Materials required:
Purity board, hand lances , seed blower, sieve, Analytical balance, forceps and fine needles.

Procedure:

• Pure seed – the species stated by the applicant, or that found to predominate in the test, and
including all botanical varieties and cultivars of that species. The pure seed fraction
comprises also:- Mature undamaged seeds of the species; and - Pieces of broken seeds that
are more than half the original size.

• Other seeds – seed units of any plant species other than that of pure seed.

• Inert matter – seed units and all other matter and structures not defined by ISTA as pure
seed or other seed, for example:- Broken pieces of pure seed and crop seed species that are
half or less their original size; - Soil particles, sand, stones, chaff, stems, leaves, flowers; and
- Smut balls, ergots and nematode galls.

Identify the seed

 Determine the correct weight of the working sample (≥ 2 500 seeds with a maximum
weight of 1 000 g). The ISTA Rules stipulate that the analysis can be done on one
working sample of this weight or on two subsamples of at least half this weight, each
independently drawn.
 Weigh the working sample (or each subsample) in grams to the minimum number of
decimal places necessary to calculate the percentage of its component parts.
  Divide the working sample on the working board into three components (pure seed,
other seed and inert matter).
 Weigh the individual fractions independently using an analytical balance.
For example:
- Pure seed = X (g)
- Other seeds = Y (g)
- Inert matter = Z (g)

Observations result:
 EXERCISE–8
SEED MOISTURE TEST

Introduction:
The Seed Moisture Test is an essential practical in seed testing, determining the water
content of seeds. This information is critical for storage, processing, and ensuring seed
viability.

Objectives:
To determine the moisture content in seeds, which affects their germination, storage, and
longevity.

Materials required:
 Seed sample (5-10 grams or more, depending on the species).
 Moisture-proof containers (aluminum boxes with lids or glass jars).
 Oven (preferably a seed testing oven with temperature control).
 Analytical balance (precision up to 0.01 g).
 Desiccator (with silica gel or anhydrous calcium chloride).
 Tweezers.
 Labels and marker.

Procedure:

The two commonly used methods for seed moisture testing are Air Oven Method and
Moisture Meter Method.

1. Air Oven Method

This is the most widely used and standardized method for accurate moisture
determination.

Procedure:

1. Sample Preparation:
o Take a representative sample of seeds and grind large seeds (like maize) to a
uniform particle size. Small seeds can be used as is.
o Ensure the sample is free from debris or impurities.
2. Weighing:
o Take a clean, dry container with a lid and weigh it (W1).
o Add a known quantity of the seed sample to the container and weigh again
(W2).
3. Drying:
o Place the open container with seeds in a preheated oven at 130°C for 2 hours
(for seeds without high oil content) or 105°C for 16-17 hours (for high-oil
seeds).
o Ensure proper air circulation in the oven for uniform drying.
4. Cooling and Weighing:
 o Remove the container, immediately cover it to avoid moisture absorption, and
cool it in a desiccator.
o Weigh the container with the dried sample (W3).

2. Moisture Meter Method

This method is quicker and uses a seed moisture meter device.

Procedure:

1. Place the seed sample in the moisture meter.

2. Record the moisture content directly displayed on the device.
3. Note: This method is less accurate compared to the oven method but useful for quick
assessments.

Observations result:
 EXERCISE–9
SEED VIABILITY TEST

Introduction:
Viability is the capability of the seed to germinate and produce a normal seedling. It
indicates that a seed contains the structures and substances required to germinate under
favorable conditions in the absence of dormancy. External physical appearance alone cannot
determine whether a seed is alive or dead. Seed viability testing is therefore carried out to
determine the percentage of viable seed in a given lot. The test is valid for all species for
which a method is described in the ISTA Rules.

Objectives:
To Make a rapid assessment of seed viability and seed vigour

Materials required:
Petri dishes, filter paper, magnifying glass, dropper and bottle, solution of tetrazolium,
dissecting needles, forceps

Procedure:
 Draw four replicates of 100 pure seeds at random, either from the pure seed fraction
of a purity test carried out or from a representative fraction of the submitted sample.
 Mix the pure seed fraction thoroughly taking care to not select seeds causing biased
results.
 Soak seeds in water overnight to soften the embryo and endosperm and activate the
enzyme system.
 Make a cut or completely remove the seed-coat (depending on the species) – to
expose the embryo and facilitate contact with the tetrazolium solution.
 Immerse the prepared seeds or embryos in tetrazolium salt solution. Avoid exposure
to direct light, as it would cause a reduction of the tetrazolium salt.
 Refer to the ISTA Rules for optimum temperatures and staining times.
 Wash seeds repeatedly with distilled water.
 Examine seeds under a magnifying glass.

Observations result:
 EXERCISE–10
VISIT TO SEED PRODUCTION FARM

Q. 1. Where did you visit seed production area ?

Q. 2. Name of the species

Q. 3. Seed Source and date of planting/sowing of seed ?

Q. 4. Size of seed production farm?

Q. 5. What are the different operations and management methods followed in seed production
farm?
 EXERCISE–11
VISIT TO SEED TESTING LABORATORY

Q. 1. Which seed testing laboratory you have visited?

Q. 2. Which types of tests were performed in seed testing laboratory?

Q. 3. What are the key objectives of seed testing laboratory?

Q. 4. How working samples were drawn in the testing laboratory for various tests?

Q. 5. List out the equipments/apparatus and chemical used in the seed testing laboratory?

Q. 6. How seed germination and seed moisture tests were conducted in the seed testing
laboratory?

Q. 7. How seed vigour and seed viability tests were performed in the seed testing laboratory?

Q. 8. How many seed testing laboratories are working in the state? Name the along with their
location.
 EXERCISE–12
VISIT TO SEED PROCESSING PLANT

Q. 1. Where did you visit a seed processing units?

Q. 2. Which crop was processed in this seed processing unit?

Q. 3. Which are the important steps followed by the seed processing unit that you had visited?

Q. 4. How seed were dried in the dryer?

Q. 5. Explain the method of seed cleaning in details.

Q. 6. How seed packaging and storage was done in the processing unit?
Q. 7. What are the factors affecting seed longevity in seed storage?

Q. 8. List out the equipments/apparatus used in the seed processing unit