Theory
Seed and seed technology: introduction, definition and importance. Deterioration causes of crop varieties and their control. Maintenance of genetic purity during seed production and seed quality. Definition, characters of good quality seed and different classes of seed. Foundation and certified seed production of important cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder and vegetables. Seed certification, phases of certification, procedure for seed certification and field inspection. Seed Act and Seed Act enforcement. Duty and powers of seed inspector, offences and penalties. Seeds Control Order 1983, varietal identification through grow out test and electrophoresis, molecular and biochemical test. Detection of genetically modified crops, transgene contamination in non-GM crops, GM crops and organic seed production.
Seed drying, processing and their steps, seed testing for quality assessment, seed treatment, its importance, method of application and seed packing. Seed storage; general principles, stages and factors affecting seed longevity during storage. Measures for pest and disease control during storage. Seed marketing: structure and organization, sales generation activities, promotional media. Factors affecting seed marketing. Role of WTO and OECD in seed marketing. Private and public sectors and their production and marketing strategies.