Crop Planting Materials and Seed Viability

Crop Planting Materials and Seed Viability

• Planting Material Quality: Crop success relies on quality planting material. Proper selection ensures good quality crops.
• Orchard Success: Successful orchards start with selecting varieties appropriate for the specific location.
• Seedlings: Seedlings are the most cost-effective planting material for fruit and tree crops, but genetic variations can lead to unsatisfactory results.
• Climate and Soil Conditions: Different climates, rainfall, and soil types require different planting materials for optimal growth. The root system and planting material significantly influence plant success.
• Different Planting Material Types: Plants can be grown from seeds, one- or two-year-old saplings (cuttings, tissue culture), saplings with bare roots (1-2 or more years old).
• Agribusiness and Seed Quality: Agribusinesses need seed knowledge for productive crops and accurate yield estimations. High-quality seeds directly contribute to better crop yields.
• Seed Testing: Importance of testing seeds before planting for crop management. Tested seeds save time, money, and labor.
• Seed Viability: Testing seed viability (ability to germinate) is essential. Farmers should always test seeds.
• Good Seed Characteristics: Good seeds include physical and genetic purity, a high percentage of viable seeds, plumpness, and suitability to local conditions.
• Seed Viability Testing Methods: Two widely used methods are the seed box method and the rag doll method.
• Germination Percentage Calculation: Germination percentage is calculated by dividing the number of germinated seeds by the total number of seeds used, then multiplying this result by 100 to get the percentage.
• Seed Scarification: Some seeds have impermeable seed coats and need scarification to facilitate germination. This involves nicking the seeds to allow water penetration. Soaking seeds in water following nicking aids in germination and faster plant growth.
• Seeds Requiring Scarification: Beans, squash, patola, and seeds with thick coatings require scarification.
• Scarification Procedure: Create a shallow cut in the seed coat to allow moisture penetration without damaging the embryo, then soak the seeds for a few hours or overnight before planting.