Standardization of Sieve Sizes for Maximum Seed Recovery with Better Quality in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Green gram (Vigna radiata)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to standardize appropriate sieve sizes for efficient seed processing in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (WH 1309, WH 1402 and DBW 303) and three green gram (Vigna radiata L.) varieties (MH 1762, MH 1142 and MH 421). Raw seed lots of each variety were processed using a Sieve Shaker (Model SB5W) fitted with slotted sieves of 1.60, 1.70, 1.80, 2.10, 2.30, 2.40 and 2.50 mm for wheat and 2.70, 2.80, 2.90, 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.30 and 3.40 mm for green gram. Seeds retained on each sieve were evaluated for seed recovery and seed quality parameters. The results revealed that the 2.10 mm slotted sieve provided the highest seed recovery while maintaining seed quality parameters above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) for all three wheat varieties. Similarly, the 2.70 mm slotted sieve recorded the highest seed recovery with seed quality parameters meeting IMSCS requirements in all three green gram varieties. The findings indicate that a 2.10 mm slotted sieve is the most suitable for processing wheat varieties WH 1309, WH 1402 and DBW 303, whereas a 2.70 mm slotted sieve is optimum for processing green gram varieties MH 1762, MH 1142 and MH 421. Adoption of these standardized sieve sizes will enable higher seed recovery without compromising seed quality, thereby improving the efficiency of seed processing and facilitating the development of crop-specific seed grading standards.