59 Questions
What are the two arms of crop improvement programmes?
Plant breeding and seed technology
What is the ultimate goal of any plant breeding programme?
To make available quality seeds of new improved varieties in adequate quantity to farmers
What are the characteristics of quality seeds mentioned in the text?
Genetically pure, physiologically sound (germination, vigour), free from physical impurities and seed-borne diseases
What does the pace of progress in food production largely depend upon?
The speed with which a country is able to multiply quality seeds of high-yielding varieties
Explain why synthetic and composite varieties require more care than pure-line varieties in seed production and maintenance.
Synthetic and composite varieties require more care than pure-line varieties due to residual heterozygosity and aneuploidy, which can lead to genetic impurity and variation in crop performance.
What are the potential challenges when modern crop varieties bred for specific environmental conditions are grown in different environments?
Modern crop varieties bred for specific environmental conditions may exhibit developmental variations when grown in different environments, potentially impacting their performance and productivity.
How can mechanical mixtures of seeds from other varieties occur during seed production?
Mechanical mixtures of seeds from other varieties can occur during sowing, harvesting, and processing, leading to genetic impurity.
What is a major source of contamination in sexually propagated plant species?
Natural out-crossing is a major source of contamination in sexually propagated plant species, depending on the extent of cross-fertilization and isolation from contaminants.
How can foliar diseases affect seed production?
Foliar diseases can affect seed size, while infected seeds can lead to widespread disease occurrence in commercial crops.
What measures are required to protect vegetative propagules from viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases during seed production?
Viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases can deteriorate vegetative propagules, requiring plant protection measures during seed production.
What can lead to loss of genetic equilibrium in cross-pollinated crop species and multi-line varieties?
Genetic drift in cross-pollinated crop species and multi-line varieties can lead to loss of genetic equilibrium, which can be minimized by maintaining large plant populations and proper sampling methods.
What are the potential consequences of premature release of varieties with minor genetic heterogeneity?
Pre-mature release of varieties with minor genetic heterogeneity can lead to varietal deterioration and the occurrence of off-types in seed plots.
In which type of species are genetic inconsistencies more common, and what measures are required during variety maintenance?
Genetic inconsistencies are more common in cross-pollinated species and require stringent measures during variety maintenance to ensure genetic purity and quality.
What are the key factors that require utmost care during quality seed production?
Utmost care is needed for ensuring genetic purity, physical and physiological quality, and seed health during quality seed production.
What principles are essential for quality seed production?
Genetic, agronomic, and seed technology principles are essential for quality seed production.
What is required for the production of genetically pure seed?
High technical know-how, skill, and financial investment are required for the production of genetically pure seed.
Why is maintenance breeding crucial for seed production?
Maintenance breeding is crucial for purification and stabilization of released genotypes.
Why is seed source confirmation necessary for raising a certified seed crop?
Seed source confirmation is necessary for raising a certified seed crop to ensure genetic purity.
What is considered to avoid genetic contamination through volunteer plants?
Previous cropping history is considered to avoid genetic contamination through volunteer plants.
What is required to avoid natural crossing and undesirable types from nearby fields?
Isolation is required to avoid natural crossing and undesirable types from nearby fields.
What is the necessary time isolation for crops with determinate flowering habit?
Time isolation of 15 to 20 days is necessary for crops with determinate flowering habit.
What is practical to achieve in most crops to avoid pollen contamination?
Distance isolation is practical to achieve in most crops to avoid pollen contamination.
What are the isolation requirements based on?
Isolation requirements are based on the method and mode of pollination.
What are the specified minimum varietal purity standards for non-hybrids under OECD seed schemes?
Minimum varietal purity standards for non-hybrids under OECD seed schemes are specified.
How can isolation in time for paddy be achieved?
Isolation in time for paddy can be achieved by providing a time of over 25 days.
What are the two additional seed classes recognized under the OECD seed schemes?
The two additional seed classes are not finally certified seed and standard seed.
What is the four-generation system followed by AOSCA for seed production?
The four-generation system followed by AOSCA includes breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed, and certified seed.
What is the role of the varietal identification committee (VIC) in India's seed certification process?
The varietal identification committee (VIC) identifies superior entries, which are then forwarded to the central sub-committee on crop standards for evaluation.
What is the primary mandate of the Seeds Act, 1966 in India?
The Seeds Act, 1966 mandates that only notified crop varieties are eligible for the certification process.
What is the purpose of the seed multiplication generation scheme integral to certification?
The seed multiplication generation scheme permits limited seed classes to be produced from breeder or pre-basic seed.
Who assures the seed quality for foundation and certified seed classes in India?
Seed quality for foundation and certified seed classes in India is assured by third-party state seed certification agencies.
What are the three generations involved in the seed multiplication system in India and other SAARC countries?
The three generations involved in the seed multiplication system are breeder seed, foundation seed, and certified seed.
What are the testing stages for new varieties in India's seed certification process?
New varieties undergo testing for VCU through the initial varietal trials (IVT) and advanced varietal trials (AVT) under the AICRP.
Where are the approved varieties notified in India's seed certification process?
The approved varieties are notified in the official gazette of India and by the Seeds Division, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
What factors influence genetic deterioration in crop varieties?
Genetic deterioration in crop varieties is influenced by factors such as genotypic constitution, pollination behavior, and repeated use, leading to potential issues of genetic contamination and outcrossing.
What types of seed classes are recognized under the OECD seed schemes?
Under the OECD seed schemes, pre-basic, basic, and certified seed classes are recognized, with specific labeling and production requirements.
What is the significance of the OECD seed certification system for varieties?
Varieties on the OECD list accepted by National Designated Authorities can be certified for seed production in any country under the OECD seed certification system.
Explain the importance of quality seed production for enhancing crop yield?
Quality seed production is crucial for enhancing crop production as it can increase crop yield by 15-20% or more.
What is the main objective of a seed production program?
The main objective of a seed production program is to supply quality planting material at the right time and at affordable prices.
What are the consequences of low seed quality?
Low seed quality can lead to poor stand establishment in the field and yield loss in various crops.
What factors influence seed quality?
Seed quality depends on genetic constitution, flowering, and pollination behavior. Using cleaned grain as seed or farm-saved seed can cause deterioration of genetic constitution and poor germination.
What does seed agronomy involve?
Seed agronomy involves careful selection of a proper site for seed production, seedbed preparation, irrigation, weed and pest control, and identification and removal of contaminants.
What support and facilities are necessary for a well-orchestrated seed program?
Policy support, regulatory system support, and state-of-the-art facilities are necessary for a well-orchestrated seed program.
What is involved in the process of variety release for commercial cultivation?
Variety release for commercial cultivation involves multi-location agronomic evaluation, submission of release proposal to a review committee, and two or more steps of evaluation before release.
How are state seed certification agencies supported in the USA?
In the USA, state seed certification agencies are aided by a national review board established by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) for determining the eligibility of varieties for certification.
Why is a regulatory framework important for variety testing and release?
Regulatory framework for variety testing, release, notification, and seed market regulation are important to preserve the interests of the farming community.
What are the key requirements for successful seed production?
Successful seed production requires establishment of variety identity, maintaining variety purity, and adherence to good farming practices and quality standards.
What measures are necessary to maintain varietal purity during seed production?
Strict measures need to be followed during seed production, harvesting, and post-harvest operations to maintain the desired varietal purity.
What topics are discussed in the chapter on seed production?
The chapter discusses variety release procedures, limited generation schemes, causes for genetic deterioration, measures to safeguard genetic identity and purity, and general agronomic and seed technology principles for quality seed production.
What principles are essential for quality seed production?
Genetic, agronomic, and seed technology principles are essential for quality seed production.
What is required for the production of genetically pure seed?
High technical know-how, skill, and financial investment are required for the production of genetically pure seed.
Why is maintenance breeding crucial for seed production?
Maintenance breeding is crucial for purification and stabilization of released genotypes.
What is considered to avoid genetic contamination through volunteer plants?
Previous cropping history is considered to avoid genetic contamination through volunteer plants.
How can isolation in time for paddy be achieved?
Isolation in time for paddy can be achieved by providing a time of over 25 days.
What are the isolation requirements based on?
Isolation requirements are based on the method and mode of pollination.
What is the necessary time isolation for crops with determinate flowering habit?
Time isolation of 15 to 20 days is necessary for crops with determinate flowering habit.
What are the minimum varietal purity standards for non-hybrids under OECD seed schemes?
Minimum varietal purity standards for non-hybrids under OECD seed schemes are specified.
What is practical to achieve in most crops to avoid pollen contamination?
Distance isolation is practical to achieve in most crops to avoid pollen contamination.
What is the role of the varietal identification committee (VIC) in India's seed certification process?
Seed source confirmation is necessary for raising a certified seed crop.
Study Notes
Seed Science and Technology: Principles of Quality Seed Production
- Quality seed is crucial for enhancing crop production and can increase crop yield by 15-20% or more.
- The main objective of a seed production program is to supply quality planting material at the right time and at affordable prices.
- Low seed quality can lead to poor stand establishment in the field and yield loss in various crops.
- Seed quality depends on genetic constitution, flowering, and pollination behavior, and using cleaned grain as seed or farm-saved seed can cause deterioration of genetic constitution and poor germination.
- Seed agronomy involves careful selection of a proper site for seed production, seedbed preparation, irrigation, weed and pest control, and identification and removal of contaminants.
- Policy support, regulatory system support, and state-of-the-art facilities are necessary for a well-orchestrated seed program.
- Variety release for commercial cultivation involves multi-location agronomic evaluation, submission of release proposal to a review committee, and two or more steps of evaluation before release.
- In the USA, state seed certification agencies are aided by a national review board established by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) for determining the eligibility of varieties for certification.
- Regulatory framework for variety testing, release, notification, and seed market regulation are important to preserve the interests of the farming community.
- Successful seed production requires establishment of variety identity, maintaining variety purity, and adherence to good farming practices and quality standards.
- Strict measures need to be followed during seed production, harvesting, and post-harvest operations to maintain the desired varietal purity.
- The chapter discusses variety release procedures, limited generation schemes, causes for genetic deterioration, measures to safeguard genetic identity and purity, and general agronomic and seed technology principles for quality seed production.
Principles of Quality Seed Production
- Genetic, agronomic, and seed technology principles are essential for quality seed production
- Production of genetically pure seed requires high technical know-how, skill, and financial investment
- Varied interventions are needed depending on flowering pattern, floral structure, and genetic constitution of the variety
- Maintenance breeding is crucial for purification and stabilization of released genotypes
- Seed source confirmation is necessary for raising a certified seed crop
- Previous cropping history is considered to avoid genetic contamination through volunteer plants
- Isolation is required to avoid natural crossing and undesirable types from nearby fields
- Time isolation of 15 to 20 days is necessary for crops with determinate flowering habit
- Distance isolation is practical to achieve in most crops to avoid pollen contamination
- Isolation requirements are based on the method and mode of pollination
- Minimum varietal purity standards for non-hybrids under OECD seed schemes are specified
- Isolation in time for paddy can be achieved by providing a time of over 25 days
Test your knowledge on the principles and practices of quality seed production, including genetic constitution, agronomy, regulatory framework, and variety release procedures.
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