Seed Technology

                                   Seed Technology

1. SST 421 - COMMERCIAL HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION
2. GBPR 312 - Principles of Seed Technology
3. SST 401 - SEED PRODUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL IN AGRICULTURAL CROPS (2+1)

Introduction - Seed Technology

The history of agricultural progress from the early days of man has been the
history of seeds of new crops and crop varieties brought under cultivation. In the early
days it was achieved through the cultivation of indigenous but useful plants and those
taken through introductions. Later through the well known techniques of selection,
hybridization, mutation, polyploidization and plant biotechnology the scientists made
available many new and better varieties. However, to the farmer all this scientific
research would be of little value unless he gets seeds, which are genetically pure, high
germination percentage and vigour, high purity, sound health etc., When the farmers
do not get seeds possessing these qualities the yields they obtain may not be as
expected. The pace of progress in production therefore, will largely depend upon the
speed with which we are able to multiply and market good quality seeds of high
yielding varieties.

Definitions of Seed Technology

Cowan (1973) identified seed technology as “that discipline of study having to
do with seed production, maintenance, quality and preservation”.
Feistritzer (1975) defined seed technology as the methods through which the
genetic and physical characteristics of seeds could be improved. It involves such
activities as variety development, evaluation and release, seed production, processing,
storage and certification. Thus seed technology is essentially an inter disciplinary science which
encompasses broad range of subjects. In its broadest sense,” seed technology includes
the development of superior crop plant varieties, their evaluation and release, seed
production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality
control, seed marketing and distribution and research on seed physiology, seed
production and seed handling based upon modern botanical and agricultural
sciences”.In a narrow sense “seed technology comprises techniques of seed production,
seed processing, seed storage, seed testing and certification, seed marketing and
distribution and the related research on these aspects”.

Reference

TNAU - Tamilnadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore Materials And TNAU - Affiliated Private College Materials, TNAU Government College Materials, ICAR - Indian Council Of Agriculture Research, New Delhi Materials to Collected.