Quality seed
Seed is said to be quality if it possesses the following characteristics:
- Improved variety
The variety must be truly superior to existing one. It must be latest and best suited to the area in regards to production potential and other characteristics.
- Genetic purity
There should not be any genetic deterioration in the variety. If the seed possess all the genetic qualities that breeder has placed in the variety it is said to be genetically pure. Genetic purity is directly responsible for higher yield. There should not be off type plant and no varietal mixture.
- Physical purity
Physical purity of a seed lot refers to the physical composition of seed lots. It must be clean and processed, free from inert materials, weed seeds and other crop seeds or variety. Higher the content of pure seed the better would be the seed quality.
- Physiological quality
Quality seed should have high germination capacity and seed vigour. It should have bold and plumpy grain. It must be dried to proper moisture percent. High germination percentage and vigor results into raising of an excellent crop having adequate plant population and uniform growth. Seed moisture is the most critical factor to determine viability during storage.
- Entomological quality
The quality seed must be free from insects. The quality seed lot very much depends on its health. It should be free from insects and must be treated with proper chemicals.
- Pathological quality
The quality seed must be free from diseases. The quality seed lot very much depends on its health. It should be free from seed borne diseases and must be treated with proper chemicals.
- Other characteristics
Seed colour often reflects the condition during seed maturation. Good normal colour and shine have been regarded as invaluable quality guides by the farmers from the time immemorial.