Seed Production Of Horticulture Crops

The readers will get knowledge about seeds, science and technology involved in this subject. Seeds are fertilised mature ovules shaped through sexual reproduction in plants. It is the cheapest and key input in agriculture. It is estimated that good quality seeds of improved varieties can contribute about 20-25% increase in yield. Seed technology is an interdisciplinary science, involves such activities as variety development, evaluation and release seed development, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control and seed marketing etc., through which the genetic and physical characteristic of seeds could be improved. Each topic was discussed in separate chapter and this book will prove extremely useful to its readers.

The book has been prepared keeping in view the course requirements of seed science and technology for undergraduate students at various institutions. The large volumes of materials are available for this subject. An attempt has been made to consolidate the scattered information and presented in a simple format. This publication describes the procedures involved in the production of quality seeds of 40 horticultural crops. The techniques involved in the certified and foundation stages of seed production from seed selection to storage including the quality standards and appropriate storage methods are explained in detail in this publication. From this the readers will get knowledge about seed production of horticultural crops. It is hoped that the publication will be useful for vegetable seed growers, research workers, teachers, students, planners, NGOs and extension personnel. We hope that this book “Scientific Seed Production of Horticultural Crops” will be helpful to our readers of this subject.

The book is inclusive of all categories of crop plants that are either seed or clonally propagated, will be a useful sourcebook to researchers, students and others involved in quality assured seed production. This book will promote or expand the seed innovations like futuristic seeds such as in vitro clones, micropropagation, artificial/synthetic seeds and organic seeds conjoining with the upcoming genetics, breeding and molecular breeding perspectives related to the Nucleus and Breeder Seed production in annual and perennial inclusive of grain, legume, pulses, fibers, oil, vegetables, fruit and other horticultural crops seed and clonal crops.

The readers will get knowledge about seeds, science and technology involved in this subject. Seeds are fertilised mature ovules shaped through sexual reproduction in plants. It is the cheapest and key input in agriculture. It is estimated that good quality seeds of improved varieties can contribute about 20-25% increase in yield. Seed technology is an interdisciplinary science, involves such activities as variety development, evaluation and release seed development, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control and seed marketing etc., through which the genetic and physical characteristic of seeds could be improved. Each topic was discussed in separate chapter and this book will prove extremely useful to its readers.

Plant breeders continue to make significant advances in developing high yield ing, adaptable, disease-free crops. These advances, however, are not realized until an efficient seed production system is in place that rapidly increases geneti cally superior crops and makes them available to the consumer in large quantities at a reasonable cost. Successful seed production requires seed to be genetically pure, free of admixtures, and able to establish rapidly a uniform stand. Seed production is a complex process. Rigorous production criteria are followed by both seed producer and seed companies to ensure that high-quality seed is produced and marketed. These criteria become even more stringent in hybrid seed production. This volume identifies the factors most critical in a successful seed production operation. The fundamental considerations common to all seed crops are established in Part I, Principles of Seed Production. From this founda tion, the practices of seed production are provided in detail in Part II, Seed Production of Specific Crops.

Quality seed is the fore most and most cost effective input for crop production. It is time for researchers as well as policy makers to reorient the strategy of vegetable seed production in India. Now it is not only a question of providing enough vegetables for a balance diet, but also to produces good quality seeds that are acceptable and competitive in the international market. The book Seed Production Technology of Vegetables is intended as a reference for all concerned with the basic vegetable seed production technologland requirements, field inspection, field and seed standards, brief cultural practices, important varieties/hybrids, classification history, climatic factors affecting seed production, botany and floral biology, mode of reproduction, principles of seed production, techniques for hybrid seed production, quality of seed, seed germination, seed policy, seed certification, seed act and seed rules. This book may be of great utility and intend to be a better guide to the students, teachers, research scientist, extension worker Policy makers, various seed companies, horticulture department, vegetable seeds producers and farming community as a whole who directly and indirectly are engaged in the production of quality seeds. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Classification of Vegetables; Chapter 3: History of Vegetables Seed Production; Chapter 4: Climatic Factors Affecting Vegetable Seed Production; Chapter 5: Botany and Floral Biology of Vegetable Crops; Chapter 6: Modes of Reproduction in Vegetable Crops; Chapter 7: Principals of Vegetable Seed Production; Chapter 8: Tehniques for Hybrid Seed Production; Chapter 9: Seed Production of Vegetables, Family-Solanaceae, Brinjal, Tomato, Chilli and Bell Pepper, Potato, Family-Malvaceae, Okara, Family-Cruciferae, Radish , Cauliflower, Cabbage, Turnip, Family-Alliaceae, Onion, Family-Legunminosae, Pea, Fenugreek, French bean, Cowpea, Family-Chenopodiaceae, Spinach Beet (Palak), Family-Umbelliferae, Coriander, Carrot, Family-Cucubitaceae, Cucumber, Muskmelon, Watermelon, Bitter Gourd, Family-Compositae, Lettuce; Chapter 10: Quality of Seeds; Chapter 11: Seed Germination and Seed Dormancy; Chapter 12: Economics of Hybrids Seed Production;Chapter; Chapter 13: Biotechnology in Vegetable Seed Production; Chapter 14: National Seed Policy; Chapter 15: Certification of Seeds; Chapter 16: Seed Act and Seed Rules

Maintain viability with these techniques for proper seed storage!Healthy, viable seeds are the foundation for sustainable crop production, while poorly kept seeds can result in low germination and crop loss. Seed Storage of Horticultural Crops suggests appropriate strategies to help farmers and breeders store seeds of all kinds.

With special reference to India.

High-quality seed is essential for healthy crops and greater agricultural productivity. At the same time, advances in breeding technology require equivalent advances in seed technology. In order to ensure food security, it is crucial to develop seeds that are high yielding, and resistant to drought, heat, cold, and insects. Gathering the latest research in seed sciences, the book includes contributions on seed production in crops such as legumes, sugar, rice, wheat and other cereals. It discusses a range of topics, like the effect of climate change on seed quality, production and storage; seed rouging; seed certification for different crop species; seed biology; and seed pathologies and their effective management. Integrating basic and applied research, this compendium provides valuable insights for researchers and students in agricultural and life sciences; professionals involved in seed certification and those working in quarantine laboratories; as well as plant pathologists.