Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Seed testing is a critical component of ensuring food security and agricultural productivity. It's the process of evaluating seed quality to determine its genetic purity, physical purity, and physiological health. With India aiming to increase agricultural output and improve farmer incomes, the quality of seeds planted is paramount. The Seed Act, 1966, and subsequent amendments, emphasize the importance of quality seed production and distribution. Recent initiatives like the Seedling India project, focused on improving seed availability and quality, underscore the continuing relevance of seed testing.
Objectives of Seed Testing
The primary objectives of seed testing are to:
- Genetic Purity: Confirming the seed is of the stated variety and hasn't undergone genetic contamination.
- Physical Purity: Assessing the absence of weed seeds, inert matter, and other contaminants.
- Seed Health: Detecting the presence of seed-borne diseases.
- Seed Vigor: Evaluating the seed's ability to germinate and establish a healthy seedling under stress conditions. This goes beyond just germination percentage.
- Germination Percentage: Determining the percentage of seeds that germinate under standard laboratory conditions.
- Seed Size & Weight: Assessing these parameters to ensure uniformity and predict plant performance.
Testing Procedures: Paddy
Seed testing for paddy (rice) involves several key procedures:
- Physical Purity Test: Visual examination and sieving to remove impurities.
- Moisture Content: Measured using a moisture meter. Ideal moisture content is typically around 14%.
- Germination Test: Conducted on paper towels or in sand at 30°C. Germination percentage is assessed after 7 days.
- Seed Health Test: Surface sterilization followed by incubation on agar medium to detect seed-borne diseases like Rhizoctonia solani and Pyricularia oryzae.
- Vigor Test: Accelerated aging test (pre-soaking seeds and drying them rapidly) to assess vigor.
Testing Procedures: Wheat
Seed testing for wheat follows a similar framework but with some variations:
- Physical Purity Test: Sieving and visual examination.
- Moisture Content: Measured using a moisture meter. Ideal moisture content is typically around 12%.
- Germination Test: Conducted on paper towels at 25°C. Germination percentage is assessed after 7 days.
- Seed Health Test: Surface sterilization and incubation on agar medium to detect diseases like Tilletia tritici (bunt) and Fusarium species.
- Tetrazolium Test: A rapid test to assess seed viability by assessing dehydrogenase activity.
- Seedling Growth Test: Seeds are germinated in pots and seedling vigor assessed by root and shoot length.
| Test | Paddy | Wheat |
|---|---|---|
| Germination Temperature | 30°C | 25°C |
| Seed Health Detection | Rhizoctonia, Pyricularia | Tilletia, Fusarium |
| Vigor Test | Accelerated Aging | Tetrazolium & Seedling Growth |
Importance of Standards
The Seed Act, 1966, mandates adherence to minimum standards for seed quality. The Seed Quality Control (Regulation) Order, 1988, further details these standards. Accredited seed testing laboratories play a vital role in ensuring these standards are met.
Conclusion
Seed testing is indispensable for maintaining the quality of seeds, which directly impacts crop yields and farmer livelihoods. The procedures for paddy and wheat, while sharing core principles, have specific adaptations to address the unique characteristics and disease pressures of each crop. Continuous advancements in testing methodologies and stricter quality control measures are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and productive agricultural sector in India. Further investments in accredited seed testing laboratories and farmer awareness programs are vital.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.