Seed Conditioning
AGC 422
Lecture Outline
• Definition of seed Conditioning
• Objectives of seed Conditioning
• Components of seed Conditioning operations
• Machinery and equipment used for seed
Conditioning
• Seed treatment
What is Seed Conditioning?
• Seed Conditioning is the process of removing
extraneous matter from harvested seed so that the
final seed placed on the market is physically pure
Objectives of Seed Conditioning
(a) Complete separation of extraneous matter from
seed
(b) Minimize seed losses during handling operations
(c) Upgrading seed quality by removal of decayed,
cracked, broken, damaged seed
(d) Improve efficiency of planting operations
The ultimate aim of seed conditioning is to obtain
maximum percentage of pure crop seed with
maximum germination potential.
Concept is reflected in terms of pure live seed
percent
Calculated by multiplying the percent seed purity
and germination percent
E.g A seed lot had percent purity of 95% and
germination percent of 93%. Calculate the Pure live
seed
=0.95 x 0.93=88.35%
Components of Seed Conditioning
Operations
• Threshing and shelling
• Fumigation
• Seed Drying
• Seed cleaning
• Seed grading
• Seed treatment
Threshing and Shelling
• 1st operation is threshing (maize) or shelling
(groundnuts)
• More care is required for seed compared to grain
•
• Timing of these operations is very critical
•
• Timely shelling is determined by the moisture
content
•
• Over dried seeds versus too wet seed
Fumigation
• Fumigation is a method of pest control that
completely fills an area with gaseous
pesticides(fumigants) (suffocate/Poison the pest)
•
• Storage pest infestation can start from the field or
during initial storage
•
• Insects can multiply rapidly if not controlled resulting
in the loss of the seed crop
• Upon receipt from the farmer, seeds should be
fumigated to control insects
Drying
• Seed loses viability/ vigor during storage
• The rate of loss of viability/vigour depends on
moisture content
• High moisture increases metabolic rate leading to
rapid ageing and loss of viability/vigour
Effects of moisture on Seed
Seed Moisture Level Effect
Above 40-60% Germination occurs
Above 18-20% Heating may occur
Above 12-14% Mould growth
Above 10-12% Sealed storage unsafe
Above 8-9% Insects active
• Do not use sun drying because
it is believed to affect long term
seed viability of some species.
Heated air drying should also be
avoided for the same reason.
Aim for 10 - 15% relative
humidity and 15°C as the
optimum drying conditions.
Seed Cleaning
• Seed cleaning is done by sorting the raw seed
according to shape, size, width, density, texture
etc
• All these parameters are used to identify good
seed and separate it from extraneous matter
• A number of machines are used for this purpose
Pre-cleaner (Scalper)
Color Separators
• Color separators enable seed separation where
other methods can not be used
• Machine requires that contamination on
undesirable seed be slightly different in color from
good crop seed
• Machine should be used after cleaning and
grading using other processes
• seed.
• Valuable for upgrading germination and
overall seed quality by eliminating off-color
poor quality
Seed Treatment
• Process of applying chemical substances to
seeds in order to reduce, control or repel
pathogens.
• Features of an Ideal Seed Treatment Chemical
• Relatively non-toxic to plants
• Harmless to humans or livestock
• Stable for relatively longer periods of time
during seed storage
• Easy to use
• Economically competitive
Seed Treatment Formulations and
Equipment
Seed protection chemicals can control the following
types of seed-associated pests:
1. Bacteria and fungi causing seed rots, seedling
blights and smuts
2. Soil insects such as maggots and wireworms
3. Storage insects e.g weevils, moths and beetles
Classification of seed protection
Chemicals
• Seed surface disinfectants- chemicals in this
group cover the seed and kill or suppress the
activities of spores and other disease agents on
the surface of the seed
• Seed protection-chemicals in this group protect
the seed before and during germination from soil
borne diseases and insects
• Systemic Protection-Chemicals in this group
penetrate the seed and kill or suppress the
activity of pests and pathogens. Resultant plants
Seed Treatments
• Seed regulations in Zambia require that
treated seeds are identifiable in two ways
• By incorporating a dye into the treatment to
give the seed a contrasting colour
• By a statement that the seed has been treated
and the name of the chemical used
• Ensures that humans recognise the seed has
been treated and should not be used for
animal consumption