29 Questions
What is the main purpose of seed testing?
To identify seed quality problems
Which test is NOT typically conducted to determine seed quality?
Yield potential test
How are seed samples usually drawn for testing?
By drawing from 3 or more places of the bag and compositing
What is the key information obtained from seed testing?
The need for drying and processing
Why is it important for seed samples used for testing to be representative of the lot?
To ensure accurate assessment of seed quality
What does seed testing help in establishing?
The quality of the seeds
What is the primary purpose of determining the moisture content of seeds?
To determine the suitability for planting
In seed testing, what does 'purity test' refer to?
'Purity' in terms of seed variety
'Vigour test' in seed testing mainly assesses:
The physiological quality of seeds
What is the purpose of comparing samples from seed lots with the authentic seed sample of the cultivar in question?
To ensure the purity and authenticity of the seed sample
What is the real value of seed based on?
Purity and germination percentages of seed sample
Which type of tests are the seed samples subjected to for cultivar purity test?
Examination of seed in the laboratory, examination of seedlings grown in a growth chamber, field plot tests
What is the minimum weight of seed sample required for field plot and laboratory test for Pea, Mung, Maize, and Soybean?
$1000$ gm
How is the real value of seed calculated?
By multiplying purity percentage with germination percentage
What is the utility percentage of seed a function of?
The purity and germination percentages of seed sample
What does the real value of seed represent?
The potential yield from the seeds
What are the three types of tests that the seed sample is subjected to?
$1000$, $2000$, $100$
What does an adequate amount of seed need to be sampled for?
Cultivar purity test
What is the purpose of the germination test for seeds?
To determine if the seeds are living or dead
How is the moisture content of seeds determined?
By drying seed samples in an oven or with a moisture meter
What is the purpose of the purity test for seeds?
To determine physical and mechanical impurities in the seed lot
Which method uses enzymatic activity of seeds to determine if they are living or dead?
Tetrazolium method
What is the most commonly used medium for conducting the germination test?
Wet filter paper in petri dishes
How are seed samples composited for testing?
By mixing and subdividing into working samples
What determines the minimum number of primary samples required for seed testing?
Seed lot size
Why is the cultivar purity test more difficult than other impurity tests?
Due to the similarity of seeds to those being tested
What components are included in the working sample for purity testing?
Pure seeds, seeds of other varieties, seeds of other crops, weed seeds, and inert matter
What does the tetrazolium method determine?
If seeds are living or dead
How long does the germination test normally take?
7-28 days
Study Notes
- Seed sample represent the entire seed lot, not just a few bags
- Composited seed is mixed and subdivided into working samples (usually 25 gm each)
- Sampling intensity and minimum number of primary samples depend on lot size:
- Less than 50 kg: three samples
- 50-500 kg: five samples
- 501-3,000 kg: one sample per 300 kg, but a minimum of five
- 3,001-20,000 kg: one sample per 500 kg, but a minimum of ten
- 20,000 kg and above: one sample per 700 kg, but a minimum of forty
- Germination test determines seed viability:
- Defined as emergence and development of structures necessary for plant growth
- Most commonly done on wet filter paper in petri dishes
- Temperature and light requirements vary by crop
- Normally takes 7-28 days
- Percentage of seeds that germinate is determined and reported
- Tetrazolium method determines seed viability:
- Uses enzymatic activity of seeds to determine if they are living or dead
- Living seeds produce hydrogen ions, which react with tetrazolium salt to form a red color
- Dead seeds do not produce hydrogen ions and therefore remain colorless
- Purity test determines physical and mechanical impurities in seed lot:
- Components of working sample include: pure seeds, seeds of other varieties, seeds of other crops, weed seeds, and inert matter
- Broken seeds that have an intact embryo are considered pure seeds
- Percentage of pure seeds is reported, with the remainder being impurities or dockage
- Moisture content is determined to prevent deterioration, mold growth, and facilitate processing:
- Can be determined by drying seed samples in an oven or with a moisture meter
- Percentage of moisture content is reported
- Cultivar purity test is more difficult than other impurity tests due to the similarity of seeds of other varieties to those being tested.
Test your knowledge about seed testing and quality evaluation with this quiz. Explore the various tests conducted to determine the suitability of seeds for planting, including purity, germination, vigour, and moisture content tests.
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