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Seed Science Notes

The document outlines key concepts in seed science, including types of seeds (orthodox, recalcitrant, and intermediate), seed dormancy, and germination essentials. It emphasizes the importance of moisture and temperature in seed storage and viability, as well as the processes involved in hybrid seed production and certification. Additionally, it covers seed deterioration causes and methods for breaking dormancy.

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pasumathipalanivel5
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7 views4 pages

Seed Science Notes

The document outlines key concepts in seed science, including types of seeds (orthodox, recalcitrant, and intermediate), seed dormancy, and germination essentials. It emphasizes the importance of moisture and temperature in seed storage and viability, as well as the processes involved in hybrid seed production and certification. Additionally, it covers seed deterioration causes and methods for breaking dormancy.

Uploaded by

pasumathipalanivel5
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SEED SCIENCE NOTES

🔹 1. Types of Seeds (VERY IMPORTANT)


✅ Orthodox Seeds
 Tolerate drying (low moisture ~5–7%)
 Can be stored for long periods
Examples: Wheat, Rice, Mustard
❌ Recalcitrant Seeds
 Sensitive to drying & low temperature
 High moisture (~30–50%)
 Short-lived
Examples: Mango, Coconut, Rubber
⚠️Intermediate Seeds
 Partial tolerance
Example: Coffee, Neem
🔹 2. Harrington’s Thumb Rules (FAVOURITE)
 Every 1% increase in moisture → seed life ↓ by 50%
 Every 5°C increase in temperature → seed life ↓ by 50%
Ideal storage:
👉 Temperature (°F) + RH (%) ≤ 1
3. Seed Dormancy
 Failure to germinate even under favorable conditions

📌 Types
Physical → Hard seed coat (Legumes)
Physiological → Hormonal (ABA high)
Morphological → Immature embryo
📌 Breaking Methods
Scarification (acid/mechanical)
Stratification (cold treatment)
Gibberellic acid (GA₃)
🔹 4. Seed Viability vs Vigor
Feature Viability Vigor
Meaning Alive or dead Strength/performance
Test Tetrazolium Stress tests
Field relation Germination Emergence
👉 Trick: All vigorous seeds are viable, but not vice versa
🔹 5. Seed Germination Essentials
 Water (Imbibition)
 Oxygen
 Temperature
 Light (for some seeds)
Phases:
 Imbibition
 Lag phase
 Radicle emergence
🔹 6. Seed Certification
📌 Objectives:
 Maintain genetic purity
 Ensure quality
📌 Key Concepts:
 Isolation distance → prevents genetic contamination
 Field inspection
 Tagging (color-coded)
🔹 8. Hybrid Seed Production
 Requires emasculation (female parent)
 Controlled pollination
 Maintains hybrid vigor
🔹 9. Seed Storage
📌 Conditions:
 Low moisture

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 Low temperature
 Airtight containers
📌 Storage Types:
 Short-term → ambient
 Long-term → cold storage
 Cryopreservation → -196°C
🔹 10. Seed Deterioration
 Irreversible aging process
Causes:
 High moisture
 High temperature
 Oxidative damage

KEY NOTES
 Recalcitrant seeds cannot be dried or frozen
 ABA → induces dormancy
 GA₃ → breaks dormancy
 Legumes → hard seed coat dormancy
 Vigor = performance under stress
 Cryopreservation uses liquid nitrogen (-196°C)
 Apomixis -- No fertilization
Produces clones

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