seed testing Flashcards
1
Q
Topic
A
Details
2
Q
Definition of Seed Testing
A
Seed testing determines the standards of seed lots (physical purity, moisture, germination, ODV) to help farmers ensure quality seeds and proper seed selection.
3
Q
Objectives of Seed Testing
A
- Identify seed quality problems
4
Q
Importance of Seed Testing
A
- Provides critical information on seed quality attributes like purity, moisture, and germination.
5
Q
Seed Quality Attributes
A
- Physical purity
6
Q
Standard Procedures
A
- ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules are followed for evaluating seed quality, especially in international trade.
7
Q
Purity Testing
A
- Tests the cleanliness of the seed lot and confirms cultivar genuineness.
8
Q
Calculation for Purity Analysis
A
The percentage of components is calculated using the formula:
9
Q
Germination Test
A
- Determines seed viability by measuring normal seedling development under favorable conditions (moisture, temperature, substratum).
10
Q
Germination Test Reporting
A
The results are calculated as the average of 4 replicates of 100 seeds, expressed as a percentage of normal seedlings (to the nearest whole number).
11
Q
Moisture Content Determination
A
- Expresses moisture as a percentage of the seed’s original weight.
12
Q
Methods for Moisture Testing
A
- Air Oven Method: Seed moisture is removed by drying the sample at a specified temperature. The formula for moisture content is:
- % seed mc =(M2-M3 / M2-M1)x 100
M1 = Wt of the weighing bottle/container with cover in gm
M2 = Wt of the weighing bottle/container with cover and seeds before drying
M3 = Weight of the weighing bottle/container with cover and seeds after drying
Note: The seed moisture determination must be done in two replicates, with precise weighing (i.e. up to three decimal places). - Moisture meters estimate seed moisture quickly but the estimation is not as precise as by the air oven method.
