Principles of Seed Technology

Seeds are the most basic and vital input in agriculture. With the advent of green revolution, seeds form the backbone of modern agriculture contributing to 20% of yield improvement. Modern varieties and hybrids need strict production norms to maintain their genetic purity and vitality. This is ensured by adhering to quality checks during production, post production and distribution. Seed technology is a science that treats seeds as a living entity and ensures the quality and productivity of seeds. This course will enhance the knowledge of seed biology, seed quality, seed production, seed storage and seed certification. Starting with seed as a biological organism the course winds through its quality parameters, enumerates is production techniques, ensures is physical quality through processing, pervades quality checks through certification norms and finally reaches the farmer as a enhanced input ensuring assured returns. Seed production techniques of several important crops have been provided for the benefit of those who would like to venture into seed production. Even latest seed enhancement techniques like pelleting, priming and coating are provided for improved knowledge. On completion, one can possess sufficient knowledge on seed quality, its production strategy, processing methodology, distribution links and even legal issues.

Week- I
1. Seed Structure2. Seed Development and Maturation3. Seed Germination

Week - II
4. Seed senescence- causes, quality characters5. Principles of Quality seed production

Week - III
6. Factors affecting quality seed production7. Causes of varietal deterioration and maintenance of genetic purity during seed production

Week - IV
8. Seed production in rice varieties and hybrids9. Seed Production in Sorghum Varieties and Hybrids10. Seed Production in Pearl Millet Varieties and Hybrids

Week - V
11. Seed production in Maize12. Hybrid seed production in Maize

Week - VI
13. Seed Production in Pulses (Black gram and Green Gram and Red gram)14. Seed Production in Groundnut and Gingelly15. Seed Production in Sunflower Varieties and Hybrids16. Seed Production in Cotton

Week - VII
17. Seed Production in Solanaceous Vegetables18. Seed Production Techniques of Bhendi and Onion19. Seed Production in Cucurbits (Snake Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Ash Gourd, Ridge Gourd and Pumpkin)

Week - VIII
20. Post harvest handling of seeds - Threshing methods - Drying methods-advantages and disadvantages21. Seed processing principles and sequencing22. Seed Enhancement Technologies (Coating, Priming, Pelleting & Hardening)