Seed Processing and Agriculture Matching Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Match the seed processing steps with their descriptions:

Sorting = Achieving high purity and quality in final product Extraction = Removing seeds from their fruit coverings Cleaning = Removal of impurities from the seeds Drying = Reducing moisture content to enhance seed viability

Match the importance of forest seed sorting with its benefits:

Enhancing germination rates = Improving the likelihood of optimal germination Improving plant quality = Selecting genetically superior seeds Economic benefits = Increasing financial gains for farmers Purity and quality = Ensuring only high-quality seeds are planted

Match the terms related to seed processing with their definitions:

Viability = The ability of a seed to germinate Humidity control = Maintaining optimal moisture levels during shipment Insulated containers = Containers that regulate temperature and humidity Central processing depot = Location where extraction is often performed

Match the key challenges in seed sorting with their descriptions:

Prediction = Difficult to foresee outcomes of sorting processes Control = Managing the sorting process effectively Quality assurance = Ensuring high levels of seed purity Selection pressure = Choosing the best seeds for planting Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their corresponding roles in agriculture:

Germination = The process of a seed sprouting Seed extraction = Separating seeds from fruits for planting Plant resilience = Ability to withstand diseases and environmental forces Sorting precision = Accuracy in selecting high-quality seeds Signup and view all the answers

Match the following seed processing methods with their descriptions:

Screen cleaning = Using sieves of different pore sizes to remove debris Air separation = Using aspirators to separate seeds from impurities De-winging = Removing unnecessary parts to reduce volume and pathogens Liquid floatation = Removing empty seeds by using liquid flotation method Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to seed maturation with their meanings:

Pre-curing = Deliberate storage and slow air drying of fruits and seeds Kiln drying = A process used to remove moisture from seeds Seed maturity = The stage at which seeds are ready for processing Fruit drying = Reducing moisture content in fruits for storage Signup and view all the answers

Match the following seed processing equipment with their functions:

Seed drier = Removes moisture from seeds Seed grader = Sorts seeds based on size and quality Seed blower = Uses air to clean seeds from debris Seed scarifier = Prepares seeds for germination through abrasion Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics related to seed storage with their implications:

Improved germination rates = Leads to better returns on investments Slow air drying = Assists in seed maturation Hand removal of debris = Used in small operations Room temperature storage = Encourages ripening in immature fruits Signup and view all the answers

Match the following methods of cleaning with their descriptions:

Flotation = Separates seeds based on density Winnowing = Using wind to separate lighter materials Sieving = Filtering seeds through screens Vibration = Mechanically removing debris through movement Signup and view all the answers

Match the temperature conditions with their effects on fruit:

Below 20°C = Detrimental to fruit health Above 35°C = Detrimental to fruit health Between 20°C and 35°C = Suitable for fruit health At 0°C = Freezing risk for fruits Signup and view all the answers

Match the seed extraction methods with their descriptions:

Sun drying = Drying fruits on plastic sheets for 2-3 days Beating with a stick = Hastening seed extraction Scrubbing with abrasive material = Removing the fleshy outer layer Soaking in water overnight = Softening fruit flesh before washing Signup and view all the answers

Match the fruit handling techniques with their purposes:

Loose packing in bags = Facilitating normal respiration Rapid drying = Avoiding damage to seed Washing with water = Removing fleshy material Crushing fruits = Expediting seed extraction Signup and view all the answers

Match the fruit characteristics with their extraction requirements:

Dried fruits of some species = Open readily for seed gathering Fruits needing scrubbing = Require washing to separate flesh Seeds not requiring extraction = Rubbing together to clean Fruits needing crushing = Softening flesh before removal Signup and view all the answers

Match the potential issues of improper seed extraction with their consequences:

Insects infestation = Due to remaining fleshy material Fungi infestation = Due to remaining juice Seed damage = From careless extraction methods Delayed germination = Caused by improper cleaning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title/Code: Forest Seeds and Nursery Technology (For3091)
Course Credit: 3 credit hours and 5 ECTS
Instructor: Yadesa A.
Academic Year: 2024 AY

Seed Handling

Seed handling encompasses collecting, sorting, cleaning, storing, and preparing seeds for planting or processing, ensuring seed viability and quality.
Effective seed handling improves crop yield by using high-quality seeds, playing a crucial role in agricultural productivity.
Proper seed handling is vital for ecosystem restoration by promoting the growth of native plant species needed for habitat and biodiversity recovery.

Reduction of Bulk and Maintaining Viability

Fruit, not seeds, are usually harvested from trees.
Sun-drying and seed extraction occur in suitable climates.
In other areas, rapid transport to a seed processing depot is preferred for better control of extraction conditions.

Protecting Fruits during Transport and Storage

If seeds aren't extracted in the field, care must be taken during forest and transportation of the fruits.
Large quantities of fruits in hot and humid environments are vulnerable to deterioration caused by molds, fungi, and overheating.
Proper ventilation is crucial.
Fruits should be stored in separate containers, not filled to the top, especially fresh cones which need space for expansion.
Loose-weave sacks or nylon-mesh bags allow better air circulation.
Close-weave cotton bags are suitable for fruits with small seeds to prevent opening during transit.

Temporary Field Storage

If immediate transport to the processing depot is impossible, arrange temporary field storage under shelter.
Shelter protection is required from rain and excessive insolation for certain species.
Sheds should have open sides or be well-ventilated; sacks should be spaced on racks or hung from hooks to enhance air circulation; protection from rodents when hanging is an added value.
If storage is in the open, use canvas tarpaulins or polyethylene sheeting.
If the weather is reliably dry, no overhead shelter is required.
Sacks should not be piled too high.
Drying orthodox seeds to below 12% before air shipment is recommended.

Maintaining Fruit Identity

Every fruit container must be correctly labeled upon filling.
Duplicate labels, preferably weatherproof, are crucial in case of accidental loss of the exterior label.
Labels should include species, seed lot number, geographical location/seed source, weight of seed, and collection date/collector's name.
A copy of the seed collection data sheet or certificate of origin referencing the seed lot number should accompany the seed, or preferably be mailed before shipment.
In large-scale operations, coding information may be utilized.
In small collections, additional information is documented on a separate certificate.

Hygiene and Contamination

Special measures may be necessary to prevent damage from pests and diseases.
Insecticidal or fungicidal dusts might be used in some circumstances, but caution is needed when treating fresh, moist seed.
Maintaining fruit hygiene, especially through good ventilation, is preferable to relying on chemicals.
Storing sacks off the ground protects from rodents.
Prompt collection of fallen fruits reduces subsequent losses.

Temporary Storage at Seed Processing Depot

When Fruits cannot be transported to seed processing depot, temporary storage in sheds or under shelter is required.
Shelter is needed against rain and high insolation for specific species.
Sheds should be open-sided or well ventilated.
Sacks should be spaced on racks or hung from hooks to allow for good air circulation.
Hanging from hooks also provides protection against rodents.
If storage is in the open, provide overhead shelter using canvas tarpaulins or polyethylene sheeting.

Conditions during Transport

Minimize the time between dispatch and arrival at the central seed processing depot.
Ensure adequate and quality transport to avoid delays and breakdowns.
Short stop-overs can increase heat buildup in sacks during transit.
Inform drivers about the nature of their loads and the need for proper and prompt delivery.

Vehicle Transport

Inform vehicle drivers about the nature of the load and importance of proper care in prompt delivery.
Road transport is commonly used for the initial part of the journey.
Railway transport is more economical for long distances, with air transport being faster but potentially causing extra handling and delays due to transit and transshipment.
Road transport is usually preferred.

Seed Transportation Considerations

For short distances and large quantities of a single species, loading without containers is acceptable.
Clean vehicles from previous loads before new seed loading.
Open trucks and trailers are preferable for most species to enhance air circulation.
For species needing to maintain high moisture for seed viability use polythene bags and shade against insolation.

Rapid Transport and Seed Storage in Transit

For species that germinate naturally or lose viability quickly after seed fall, fast transport directly to the final destination is crucial.
Provide special insulated containers for temperature and humidity control of the seeds in transit.

Seed Processing

Extraction is frequently carried out at central processing and storage depots.
The goal of seed processing is maximum production of clean seed with high viability.
Seed processing involves sorting, extraction, cleaning, and drying.

Seed Sorting

Seed sorting aims to achieve high seed purity and quality.
Predicting and controlling seed sorting procedures can be difficult.

Improving Seed Quality

Seed sorting is essential to enhance germination rates by removing damaged or underdeveloped seeds.
Improved plant quality contributes to disease and pest resistance and better environmental stress tolerance, resulting in better plant survival and growth.
Improved seed quality enhances economic benefits for farmers as costs associated with re-seeding and crop failure decrease, improving returns on investment.
In large extraction plants, cleaning is typically achieved using oscillating screens or vibrators.

Pre-Cleaning

Cleaning cones, fruits of debris such as twigs, bark, foliage helps before process of extraction.
Cleaning processes for large scale extraction plants include oscillating screens or vibrators. Pre-clearing by flotation is another possible cleaning method.
Removing debris for smaller operations can be done manually.
For some species, pre-cleaning and drying are the only needed operations before storing or sowing.

Pre-Curing

Pre-curing involves storing and slowly air drying fruits and contained seeds to improve suitability for operations like drying, extraction, and long-term storage.
Seed maturation and fruit drying are facilitated by pre-curing.
Fruit ripening varies even among the same species in a forest, so proper timing is crucial.
Maintaining fruit freshness during storage is essential.
Temperatures below 20°C and above 35°C can be detrimental during pre-curing period.
Maintaining proper ventilation is critical.

Seed Extraction

Seed extraction is the process of removing seeds from fruits, with appropriate methods varying based on fruit and species type.
Seeds from some species, such as those with dry fruits, are easily released.
Drying the fruit on plastic sheets or canvas in direct sunlight ensures easy seed release.
Manually rubbing or crushing facilitates extraction of seeds from some fruit types.
Some fruit types requires scraping or abrasive materials like sand or ashes for efficient extraction.
Seeds from some species do not require any specific extraction methods.

Seed Storage

Test the moisture content of seeds before storing and adjust to suitable for storage levels if necessary.
Consistent growth of seedlings may require grading seeds by size.
Removing inert materials prevents uneven spacing in nursery seed beds, and minimizes pest and disease introduction.

Seed Storage Room Guidelines

The seed storage room should be cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated, and protected from insects, and diseases.

Seed Dispatch

Formal seed dealers usually perform seed quality tests and provide necessary information on seed source and quality.
During dispatch, providing documentation of seed identity and treatments is crucial.

Quiz Questions

Describe seed extraction and its uses.
List the seed pre-cleaning methods.
Write the key factors to consider when storing tree seeds.
Forest seed testing measures the physiological quality of seeds.

Seed Testing

Seed testing assesses the physiological quality of seeds to predict how many healthy plants can be grown from a given amount of seeds, purity, authenticity of the seeds, weight, germination, viability, moisture content, seed health and damage are evaluated.
Standard procedures are developed by ISTA and used worldwide.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge on various aspects of seed processing, including sorting, extraction methods, and storage characteristics. Match each seed processing step, technique, and term with its appropriate description and implications. It's an excellent way to deepen your understanding of horticultural practices and their significance in agriculture.