Indian Society of Seed Technology, F5, A Block NASC Complex, DPS Marg, New Delhi 110012 is a registered professional society under registration number 28898/73 since 1971. Seed Research is the Official publication of Indian Society of Seed Technology (ISST). It publishes original research papers in the field of 'Seed Research'. It is the scientific publication of the Indian Society of Seed Technology (ISST), which is brought out in two issues per year consisting of original papers and review articles in all areas of seed science and technology e.g. seed production, sampling, testing, enhancement, processing, physiology, entomology, pathology, storage, genetic conservation, habitat regeneration, seed business, plant variety protection, policy issues, etc. and allied fields since its inception from 1973.
Physico-Chemical Control of Seed Deterioration
The loss of viability of seeds of wheat, rice, jute, sunflower and several pulses and vegetables, under ambient and accelerated ageing conditions, could be significantly slowed down by soaking the seeds halfway during storage, with water or dilute solutions (10-10-2M) of a range of chemicals for 2-6 hours, followed by drying back to original weight. Water soaking and drying itself has been found to be effective in majority of the seeds investigated. Instead of soaking in water, a light spray with water or solutions of the chemicals or even moisture equilibration with a saturated atmosphere, followed by drying back, prolonged the viability of wheat seeds. Soaking in double the volume of water, however, gave better results in majority of the materials. Treatment of fresh seeds or very old seeds was less effective than treatment of stored seeds (after 4-6 months of normal storage) of good germinability. A second treatment after several months of storage would further extend the viability. The soaking and drying treatments improved the immediate germinability of seeds but the beneficial effects were greatly magnified upon storage. Evidences have been presented to suggest that the treatments which extend seed viablity possibly do so by reducing the free radical damage to the cellular components.
Approaches to Quantification of Seed Vigour
Quantification of seed vigour - a very important qualitative character, has been attempted in this review-cum-reappraisal paper taking into account a number of physiological and biochemical parameters that are positively or negatively correlated with germinability. Efforts have been made to score each of them individually on a scale ranging from 0 to 100 (as with germination percentage) and then, if necessary, combining them into a unified score value for a clear and easy understanding of the ability of a seed lot to make a predictable stand establishment.
Low-Cost, Farmer-Friendly Substrates for Seed Germination Testing: Evidence across Major Field Crops
Seed germination testing is a critical yet often inaccessible component of seed quality assurance, particularly for smallholder farmers who rely heavily on farm-saved or locally sourced seed. Conventional laboratorybased germination tests, though scientifically robust, remain beyond the reach of many farming communities due to cost, infrastructure, and logistical constraints. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of three substrates— germination paper, newspaper, and jute (gunny) bag—on seed quality parameters of ten economically important crops, including major cereals (wheat, paddy, and barley), pulses (green gram, chickpea, pea, lentil, and cowpea), and oilseeds (soybean and mustard). Germination percentage (GERMI%), seedling dry weight (DW), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), and vigour indices (VI-I and VI-II) were recorded and statistically analysed. Results revealed that germination percentage across all three substrates was statistically at par for most crops, indicating that lowcost alternatives can provide reliable estimates of seed viability. Although germination paper produced superior seedling growth and vigour, newspaper and gunny bag substrates demonstrated consistent and dependable performance. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost, locally available substrates to serve as practical tools for on-farm and community-level seed quality assessment, thereby strengthening decentralized seed systems, supporting extension-led advisory services, and enabling evidence-based seed management decisions under resource-constrained conditions.
Substrate, Seed quality, Decentralized seed systems, Germination testing, Seedling vigour
Agro-morphological and Seed Trait Characterization of DUS-Tested Wheat Varieties for Central India
Agro-morphological and seed trait characterization of wheat genotypes is a prerequisite for varietal identification, DUS testing, and maintenance of genetic purity in seed production systems. The present investigation was carried out at ICAR–IARI Regional Station, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, during the rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 to characterize eight promising wheat genotypes along with two check varieties (DBW-187 and HD2967). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant variation was observed among genotypes for major quantitative traits, including plant height, days to heading, peduncle length, ear length, awn length, and thousand grain weight, while most qualitative seed and plant descriptors remained stable across years. Absence of coleoptile anthocyanin coloration, uniform amber grain colour, and consistent awn presence contributed to varietal distinctness and seed identity. Early heading and maturity were recorded in genotypes 22BRHI3304 and 22BRHI3305, whereas 2889/2139 and 22BRDP5001 were late maturing. The stability of qualitative traits coupled with significant differences in yield-related seed traits highlights the suitability of these genotypes for DUS testing and seed certification. The study underscores the importance of integrating agro-morphological and seed characters for varietal registration, seed purity maintenance, and wheat improvement under Central Indian conditions.
DUS testing, Seed traits, Wheat genotypes, Morphological characterization, Grain weight
Role of Pod and Seed Features in Determining In situ Germination in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
In situ germination (pre-harvest sprouting) in groundnut is an emerging constraint under changing climatic conditions, particularly in bunch-type cultivars lacking fresh seed dormancy. The present study examined the role of pod and seed morphological traits in governing in situ germination tolerance in selected sensitive and tolerant groundnut recombinant inbred lines (RILs), their parents, and two standard checks. Based on seed availability and mean in situ germination percentage recorded over Kharif 2022 and Kharif 2023, sixteen contrasting RILs along with parents and checks were evaluated for pod and seed traits during 2023. Among the traits assessed, pod wall thickness (PWT) emerged as the most critical determinant of in situ germination tolerance. Pod wall thickness exhibited wide and significant variation, ranging from 0.55 mm (N × T 278) to 1.55 mm (T × N 75). A strong inverse relationship was observed between PWT and in situ germination percentage (IGP). Tolerant genotypes possessing thicker pod walls (≥1.00 mm) recorded complete absence of in situ germination, whereas sensitive genotypes with thinner pod walls (<0.95 mm) showed high levels of sprouting (61–79%). In contrast, other pod and seed traits such as pod length, pod width, seed length, and seed width did not show any consistent association with in situ germination behaviour. These findings highlight pod wall thickness as a reliable phenotypic marker for selecting in situ germination–tolerant groundnut genotypes and provide valuable insights for breeding climate-resilient varieties.
In situ germination, Pod wall thickness, Pre-harvest sprouting
Studies on Stigma Receptivity and Pollen Viability in Parental Lines of Phule Aadishakti Hybrid of pearlmillet as Affected by Different Seasons
Stigma receptivity and pollen viability are critical determinants of successful hybrid seed production in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), particularly in male-sterility–based hybrid breeding systems. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of seasons on stigma receptivity and pollen viability in parental lines of the Phule Aadishakti pearl millet hybrid during Kharif and summer seasons. The experimental material comprised the male-sterile line DHLB-8A (female parent), the maintainer line DHLB-8B, and the restorer line DHLB-967 (male parent). Stigma receptivity was evaluated under six starvation interval treatments (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days), while pollen viability was assessed at six pollination intervals (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours). Seed set percentage, number of seeds per earhead, seed weight per earhead, and 1000-seed weight were recorded to assess reproductive success. Results revealed that both stigma receptivity and pollen viability were significantly influenced by season, with superior performance observed during the Kharif season compared to the summer season. Higher seed set and yield attributes in Kharif indicated more favorable environmental conditions for reproductive processes. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing season-specific flowering synchronization and pollination timing for efficient hybrid seed production. This study provides valuable insights for improving seed yield and quality in pearl millet hybrid breeding and commercial seed production programs.
Pearl millet, stigma receptivity, pollen viability, seasons
Effect of Seed Pelleting with Microbial and Organic Filler Materials on Growth and Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed crop, but its small seed size often hampers uniform sowing and seedling establishment. Seed pelleting is an effective technique to enhance seed handling, precision planting, and delivery of beneficial bio-inoculants. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different pelleting materials on emergence, growth, yield, and yield attributes of linseed. Eight treatments comprising microbial inoculants (Trichoderma viride, Azospirillum brasilense, Metarhizium anisopliae), organic leaf powders (Pongamia pinnata, Prosopis juliflora, Azadirachta indica), fly ash, and an unpelleted control were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. Seed pelleting significantly improved crop performance compared to the control. Pelleting with Metarhizium anisopliae at a 1:3 ratio recorded the highest field emergence (98.25%), plant height (42.93 cm), number of branches (5.47), capsules per plant (39.94), 1000-seed weight (8.66 g), seed yield per plant (1.83 g), and yield per hectare (894 kg ha- ¹). The unpelleted control showed the lowest values for all parameters. The study concludes that microbial-based pelleting with Metarhizium anisopliae is an effective and eco-friendly strategy to enhance seedling vigour, crop establishment, and productivity of linseed.
Filler materials, linseed, pelleting, seed yield
Reassessing the Validity Period of Certified Seeds in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is gaining renewed importance as a climate-resilient and nutritionally rich cereal capable of supporting food and nutritional security under marginal and rainfed conditions. With increasing emphasis on millet-based cropping systems, ensuring the availability of high-quality seed throughout the planting season has become critical, necessitating a re-examination of existing seed certification validity norms. The present study evaluated the storability and revalidation requirements of certified Proso millet seed varieties GPUP-25 and GPUP-28 stored under ambient conditions in cloth and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags for nine months. The investigation was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Notified State Seed Testing Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj. Progressive declines in germination percentage, seedling dry weight and vigour indices were observed with increasing storage duration, irrespective of packaging material. However, seeds stored in HDPE bags consistently maintained superior physiological quality compared to those stored in cloth bags. By the ninth month of storage, germination in cloth bags declined below the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) minimum of 75% (72.63%), whereas HDPE-stored seeds retained acceptable germination (83.05%). Higher moisture content and electrical conductivity values in cloth bags indicated accelerated seed deterioration. The findings demonstrate that packaging material significantly influences seed longevity and suggest that uniform certification validity periods may not adequately reflect cropand storage-specific seed behaviour. HDPE bags are recommended for medium- to long-term storage of Proso millet seeds under ambient conditions, while seeds stored in cloth bags require revalidation beyond eight months. The study provides empirical evidence to support the need for revisiting and refining seed certification and revalidation standards for Proso millet based on storability performance.
Proso millet, seed certification standards, cloth and HDPE bags, storage
Effect of Seed Treatments on Seed Yield and Quality Parameters in Chickpea Seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) Cv. HC-7 and HC-5
The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to assess the effect of different biological seed treatments on seed yield and quality parameters of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars HC-5 and HC-7. The treatments comprised seed inoculation with Rhizobium; seed coating on hydro-primed seeds (6 h at 20 °C) with Bio-NPK combined with drought-alleviating bacteria (DAB); seed coating with Trichoderma harzianum (2 × 10v CFU g- ¹) @ 15 ml kg-¹ seed; and an untreated control. Treated seeds were first evaluated for laboratory seed quality parameters and subsequently sown under field conditions to study growth, yield, and economic performance. The results revealed that Rhizobium inoculation significantly improved seed quality and yield attributes in both cultivars, followed by Bio-NPK + DAB seed coating, while the untreated control consistently recorded the lowest values. Germination percentage was highest in Rhizobium-treated seeds (99.00% in HC-5) compared to the control (93.33% in HC-5). Vigour Index-I was also significantly higher under Rhizobium treatment (2230 in HC-5 and 2600 in HC-7) than in the control (2071 and 2388, respectively). Field evaluation showed significant effects of treatments on plant height, number of seeds per plant, seed yield, and benefit–cost ratio. Maximum seed yield was recorded with Rhizobium inoculation (28.11 q ha-¹ in HC-5 and 29.78 q ha-¹ in HC-7), whereas the untreated control produced the lowest yields (25.78 and 26.88 q ha-¹, respectively). Post-harvest seed quality analysis further confirmedsignificant improvements in seedling length and Vigour Index-I due to biological seed treatments. The study concludes that Rhizobium inoculation is an effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable seed treatment for enhancing seed quality and productivity in chickpea, with additional benefits from bio-based seed coating treatments such as Bio-NPK + DAB and Trichoderma harzianum.
Chickpea, Seed treatment, Biofertilizers, Seed yield, Seed quality
Seed Viability, Imbibition Dynamics and Storability of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa: Implications for Propagation and Conservation
The present investigation assessed seed viability, water imbibition behavior, pre-treatment requirements, and storability of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa. Seed viability, determined through the Tetrazolium (TZ) test, showed significant variation depending on the TZ concentration and staining duration. The highest viability (100%) was observed using 0.5% TZ solution after 4 hours of staining, establishing this combination as optimal for viability assessment. Imbibition studies revealed a progressive increase in seed fresh weight, following a characteristic triphasic pattern indicative of physiological readiness for germination. Germination experiments confirmed the absence of dormancy in A. marmelos seeds, indicating that no pre-treatment is necessary for successful germination. Storage behavior studies demonstrated that seeds dried to a moisture content of 4.58% and stored at –20°C retained viability above 86% after three months, confirming orthodox storage behavior. This finding contrasts with earlier reports suggesting intermediate seed storage characteristics. Overall, Aegle marmelos seeds exhibit high viability, favorable imbibition dynamics, and excellent storability, supporting their effective utilization in propagation and long-term conservation efforts.
Seed viability, tetrazolium, water imbibition, seed dormancy, seed storability, conservation
Redox-Modulating and Micronutrient-Based Priming Strategies Enhance Germination and Vigour by Improving the Physiological Integrity of Onion Seeds
Seed priming is a promising technique gaining rapid traction in agriculture for improving seed performance and ultimately crop yields, especially in high value crops such as onion, which often suffer from poor germination, vigour and emergence stand. The current study was designed to evaluate the impact of various redox-modulating salts – ascorbic acid and H2O2 and micro-nutrient based salts – Mg(NO3)2, ZnSO4, CuSO4 and FeCl3 on the germination and physiological responses of onion seeds. Laboratory and field studies were carried out in the year 2021 in a completely randomized design in Seed Physiology Laboratory, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. In-vitro germination studies documented improved early seedling growth and vigour in the onion seeds primed with 0.5% and 1% ascorbic acid; 0.25% and 0.5% Mg (NO3)2 and 1% ZnSO4. These improvements could be attributed the reduced electrolyte leakage and electrical conductivity recorded which consequently translated in improved physiological integrity and seed quality in the primed seeds. Differential results were recorded in the field investigations with many lab-tested invigorating priming treatments not performing equivalently. Amongst all, onion seeds primed with 0.5% Mg (NO3)2 for 9 hours emerged as best performing priming treatment documenting a significant six percent increment (50.67%) in germination as compared to untreated onion seeds (44.67%). Higher concentrations of H2O2, CuSO4, ZnSO4 and FeCl3 were found to be detrimental, reflecting their potential to undermine seed germination and vigour through oxidative stress, greater electrolyte leakage, reduced membrane stability and poor seedling performance, thus emphasizing the necessity for careful optimization of species-and environment-specific priming concentration and duration.
Allium cepa, electrolyte leakage, germination, onion, seed priming, vigour
The New Lens on Seed Testing: AI, ML and Image Analysis
Seed testing is undergoing a paradigm shift with the integration of advanced digital technologies that augment conventional methodologies by offering greater speed, accuracy, and scalability. This review examines the transformative impact of innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced image analysis on contemporary seed quality assessment. AI-based approaches, particularly machine learning and deep learning models, are increasingly being employed to automate complex and labour-intensive tasks—including seed sorting, germination prediction, and defect detection—that were traditionally reliant on expert visual evaluation. Image analysis techniques, notably hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, enable rapid and non-destructive assessment of both external and internal seed attributes, thereby substantially improving diagnostic precision. In parallel, the adoption of edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and cloud-based platforms has enabled real-time and decentralized seed testing, extending analytical capabilities from centralized laboratories to fieldlevel applications. These digital frameworks enhance data integration, traceability, and decision-making efficiency across seed production systems, breeding programmes, and quality control laboratories. Moreover, high-throughput digital phenotyping tools are accelerating plant breeding by generating detailed, high-resolution trait data, thereby reducing selection cycles and improving the efficiency of crop improvement programmes. Despite these advancements, the widespread adoption of digital seed testing technologies necessitates the development of standardized protocols, robust validation frameworks, and appropriate regulatory oversight to ensure data reliability, interoperability, and broader applicability. Collectively, these emerging innovations are redefining seed testing practices and positioning the discipline as a critical enabler of sustainable, precision-oriented, and data-driven agriculture.
Digital seed testing, artificial intelligence, image analysis, seed quality, hyperspectral imaging, machine learning
Post-storage Seed Quality in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as Impacted by Variable Fruit Age and in-situ Storage Durations
The contribution of fruit pulp reserves to seed development and post-harvest seed quality in cucurbits remains inadequately explored, despite the widespread practice of in-situ fruit storage prior to seed extraction. The present investigation examined the combined influence of fruit harvest stage and in-situ storage duration of harvested fruits on seed quality and longevity in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Fruits were harvested at three developmental stages, namely 30, 40 and 50 days after anthesis (DAA), and subjected to four in-situ storage durations (0, 5, 10, and 15 days). Seeds extracted from each treatment were stored for eight months, during which germination percentage and seedling vigour index-I were assessed at two-month intervals. Biochemical constituents, including total soluble sugars, starch, total soluble proteins, oil content, and total soluble amino acids, were quantified immediately after seed extraction and after eight months of storage. Seed germination percentage and vigour index-I increased progressively with advancement in fruit maturity from 30 to 50 DAA and with longer in-situ storage duration from 0 to 15 days. Seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 30 and 40 DAA exhibited an increase in germination up to four months of storage, whereas those harvested at 50 DAA showed improvement up to six months, followed by a gradual decline. Storage reserves such as sugars, starch, proteins, and oil content declined with prolonged seed storage, accompanied by an increase in total soluble amino acids. Seeds harvested at 50 DAA and extracted after 10 days of in-situ fruit storage consistently exhibited superior seed quality and storability after eight months of storage. The study highlights the critical role of fruit maturity and postharvest fruit handling in optimizing seed quality and provides practical recommendations for improving cucumber seed longevity under typical storage conditions.
Germination, Seed longevity, Starch, Storage, Vigour
Mangrove Seeds and Their Role in Climate Adaptation and Coastal Ecosystem Management
Mangroves represent specialized coastal ecosystems that play a crucial role in shoreline stabilization, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. Their seeds and propagules possess unique physiological and morphological adaptations that enable successful germination and establishment under saline and waterlogged conditions. Understanding these biological traits is essential for developing efficient propagation and restoration strategies. This article examines the seed biology of mangroves, the environmental parameters influencing their germination, and practical approaches for seed handling and establishment. Methods including pre-sowing treatments, nursery techniques, and recent innovations such as drone-assisted dispersal are discussed with reference to their application in the United Arab Emirates. By integrating conventional and advanced propagation methods, the study highlights the importance of mangrove seed-based approaches in enhancing restoration success and contributing to climate-resilient coastal management.
Mangrove seeds, germination biology, seed propagation, salinity tolerance, nursery techniques, UAE
Storage Duration Impacted Hardseededness and Seed Coat Physico-chemical Parameters in Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)
Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is an important pulse crop of India; however, hardseededness poses a major constraint to its germination and grain quality. The present study investigated the kinetics of hardseededness and associated biochemical changes in six hard-seeded mung bean genotypes (TM 96-25, LGG 460, PUSA 9072, MH 421, V 61-73, PUSA 9531) stored for 6, 12, and 18 months under ambient conditions. Key parameters measured included per cent hard seed, hardness breaking force (N), Acid Insoluble Lignin% (AIL%), Acid Soluble Lignin% (ASL%), and total phenol content (mg/g). Results revealed a significant reduction in hardseededness with increased storage duration. The mean hard seed percentage decreased from 31.73% in fresh seeds to 11.61% after 18 months. Concurrently, the parameters such as Acid Insoluble Lignin (%), Acid Soluble Lignin (%), hardness breaking force (N) and total phenol content (mg/g) significantly declined over the storage period, indicating a weakening of the seed coat. This change is likely attributed to alteration in membrane integrity and loosening of hilum cells, which enhances water permeability. While 18-month storage reduced germination below Indian minimum seed certification standards, 12-month stored seeds maintained acceptable quality. Therefore, utilizing 12-month stored seeds of hard-seeded mung bean genotypes is recommended for improved field emergence, uniform plant growth, and higher yields in seed production programs.
Hardseededness, Lignin content, Hardness breaking force, Storage duration, Green gram
Hybrid Development and Seed Production of Biofortified Maize: Aspects and Prospects
Malnutrition affects a large section of the population worldwide. It not only affects growth and development in humans but also causes socio-economic imbalance. Among various approaches, cropbiofortification has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective tool to alleviate malnutrition. Intensive research efforts in India and abroad have led to the development and release of a series of biofortified maize hybrids for commercial cultivation. The quantity of essential amino acids, viz. lysine and tryptophan, provitamin-A, and vitamin E has been enhanced, while phytate has been reduced to improve the bioavailability of iron and zinc. This has led to the development and release of several multinutrient-rich maize hybrids. Availability of markers for opaque2, crtRB1, lcyE, vte4, lpa1, and lpa2 has helped in integrating molecular breeding into the biofortification programme. Besides, new traits such as anthocyanins, methionine, and oil have also been enhanced in an elite genetic background. We discuss here the status of the biofortification programme of maize in India, coupled with the seed production system prevalent in maize with special reference to biofortified inbreds and hybrids. Specific requirements of breeder-, foundation-, and certified- seed in India to ensure the supply of quality seeds have also been presented. The potential of novel genetic systems for the rapid development and popularization of biofortified hybrids has also been discussed.
Nutrition, corn, protein quality, vitamins, minerals, seed, biofortification
Application of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technologies for Efficient Breeding, Quality Assurance and Testing of Seeds
Seed constitutes the foundational resource for global agriculture and food security. The availability of high-quality, genetically pure, and pathogen-free seed is indispensable for ensuring sustainable crop productivity and resilient farming systems. Traditional seed testing approaches—such as morphological characterization, protein or isozyme profiling, and PCR-based molecular assays—continue to provide valuable information but often lack the resolution, scalability, and diagnostic breadth required to address modern seed industry challenges.Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed our ability to interrogate seed biology by enabling high-resolution analysis of seed genomes, transcriptomes, epigenomes, and microbiomes within a single technological framework. This review summarizes the evolution of sequencing platforms, clarifies key terminology, and delineates how advanced sequencing technologies are increasingly integrated into seed research, seed technology innovation, and quality assurance programs. The transition from first-generation Sanger sequencing to second-generation high-throughput sequencing dramatically reduced sequencing cost while exponentially increasing data output. Illumina sequencing, as the dominant short-read system, provided reliable and costefficient genome-wide genotyping solutions. The advent of third-generation long-read platforms, including PacBio and Oxford Nanopore technologies, has enabled accurate resolution of repetitive regions, structural variants, and complex polyploid genomes—characteristics that are highly relevant to many modern cultivated crops. Integrating complementary sequencing approaches with massively parallel data acquisition has deepened our understanding of plant genetic architecture and the molecular determinants of yield performance, stress resilience (biotic and abiotic), seed vigor, and post-harvest quality. Emerging technologies—such as advanced nanopore chemistries, spatially resolved and in situ sequencing, and microscopy-coupled nucleic acid profiling—promise to further accelerate discovery and operational deployment. Collectively, these innovations are reshaping the seed sector, providing unprecedented opportunities for precision breeding, rigorous genetic purity testing, comprehensive phytosanitary certification, and the development of next-generation seed quality standards.
Next-generation sequencing, Seed quality assurance, Genomic technologies
Effect of Sarocladium oryzae and Fusarium moniliforme on Seed Quality of Parental Lines of Hybrid Rice during Storage
Seed Germination and Dormancy Studies in Some Annona Species
Effect of Scarification Treatments on Germination of Shrubby Stylo (Stylosanthes scabra) Seeds
Varietal Identification in Forage Sorghum through Morphological Characters
Flowering and Fruit Setting Behaviour in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Genotypes as Influenced by Environments
Effect of Sowing Date and Variety of French Bean on Seed Yield and Quality
Sample Size for Testing 'White Tip Nematode' on Paddy Seeds
The distribution of white tip nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi on paddy seeds was studied to determine the optimum sample size for seed certification and for quarantine processing of paddy germplasm imported for research purpose. The nematode population on the seeds collected from naturally raised crop was found to be skewed, as the nematodes were concentrated on a 5% seeds mixed with a large number ( 95%) of nematode free seeds. Based on detection levels and statistical analysis for reliability of results, the optimum sample size for certification purpose was found to be 1000 seeds and for quarantine processing, observation of at least 50 seeds is necessary.
White tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi, sample size, seed borne diseases, detection level, plant quarantine, germplasm, seed certification.
Seed Mycoflora in Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Himachal Pradesh
Investigations on comparative occurrence of mycoflora on vegetable and pulse type of beans revealed that vegetable type varieties harboured more mycoflora as compared to pulse type beans. Agar plating of seeds showed the presence of 16 species of pathogenic and storage fungi belonging to ten genera. However, the frequency of fungi was more on unsterilized seeds (4.0-64.0%) as compared to sterilized seeds (8.0-32.0%) in both types of beans. Major storage and pathogenic fungi recorded were the species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizoctonia, Rhizopus, Stemphylium and Trichoderma. Presence of mycoflora on seed had little effect on seed germination; however, higher germination was recorded in surface sterilized seeds of both types of beans. Seed smearing with fungal spore suspension revealed that almost all the storage fungi except Cladosporium sp. had least effect on seed germination. However, culture filtrates of these fungi reduced the germination drastically along with induction of variable symptoms.
Seed mycoflora, vegetable and pulse type kidney bean, seed germination, spore suspension, culture filtrate
Field Efficacy of Seed Dressing Fungicides on Emergence, Survival and Seedling Vigour of Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.)
Five seed treating fungicides namely Apron, Divident, Mancozeb, Thiram and Bavistin were evaluated in four sunnhemp varieties namely K-12 yellow, K-12 black, Chindwara and T-6 for field emergence, survival and seedling vigour under field condition at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar. The best results in increasing survival percentage of seedling were recorded in Thiram or Mancozeb treated seed of all the varieties. Field emergence and seedling vigour were also significantly higher in Thiram treated seed.
Sunnhemp, fungicidal seed treatment, field emergence, seedling vigour.
Effect of Seed Size on Quality and Field Performance in Frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Both laboratory and field trials were conducted for two seasons to find out the effect of seed size on seed quality and field performance in frenchbean cv. Arka Komal. The study revealed that sieve size of grading screen used in Air screen cleaner could be reduced from 4.75mm to 4.35mm without any significant reduction in seed quality as well as the performance of those seeds in field in terms of pod and seed yield. By reducing the screen size, the level of rejection during processing could be brought down from 34 to 12% in some seed lots.
Frenchbean, seed size, seed quality, yield
Seed Quality Attributes in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Thirty-six genotypes (eight parental lines and 28 F, hybrids) of bitter gourd were subjected to seed quality assessment under laboratory conditions utilizing standard germination test. The genotypic differences were highly significant in both the seasons for number of seeds per fruit, seed yield/fruit and seed vigour index. The genotypic difference for seed germination was highly significant only in the rainy season experiment.
Effect of Processing Techniques and Storage on Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) Seeds
An investigation, to standardise the ideal seed extraction method for optimum seed quality in water melon cv. Sugar Baby, was undertaken at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Seeds extracted after soaking the fruit pulp in 1% HCl for 30 minutes followed by drying the seeds initially in shade for one day and then in sun, avoiding peak hours showed maximum germination per cent (99.5), speed of germination (24.9) and vigour index (1086). Storage study revealed that open storage cannot be recommended for watermelon seeds.
water melon, seed processing techniques, storage