Seed is the most essential and viable input in agriculture. Quality seed leads to increase in production and productivity by 15 to 20 %. Its quality is affected by biotic and abiotic factors at various stages during production, harvesting, post-harvest handlings and storage. Based on agricultural research priorities and practical problems demanded by time, space (location specific) and clients, following basic and adaptive research areas on seed technology with practical implication have been identified.
1. Seed Production Technology
Seed production follows a definite sequence of steps and needs constant surveillances and immediate actions. Introduction of new varieties like hybrid, inbred, forage varieties; diverse cropping systems, cultivation of a range of crop species with different biology, climate change and incidence of diseases/pests and their threats are major factors that may create problems in seed production. Seed crop physiology, crop husbandry, the biology of seed maturation, role of minerals and micronutrients are the important aspects in seed production which requires intensive research for harvest of quality seed. Following points should be considered to adopt the quality seed production:
- Appropriate site selection
- Suitable varieties/genotypes
- Optimum isolation distance
- Optimum fertilizer dose
- Regular monitoring and field inspection
- Rouging
- Harvesting
- Processing
- Seed certification / Truthful labeling
- Storage
2. Seed Testing Technology and Seed Physiology
Seed testing for moisture %, germination% and purity% is carried following the methods standardize by ISTA. Testing determines the planting value of seed. Timely filed inspection and lab testing procedures are required for seed certification and truthful labeling. However, discrepancies in test results do occur in seed testing. In these circumstances, the center undertakes research to develop the appropriate testing technology in availing the assessment of quality seed and supports to develop the seed standards.
3. Seed Morphology and Taxonomy
Genetic purity is one of the quality attributes of seed. It is maintained through isolation, field inspection and physical purity and pre and post-harvest control plot tests at laboratory. It is necessary to undertake the practical researches and develop the distinguishing and identifying characters of each named varieties to avoid the genetic contamination in the standing up field and seed. The center, therefore undertakes the genuineness cultivar testing through agro-morphological characterization, biochemical and molecular testing.
4. Seed Post Harvest, Handling and Storage Technology
Seed is a living material which deteriorates time over and finally dies. Seed processing, drying, seed moisture%, seed treatment, seed storage containers, storage condition and mechanism of seed dissemination have great effect on seed viability and longevity. The center facilitates in carrying research on these areas and it has also an experience of working in collaboration with the national and international seed technology institutions.
5. Seed Variety Identification Using DNA Finger Printing Technology
DNA finger printing is a new advancement tool in molecular techniques and its application helps breeders and seed analysts in crop research, conservation of biodiversity and seed varietal identification. The centre is providing DNA finger printing using SSR marker in cereals, legumes and vegetable crops for variety release and registration process.
6. General Seed Testing
Following quality testing services are provided to seed producers, groups, seed companies and researchers etc.
- Moisture test
- Physical purity test
- Germination test
- 1000 grain weight test
- Proficiency seed sample test.
7. Special Seed Testing
Special seed testing services are provided in the laboratory. For special seed testing following testing services are provided.
- Tetrazolium salt test
- Vigor test
- Viable test
- Cold testing
- Ageing test
- Biochemical test
- DNA fingerprinting