Seed Certification

Seed Certification

 
Seed certification is a legally sanctioned system for quality control of seed multiplication and production and which consists the control measures are

1. It is an administrative check on the origin of propagating material for the purpose of trueness to purity (genetic purity).

2. Field inspection: At the time of growing a crop for seed production purpose. The data should be obtained on trueness to varietals purity, isolation of seed crop to prevent crops- pollination, mechanical admixtures and diseases dissemination, objectionable weeds and admixtures.

3. Supervision on agricultural operations i.e. intercultural operations, harvesting, storage, transport and processing etc. for identity and quality of lots.

4. Sample inspection: For quality and to maintain genetic purity, a lab test of representative samples drawn by the S.C.A. for determining,% of germination moisture content, weed seed content, admixture and purity.

5. Bulk inspection: For checking homogeneity of the bulk as compared with the sample inspected.

6. Control Plot Testing: Samples drawn from the source seed and the final seed produced can be grown in the field along with standard samples of the variety.

The purpose of seed certification is to maintain and make available high quality seed and propagating materials of notified plant varieties.

Phases of Seed Certification

Seed certification has five phases of these are:

1. Verification of seed source.

2. Inspection of seed crop in the field.

3. Supervision at post-harvest stages including processing and packing.

4. Seed sampling and analysis.

5. Grant of certificate, certification tag, tables and sealing.

Concepts of Seed Certification

The AOSCA (association of official seed certifying agencies) have given some fundamental concepts of seed certification & these are:

1. Pedigree of all certified crops must be essential.

2. The integrity of certified seed growers must be recognized.

3. Field inspection must be made by through qualified field inspectors.

4. Verification trials to establish and maintain satisfactory pedigree of seed stock.

5. For keeping proper records to establish and maintain satisfactory pedigree of seed stock.

6. Standard should be maintained for purity and germination.

7. The principles of sealing seeds to protect both grower and purchase must be approved.

Steps Required for Organizing Seed Certification

The various steps are required for organizing seeds certification are:

1. Establishment and operation of seed certification agency.

2. Establishment of minimum seed certification standards.

3. Establishment of procedure for field inspection, seed processing, seed sampling and testing, tagging and sealing etc.