Agronomic principles

a) Selection of a Agro-climatic Region

A crop variety to be grown for seed production in an area must be adapted to the photoperiod and temperature conditions prevailing in that area.

b) Selection of seed plot

The plot selected for seed crop must be free from volunteer plants, weed plants and have good soil texture and fertility The soil of the seed plot should be comparatively free from soil borne diseases and insects pests.

c) Isolation of Seed crops

The seed crop must be isolated from other nearby fields of the same crops and the other contaminating crops as per requirement of the certification standards.

d) Preparation of Land

Good land preparation helps in improved germination, good stand establishment and destruction of potential weeds. It also aids in water management and good uniform irrigation.

e) Selection of variety

The variety of seed production must be carefully selected, should possess disease resistance, earliness, grain quality, a higher yielder, and adapted to the agroclimatic conditions of the region.

f) Seed treatment:

Depending upon the requirement the following seed treatment may be given

g) Chemical seed treatment.

h) Bacterial inoculation for the legumes.

i) Seed treatment for breaking dormancy.

j) Time of planting:

The seed crops should invariably be sown at their normal planting time. Depending upon the incidence of diseases and pests, some adjustments, could be made, if necessary.

k) Seed Rate:

Lower seed rates than usual for raising commercial crop are desirable because they facilitate rouging operations and inspection of seed crops.

l) Method of sowing:

The most efficient and ideal method of sowing is by mechanical drilling.

m) Depth of sowing:

Depth of sowing is extremely important in ensuring good plant stand. Small seeds should usually be planted shallow, but large seeds could be planted a little deeper.

n) Rouging: Adequate and timely rouging is extremely important in seed production. Rouging in most of the field crops may be done at many of the following stages as per needs of the seed crop.

i) Vegetative / preflowering stage

ii) Flowering stage

iii) Maturity stage

o) Weed control: good weed control is the basic requirement in producing good quality seed. Weeds may cause contamination of the seed crop , in addition to        reduction in yield:

p) Disease and insect control: Successful disease and insect control is another important factor in raising healthy seed crops. Apart from reduction of yield,             the quality of seeds from diseased and insect damaged plants is invariably              

q) Nutrition: In the nutrition of seed crops, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and several other elements play an important role for proper development of plants and seed. It is, therefore, advisable to know and identify the nutritional requirements of seed crops and apply adequate fertilizers.

r) Irrigation: Irrigation can be important at planting for seed crops on dry soils to ensure good uniform germination and adequate crop stands. Excess moisture or prolonged drought adversely affects germination and frequently results in poor crop stands.

s) Harvesting of Seed crops: It is of great importance to harvest a seed crop at the time that will allow both the maximum yield and the best quality seed.

t) Drying of seeds: In order to preserve seed viability and vigour it is necessary to dry seeds to safe moisture content levels.

u) Storage of raw seeds: The best method of sowing seed for short periods is in sacks or bags in ordinary buildings or godowns.