Classes of Seeds
- Breeder seed:
Breeder seed is the vegetative propagating material which is directly controlled by the plant breeder for breeding programme. It is genetically and physically pure seed. It is supervised by the qualified plant breeders so as to protect it from any contamination. This type of seed is produced in very limited amount and other seeds are the progeny of this breeder seed. Breeder seed is labelled by the golden yellow color certificate.
- Foundation seed:
Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed. It is produced under the supervision of certification agency and also certified by it. It is also physically and genetically pure seed like breeder seed. It is produced in very limited amount but little bit more than breeder seed. Foundation seed is labelled by the white color certificate. Foundation seed is then distributed to the registered growers.
- Certified seed:
Certified seed is the progeny of foundation seed. It is produced by the registered seed grower under supervision of seed certification agency. Certified seed is the seed which is produced for the distribution of seed to the farmer for the commercial cultivation. So, it is produced in large amount. This type of seed is labelled by the blue color certificate. There are two sub categories in certified seed:
a) Certified seed (I)
b) Certified seed (II)