Definition of seed and seed technology ,characteristics of quality seeds and its importance, different classes of seed germination and dormancy, seed certification in Nepal
1.Seed certification is essential for maintaining the quality of seed,justify.(2073)
2.Define seed technology .highight the Importance of quality seed for better production .(2075)
3.Mention different types of seed .Define seed germination and seed dormancy.(2071)
4.Define seed .Discuss the characteristics of quality seeds(2072)
5.What do you mean by seed certification and explain seed certification process in Nepal.(2071/2076)
6.Define grains and mention the seed types and tags used for different classes of seeds.(2076)
ANSWERS
1.Define seed technology and highlight the importance of quality seed for better production.( 2075)
Seed technology: It refers to the methods through which the genetic and physical characteristics of seed could be improved. Seed technology includes activities such as; variety development, evaluation and release seed production, processing, storage, and certification. Goal of seed technology is to increase agricultural production through the spread of good quality seed of high yielding varieties.
Importance of high quality seeds:
A good quality seed has higher return per unit area as the genetic potentiality of the crop can be fully exploited.
Minimization of the cost due to the reduction in the seed/seedling rate in the field.
The plant from quality seed are vigorous, resistant to pest and diseases which cut down the cost and increases the production.
The germination percentage of quality seed is high thus reducing the need for re transplantation and gap filling.
Quality seed responds well to applied fertilizer and nutrients and gives high yield.
The plants obtained from quality seeds have uniform growth stages and maturity and uniform products.
The quality of the products can be maintained for a longer period of time under storage conditions.
2. Mention different types of seed. Define seed germination and seed dormancy. ( 2071 )
The different types of seed has been mentioned below:
a) Breeder Seed:
directly controlled by the originating or sponsoring plant breeding program.
It is the source for the production of foundation seed.
of high genetic value and are produced in small quantity and are very costly.
It has yellow tag.
b) Foundation Seed:
the progeny of breeder seed and second grade seed in order of it’s genetic purity.
Produced by government farm or by certain organization (NARC, Cooperatives, National seed agency
has white tag.
c) Certified Seed:
Progeny of foundation seed and parent for improved seed
Production done according to standards specified and is inspected by seed inspector and certifying agency.
Certified seed -1 (border tag) or Certified seed -2 (green border tag.)
d) Improved Seed :
Progeny of certified seed and is produced in farmers field under the inspection of seed certifying agency.
Quality is acceptable to local market and consumer and is for production purpose.
Has a yellow tag
Seed germination: The process of growth of miniature plant (embryo) contained within the seed into a larger plant.
Seed dormancy: The inability of the seed to grow even when provided with the normal conditions necessary for germination, such a seed is said to be dormant.
3. Define seed and discuss the characteristics of quality seeds.( 2072)
Seed: Seed is a plant embryo in a dormant state, surrounded by a food supply and protective outer skin (seed coat). Seed is a fertilized ovule that consists of following parts:
Cotyledons
Embryo
Seed Coat
Quality seed is the seed which passed certain requirements of predetermined standard certifying criteria.
Characteristics of quality seed
The possession of seed with the appropriate genetic and physical purity, as well as physiological soundness and health condition, is referred to as seed quality. The most important seed quality characteristics are listed below.
Physical Quality: Seed cleanliness refers to the absence of other seeds, trash, inert materials, diseased seed, and insect-damaged seed. Physically, the seed should be uniform in size, weight, and color, and devoid of stones, dirt, and dust, as well as leaves, twigs, stems, flowers, and fruit, as well as other crop seeds and inert material.
Genetic purity: It refers to a seed's ability to be true to type. i.e., the seedling / plant / tree that emerges from the seed should be identical to its mother in every way.
- Physiological Quality: This refers to the seed's real expression in subsequent generations or multiplication. Seed germination and seed vitality are included. Germinability refers to a seed's ability to produce a seedling with normal roots and shoots under favorable conditions. Seed vigor refers to a seed's ability to produce superior seedlings based on its energy or stamina. A good seed should have a high germination rate as well as vitality.
Seed Health - The lack of insect infestation and fungal infection in or on the seed defines the seed's health state. The health of the seed has a direct impact on the seed quality characters and ensures their soundness in seed for the generation of exceptional seedlings in the nursery and field.
4. What do you mean by seed certification and explain the process of seed certification followed in Nepal. ( 2071 and 2076)
Seed certification is a quality assurance method in which seed that is intended for commercial use is subjected to government inspection and monitoring. Seed quality is critical in crop production since it is necessary for optimum crop yields and returns, as well as reducing the risk of crop failure.
Process of seed certification in Nepal:
Government of Nepal has set it’s own criteria for a seed to be labeled as a certified seed. A seed certifying agency is established for seed certification. The agency monitors the location where seeds are produced, grading the seeds, carrying out viability and germination tests, certifying seeds, and in some cases distributing certified seeds. Seed inspectors from the certifying agency visit the seed production site to observe the whole production process and the program to ensure it’s quality. After the harvest, the post harvest operation also takes place under the certifying agency and at the last if such produced goods or lots meet specified standard for specific seed set by the agency and the tag is provided depending upon the different classes.
The main objective of seed certifying agency is to ensure genuineness and quality of seeds to the users or the purchasers to increase the production and the productivity of any crop. Seed certifying also makes sure that the quality seeds are easily accessible to the farmers.
5. Define grains and mention different seed types and the tag used in them. ( 2076 )
A grain is a tiny, hard, dry seed extracted for human or animal use, with or without an associated hull or fruit covering. The grain is a seed that is part of commercial output with undetermined varietal purity.
a) Breeder Seed:
It has yellow tag.
b) foundation Seed:
has white tag.
c) certified Seed:
Certified seed -1 (border tag) or Certified seed -2 (green border tag.)
d) Improved Seed :
Has a yellow tag