Methods of seed production

A. Insitu Method or Seed to Seed Method

• Plants are allowed to seed in it’s place of transplanting (original position of first planted)
• Essential requirement of this method if there is high quality foundation seed, by which commercial seeds can be produced by this method
• Field preparation and cultural practices is followed as in market crop (fresh) production ( up to Root production/maturity)
• Spacing of R×R = 75 c.m and P×P = 10-30 c.m
• Isolation distant : For foundation seed production = 1000 m and For certified seed = 500 m
• Time of transplanting is followed as in the root production but avoid rainfall and humidity, cold/frost at the time seed maturation and harvesting.
• The recommended manure and fertilizers are applied. All amount of well rotten FYM/Compost, and 1/3 rd of N2, full amount/dose of P2O5 and K2O and Borax is applied at the time of transplanting of selected plants. The remaining 1/3rd of N2 is applied at crop growth stage and remaining N2 1/3 rd is applied at commencement of flowering /bolting stage.
• There is less chance of selection and rouging of root characters.

B. Transplanting or Root to Seed Method

• When roots are fully mature, crop is uprooted
• After selection of true to type roots, proper root and shoot cut is given. Generally 1/3rd of top cut and ½ to 3/4th of root cut is given for higher seed yield and better quality seed
• Selection and rouging are done on the basis of foliage characters and root characters.
• During transplanting of root, care should be taken so that, the crown remains exposed.
• Hairy and forked roots are eliminated
• Early and late bolters are removed
• Through examination and selection of true to type plants are absolutely necessary for raising quality of seeds.