AGR 305: Principles and Practices of Seed Technology
Credit Hours: 2 (1+1)
Full Marks: 50 (Theory: 25, Practical: 25)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the concepts and skills required for seed production technology.
- Learn about seed development, dormancy, germination, quality, storage, and multiplication techniques.
- Gain practical experience in seed testing, certification, and seed processing.
I. Syllabus Overview
Topics include:
- Seed as the basic unit of crop production: fruits, grains, propagating materials
- Seed development and factors affecting it
- Seed dormancy and germination patterns
- Seed vigor, longevity, and quality
- Types of seeds and multiplication techniques
- Seed certification and distribution
- National and international seed organizations, seed law, farmer’s seed, and intellectual property rights
II. Course Outline
A. Lecture Topics (15 Lectures)
| S.N. | Topic | No. of Lectures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fruits, grains, seed and seed materials | 1 |
| 2 | Seed formation and development | 1 |
| 3 | Factors affecting seed development | 1 |
| 4 | Seed dormancy and methods of breaking it | 1 |
| 5 | Seed germination and its pattern | 1 |
| 6 | Seed vigor and its role in crop establishment | 1 |
| 7 | Quality seed and factors affecting it | 1 |
| 8 | Types of seed and their production | 1 |
| 9 | Seed longevity and causes of seed deterioration | 1 |
| 10 | Harvesting and threshing | 1 |
| 11 | Seed cleaning, drying and storage | 1 |
| 12 | Basic principles of seed production | 1 |
| 13 | Seed certification | 1 |
| 14 | Seed distribution system in Nepal | 1 |
| 15 | International Seed Testing Association and National Seed Law | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
B. Practical Topics (15 Sessions)
| S.N. | Practical Activities | No. of Practicals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identification of seeds of various field crops | 1 |
| 2 | Measurements of agronomical characteristics of crop seeds | 1 |
| 3 | Study differences in agronomical characteristics of rice, maize, wheat, grain legumes, oilseeds, potato, and other crops | 6 |
| 4 | Practice on seed purity test | 1 |
| 5 | Practice on seed viability testing | 1 |
| 6 | Practice on seed germination test (lab and field) | 1 |
| 7 | Practice on seed vigor testing | 1 |
| 8 | Methods for preparation of seeds for planting | 1 |
| 9 | Tour to seed processing plant and seed testing laboratory, Hetauda | 1 |
| 10 | Visit to seed multiplication farms of National Maize Development Research, Rampur and National Grain Legume Research Station, Rampur | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
References
- Agrawal, R.L. (2005). Seed Technology. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
- Bhattachan, B.K. (2010). Manual of Principles and Practices of Seed Technology.
- Bhattachan, B.K. (2011). Research Manual of Seed Technology.
- Copeland, L.O., & McDonald, M.B. (1985). Principles of Seed Science and Technology. Burgess Publishing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
- Justice, O.L., & Louis, N.B. (1978). Principles and Practices of Seed Storage. Agricultural Handbook No. 506.
