The main objective of this book is to help the graduate and post-graduate students of Agriculture to quickly grasp the facts comprehensively and systematically. It is a collection and compilation work from various sources and has been endeavored to include as much information as could be possible. It is realized that the coverage of materials in this book is likely to be far from complete as the information available in seed technology and plant science are immense. In nature, seed plays two critical roles: firstly, it provides a means for survival through unfavorable environmental conditions that alternate with favorable ones and secondly, the process of its formation generates genetic variation that is transmitted to the next generation Man would have been attracted to certain seeds (from among so many different kinds) for yet another reason, viz, their food value; this would have been critical in the domestication of certain plant species. Ever since domestication, a fourth factor became associated with seeds, viz, superior performance under the prevailing conditions of cultivation, that is, maximum exploitation of the available resources. Each and every suggestion and/or criticism for this effort is welcome and give an opportunity to remove the shortcomings.

1 Seed: Structure, Type and Development

2 Maturity

3 Seed Viability, Vigour and Germination

4 Seed Dormancy

5 Seed Storage

6 Seed Production

7 General Seed Certification Standards

• Labelling of Breeder Seed
• Conditions for Inter-Cropping during Certified Seed Production of Oilseeds and Pulses
• Maximum Lot Size
• Procedure for Construction of Lot Numbers
• Screen Aperture Size for Seed Processing
• Screen Apperture for Seed Processing of Certain Varieties
• Grow-Out Test for Cultivar Purity
• Specification for Certification Tag
• Model Composition of the Appellate Authority
• Extension of the Validity Period
• The Central Seed Certification Board

Important Terms

MCQs