Seed certification is a legal system which ensures production of high quality seeds in terms of purity and germination. The task of seed certification is undertaken by state seed certification agency. This work is also taken up by NSC in those states where SSCA does not exist.
There are four basic requirements for seed certification, namely:
(1) Improved variety,
(2) Genetic purity
(3) Physical purity and
(4) Proper germination.
These are briefly discussed below:
(1) Improved Variety:
A genotype released for general cultivation either by the Central Variety Release Committee or by a State Variety Release Committee, is known as a improved variety. It is essential to select an improved and notified variety for seed certification.
The main features of an improved variety include higher yield, wider adaptability, proper maturity duration, fertilizer responsiveness, resistance to major insect pests and diseases, and better quality of economic produce. The seed production can be taken up only for the notified varieties.
(2) Genetic Purity:
Genetic purity refers to absence of seeds of other variety of the same crop as well as of other crops. The contamination by the seeds of another variety of the same crop is not permitted. However, contamination by the seeds of other crops is permitted from zero to 0.5% in case of certified seed and 0-0.1%, in case of foundation seed of different crops. More contamination is allowed in cross pollinated species than in self-pollinated species. The genetic purity is determined by grow out test.
(3) Physical Purity:
The freedom from inert matter and defective seeds is known as physical purity. Inert matter includes non-living materials like sand, pebbles, soil particles, straw, etc. Defective seeds are those that are broken, disease infested, insect damaged, undeveloped and unfit for germination.
The physical purity of 98% is permissible in majority of crops (Table 40.2). In some crops physical purity of less than 98% is also, permitted. For example, physical purity up to 95% in carrot; up to 96% in groundnut and spinach and up to 97% in soybean and sesame is permitted.
(4) Germination:
The germination should be as per the standards fixed by the National Seeds Corporation for different crops (Table 40.2). The minimum germination percentage differs from crop to crop. It varies from 60% to 90% in different crops. The minimum germination of 60% is allowed in cucurbits, carrots, sugar-beet, palak and okra, and 90% in case of maize.
Besides above, the seed should be free from disease, insects and objectionable weed seeds (weedy forms of a crop, etc.).
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