Course Title : Seed Science and Technology
Course Code : AGR/SST 325
Credit: 3.0+1.0
Theory (3.0 Cr. hr.): Introduction to seed, definition, role, use and classification; physiology of seed formation and development; seed growth and maturation; chemical composition of seed; seed and seedling morphology; seed dormancy, biological significance, types and breaking of seed dormancy,; seed quality attributes: genetical purity; analytical purity; seed moisture content; seed germination; seed health; seed and field standard of seed quality. Seed production: factors influencing quality seed production; agro-ecological requirements, crop and variety selection, crop alteration, isolation, land selection, land preparation, planting, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, rouging, plant protection and harvesting; hybrid seed production; seed processing: principles of seed processing; drying, cleaning, grading, treating, packaging; seed storing: physiology of seed ageing, factors influencing storage life, types of storage; seed certification: quality control, legislation, seed marketing.
Practical (1 Cr. hr.): Seed identification and preparation of seed album; structure of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous seeds; seed sampling for laboratory tests; purity analysis of seed; determination of seed moisture; seed germination test; seed vigor test; calculation of seed rate of different field crops; practicing seed treatment; field inspection of seed crops.