Seed Science and Technology
Hybrid seed production technologies have been developed for paddy hybrid and parental lines, sunflower, tomato, brinjal and cauliflower under north Indian conditions.
Treatments have been developed for the enhancement of seed quality attributes, such as germination, vigour, emergence ability, seed health and physical properties. Such treatments include priming, polymer coating, pesticidal treatments, botanical and combinations of the above.
Reliable and accurate assessment of seed quality attributes is critical for ensuring high quality standards. Seed testing protocols have been standardized for a number of green manuring and medicinal plant species, viz., Sesbania, Crotolaria, Plantago, Withania etc.
Methods for more precise assessment of the planting value of the seed, through an appropriate vigour testingmethod and that of its genetic potential, through an accurate estimation of genetic purity (particularly in high value hybrids) have been standardized to improve the seed quality and ensure better productivity.
