Seed Quality Course, Pakistan

Seed Production in Pakistan

By J F Rickman, Mark Bell, Arif Afzal, Abdul Rehman

Program-Day 11. Participants-name, government or private, crop, involved in

seed industry2. Legal requirements –seed act, standards for different crops3. Measure seed standards and moisture -EMC4. Seed production plan

Business plan Crop calendar Calculating seeding rate-seeds per kg Land preparation Crop establishment Weed management Fertilizer management Water management Crop harvesting, threshing, drying, cleaning, grading, storage Labelling

Program Day 2 Visit seed production companies

Program Day 3 Business and operation plan for your crop

1. What is the difference between seed and grain ?

Seed is a living product that must be grown, harvested and processed correctly to maximize its viability and subsequent crop productivity

Steps in seed production

2. What is good quality seed?3. What are the benefits of using good quality seed

Good quality seed

Pure –contains only grains from one variety which can be proven through a DNA test. Other characteristics which are consistent for each variety are: 1000 grain weight, grain length and width, amylose content, gel consistency and brown rice protein.

Clean –has no stones or soil, weed seed or other rice varieties and vegetative matter,

Healthy-has full grains of the same size and color with no cracks or spotting and has high germination (at least 80%).

Benefits of high quality seed

Enables farmers to grow crops, which have:the most economical planting rate a higher percentage of seeds emerging in the fielda minimum of re-planting or gap filling a vigorous seedling establishment a uniform plant stand faster growth rate and better resistance to stress and diseasesuniformity ripening.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

MOISTURE IMMATURE DISEASED RUBBISH BROWN RICE

WHITE RICE HEAD RICE COLOR

15

72 3

7773

44

37

21

8

2 2

7774

59

36

Grain quality Thailand 2016

Dry Harvest Wet harvest

1. Seed standards•Seed legislation or Seed act (1976)•Classification of seeds•Seed standards•Seed labels

4. How many people have seen/read the Pakistan seed act?

5. What are the most important components of the act?

Pakistan Seed Act 19761. Short title, extent and commencement

2. Definitions

3. Establishment of National Seed Council

4. Functions of the National Seed Council

5. Establishment of Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

6. Functions of Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

7. Omitted

8. Omitted9. Establishment of Provincial Seed Council

10. Power to notify varieties or species of seed

11. Regulation of sale of seeds of plant varieties and species

12. Appointment of registered growers13. Grant of certificate by Federal Certification and Registration Department

14. Period for which registration and certification shall be effective

15. Cancellation of certification

16. Appeal17. Seed Analyst

18. Seed Certification Officer

19. Seed Inspector

20. Power of Seed Inspectors21. Procedure to be followed by Seed Inspector

22. Report of Seed Testing Laboratory22A. Registration or enlisting of plant variety or hybrid

22B. Registration to do seed business22C. Registration of seed dealer

22D. Registration of seed processing units22E. Restrictions

22F. Establishment of seed testing laboratories22G. Registration of genetically modified plant varieties

22H. Horticulture nurseries to be registered22I. Federal Seed Committee

22J. Variety Evaluation Committee23. Offences and penalty

24. Power of court to order forfeitures25. Cognizance of offence, etc

26. Presumption as to order

27. Indemnity28. Delegation of powers

29. Power to make rules

The Seed Acts describe procedures and minimum seed certification standards such as: Certification Agency Certified Seed Producer Eligibility Requirements for Crop Varieties Classes and Sources of Seed Phases of Seed Certification Establishing Source of Seed Field Area for Certification Unit of Certification Field inspectionHarvesting, Threshing and Transportation Bulking Seed Processing and Packing ScheduleSeed lotLot sizeConstruction of Seed Lot Number Seed Treatment

Sample and sampling of seedSeed Analysis Report Seed Standards of Genetic Purity Grow-out Test Seed Standards for Insect Damage Seed Moisture Content Specification of the Certification Packing, Tagging, Sealing and Issuance of the Certificate Validity Period of the Certificate Revocation of Certificate Retention of Certification Records Minimum seed certification standards for each crop typeVarietal protection programSeed and material transfer agreementQuarantine requirements for importation of new genetic material.

Seed Certification

16

Category/Class

Agency Involved Identification

Breeder Nucleus Seed (BNS)

The purest seed of a particular variety prepared by the breeder of a particular research station/institute

Not certified by FSC&RD so labels are not issued. Identified by Seed Testing Report/Certificate

Pre-basic Seed Progeny of Breeder/Nucleus Seed (BNS), highest genetic purity seed produced by the respective research institutes/breeders

White color labels with diagonal violet line issued by FSC&RD

Basic Seed Progeny of pre-basic seed and produced by an organization set up by the provincial government

White color labels issued by FSC&RD

Certified Seed

Progeny of basic seed and is produced with the registered growers of the seed producing agencies

Blue color labels issued by FSC&RD

Approved Seed Seed true to species as approved by the FSC&RD

Pink color labels issued by FSC&RD

Truthfully Labeled Seed

As imported by the importers under Seed (Truth in Labeling Rules, 1991) and assurance of the quality lies on the importers

Yellow color labels of importing agency

Identifying seedColors of the labels: Pre-basic seed : White with a diagonal violet lineBasic seed : WhiteCertified seed 1st generation : BlueApproved seed 2nd generation : Red Truthfully labeled seed: YellowLabelling seedLabels may be either adhesive or non-adhesive.Information may be printed on one or both sides.Labels shall be rectangular with square corners.

.

Seed label in Pakistan

Seed Standard of Certification Rice

Factor Pre Basic Basic Certified

Pure seed (%) 99.9 98 98

Other varieties 0 .05 0.1

Weed (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inert matter (%) 0 .01 1.0 1.5

Red rice or wild rice 0 0 0.02

Germination (% minimum) 80 80 80

Moisture content (%) 12 12 12

Seed Standard of Certification Wheat


Pure seed (%) 99.9 98 98

Other varieties (grains/500g)

0 .05 .2

Weed (%) 0.0 0.0 5/kg

Inert matter (%) 0 .01 2.0 2.0

Other crop seeds 0 0 0.05



Seed Standard of Certification Maize

Factor Pre Basic

Basic Certified Hybrid

Pure seed (%) 99.9 98 98 98

Other varieties 0 0.5

1.0 0.5

Weed (%) 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0

Inert matter (%) 0 .01 2.0

2.0 2

Germination (% minimum) 90 90

90 90

Moisture content (%) 12 12

12 12

Seed Standard of Certification American

CottonFactor Pre Basic Basic Certified

Pure seed (%) 99.9 98 98

Other varieties 0 0.1 0.2

Weed (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inert matter (%) 0 .1 2.0 2.0

Desi varieties 0 0 0



Seed Standard of Certification Desi Cotton


Pure seed (%) 99.9 98 98

Other varieties 0 0.1 0.2

Weed (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inert matter (%) 0 .1 2.0 2.0



2. Develop a seed production plan•Management decision tree•Seed calendar•Financial plan•Business plan

Wednesday

Develop a seed production plan

(Wednesday )

Seed Production Plan

Crop Growth Calendar

Develop a seed production calendarKey activities (rice as example)

Rice nurseries planted and fertilized in early June and transplanted in early JulyLand preparation should be completed by 10th JulySeed production fields planted by 15th JulyFertilizer applied within 2 weeks of plantingWeed control begin within 21 days of crop establishmentRoughing for off-types during vegetative, flowering and grain filling stagesInsect and disease management when reach economic injury levelLast irrigation 20 days before harvestHarvest crop at 20-22% moistureDried to 14% within 24hrsCleaned, graded, stored at 12% ASAP

Crop plan

Farmer Details Items to

Be checkedExpected

Dates

Actual Field Check

InformationRecorded Remarks/commentsFarmer

Name Actual Date Crop Check Recommendations

Last Crop Name Nursery 10% intended crop

area Area m2 Nursery Prep 1st May Plow and puddle Equipment

Address Fertilizer Manure, 1kg DAP/100m2 incorporated

Manure/DAP kgs

Seeding 28th May Soak 6-8kg seed for 24hrs, dry 24hrs Seed type kgs

Seedbed 30th May Fine textured wet soil ,

broadcast seed Pulling Nursery 1 st JULY 25-30 days old

Main Crop Cell

Phone Land Prep Area ac

1st working 1st June 10-15cm deep Equipment

2nd 20th June 10 cm deep Equipment 3rd 26th June 7-10cm deep Puddling

Total Crop Area

Basal Fertilizer 26th June 1 bag DAP/ac DAP/K bags/ac

Transplanting1st July 20-25 hills No's hills /m2

2-3 seedlings/ hill No's seedlings/hill

Herbicides 6th July Pre emergent 2-3 days after transplant Name

Quanity l/ac Gap filling 8th July 8-10 days after

transplant Time days GPs

Reading Fertilizer 20th July 1/2 bag urea/ac, 25-30 days after transplant Name bags/ac

Herbicides

25-30th July Post emergent Name Latitud

e Quantity l/ac Foliar spray 1.5 % K Solution l/ac

Longitude Fertilizer 15th August 1/2 bag urea/ac, 45-60

days after transplant Name bags/ac Insecticides Stemborer ( 5/m2) Name Quanity l/ac Insecticides Leaf folder (10/m2) Quantity l/ac Fungicides 10th Sept Blast (water on lesion) Name Pre Harvest Panicles m2 m2 Moisture %

Harvest5th Nov Hand/combine

Paddy Purchase Standards Check yes/no

Quality Person Team Leader

3. Seed preparation •Seed lot inspection •Seed Lot preparation

•Priming •Cleaning•Pre-germination •Seed treatment

Preparing and checking the seed

6. What seed quality characteristics are genetic and what are environmentally controlled ?

Genetic Acquired• grain shape and size • moisture content•bulk density • color and chalkiness•thermal conductivity • purity

•equilibrium moisture content • damage

• chemical characteristics such as gelatinization temperature, gel consistency, and aroma

• cracked grains

• immature grains

• milling-related characteristics (head rice recoveries, whiteness and milling degree) are also included as relevant measures of quality because they are of concern to consumers

Quality Characteristics

Seed quality analysis Purity (pure seed). Thousand seed weight. Grain shape Mixture of the crop seed (other distinguishable

varieties). Presence of weeds. Inert matter. Seed-borne diseases. Moisture test. Germination. Seed lots are rejected or accepted on the basis

of seed standards prescribed by the National Seed Council for individual crops.

Varietal or Genetic Purity• Chemical characteristics• Shape• Size• Color• Bulk density• Thermal conductivity• Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)• Flow ability

1 Identification1.1 Synonym: WAB 450 – I - B –

P – 38 – HB 1.4 Parents: WAB 56 – 104 / CG 14

1.2 Species: Oryza sativa x Oryza glaberrima

1.5 Genetic nature: Pure line

1.3 Varietal type:

NERICA 1.6 Geographical origin:

WARDA, Bouake

1.7 Development: 19942 Agronomic characteristics2.1 Ecology: Upland rice 2.5 1000 grains weight: 29.0 g2.2 Days to 50%

heading: 70-75 days 2.6 Resistance to leaf blast: Medium

2.3 Maturity: 95-100 days

2.7 Resistance to insects: Good

2.4 Potential yield: 4500 kg/ha 2.8 Resistance to lodging: Good 3 Morphological characteristics3.1 Plant

Average height: 100 cm 3.3 Grain Tillering: Good Length: 6.9 mmBasal leaf sheath color:

Purple Width: 2.6 mm

Leaf angle: Erect Size: Medium Flag leaf angle: Erect Lemna color: Light fawn with black

apex 3.2 Panicle Awning: Absent

Type: Compact Apex color: Black/Purple Exsertion: Good Caryopsis

color: White

4 Organoleptic and technological characteristics

5 Cultural practices

4.1 Amylose content: Contact your country extension service 4.2 Milling rate: 63% 4.3 Cooking quality: Good 4.4 Aroma: Perfume

Passport data- Nerica 1

7. Measure varietal purity

Measuring Varietal Purity Grain size and shape The grain size and shape (length-width ratio) is a very stable varietal property. Comparing the length-width ratio of the sample with the published ratio for the variety indicates the varietal purity of the grain sample.

Scale (Length)

1 Extra long (more than 7.5 mm)

3 Long (6.6 to 7.5 mm)

5 Medium (5.51 to 6.6 mm)

7 Short (5.5mm or less)

Scale Shape Ratio

1 Slender Over 3.0

3 Medium 2.1 to 3.0

5 Bold 1.1 to 2.0

9 Round Less than 1.1

Procedure Obtain a random sample from the seed batch.Collect twenty grains at random from this sample of seedUse a Vernier caliper or photographic enlarger to measure the dimensions of each of the twenty grains.

Measuring Varietal Purity

1000 grain weight. Each variety has a published weight for 1000 grains. Procedure

•Select a random sample from the seed batch •Count 1,000 whole grains from the sample.•Weigh the 1,000 grains.

Measuring Varietal Purity Red grainsA grain is considered to be red if more than 25% of its surface area is red colored or streaked.Procedure • Select a random sample of the milled rice. 25gm is a good sample size.• Weigh the sample • Select and separate the red grains from the sample. The red kernels are those that have 25% or more of the grain red as shown in the diagram below:• Weigh the red grains separated from the sample • Calculate the percentage of red grains in the sample using the formula:

8. Measure Seed lot purity ?

Environmentally acquired properties

Seed lot purityMoisture contentPest damagePhysical damageImmature grainsMilling characteristics

Chalkiness

Seed Lot PuritySeed lot purity is a measure of the impurities in a seed batch. These include

weed and other crop seed, andinert matter.

How to measure seed lot puritySelect at random a sample of the seed. 100gm is a good sample size.(Weigh the sample [A](Remove all of the weed and other crop seeds and the inert matterWeigh the weed and other crop seed matter removed. [B]Compute the weed percentage as follows:

Weight the inert matter removed from the sample [C], the inert matter percentage is calculated using the formula:

Germination tests

Germination testsPlace water absorbent material inside the waterproof trayTake random sample from each seed lot and mix in a containerTake at least three seed samples from the mixed grainCount out 100 seeds from each sample and place on absorbent material inside the trayCarefully saturate the absorbent materialFor each of ten [10] days check that absorbent material remains moist and record the number of germinated seedsCompute germination test for five [5] days and for ten [10] daysThe rate of germination is an indicator of vigor. Rapid seed germination increases the chance that seed will establish in the field.

Germination (%) = Number of seeds germinated x 100 Number of seeds on trayWhile the speed of germination varies slightly across varieties, seeds should absorb moisture within 2 days and produce a root and the first leaf within 4 days

Quick moisture tester Read the operators instruction. Make sure the batteries are good. Turn on the moisture meter and ensure that the machine is

set for the crop being measured. Fill the tray/bowl of the moisture tester with seed samples. Turn/press the knob until the moisture reading is displayed. Test at least five samples and average. Be careful when measuring hot seed as moisture readings

will appear to increase when temperature decreases. Calibrate against the oven dry samples

Measuring Moisture contentOven Method

Set the oven at 130 ºC.Weigh three paddy samples and place the samples inside the oven.Measure the final weight of the samples after 16 hours.Compute for the moisture content wet basis (MCWB) using the equation Compute the average MC.Make sure that the temperature is not higher than specified because otherwise chemical changes occur within the grain which can cause additional weight loss

9. What is the difference between wet basis and dry basis moisture content ?

What is the relationship between temperature, relative humidity and final moisture content ?

Relative Humidity Storage Temperature, ºC% 22 24 28 32 36 40 44

Save

50 11.2 10.9 10.7 10.5 10.2 10.0 9.9

55 11.7 11.5 11.2 11.0 10.8 10.6 10.4

60 12.3 12.0 11.8 11.6 11.4 11.2 11.0

65 12.7 12.6 12.4 12.2 12.0 11.8 11.6

70 13.5 13.3 13.1 12.8 12.6 12.5 12.3

Unsave

75 14.3 14.0 13.8 13.6 13.4 13.2 13.0

77 14.6 14.3 14.1 13.9 13.7 13.5 13.4

79 14.9 14.7 14.5 14.3 14.1 13.9 13.7

81 15.3 15.1 14.9 14.6 14.5 14.3 14.1

83 15.7 15.7 15.3 15.1 14.9 14.7 14.5

85 16.1 15.9 15.7 15.5 15.3 15.1 15.0

87 16.6 16.4 16.2 16.0 15.8 15.6 15.5

89 17.2 17.0 16.8 16.6 16.4 16.2 16.1

91 17.9 17.7 17.5 17.3 17.1 16.9 16.7

EMC Table for Rice Seed

Final paddy MC in PercentCopyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

Seed preparation Calculating seeding rates Breaking dormancy Pre-germination Priming Seed dressing

Calculating seeding rate?

Calculating Seeding RatesFor cereal crops, less than 50% of the seeds sown actually establish. Normally the smaller the seed the lower the establishment rate. To calculate the required planting rate:Calculate desired number of seeds to be established Determine number seeds/kgCalculate weight seed (kg) required if 100% establishmentEstimate establishment rate (25-50%)Calculate seeding rate kg/ha Example:Require 400 seedlings /m2Seeds per kg = 40,000 seeds/kg or 25gms/1000 seedsCalculation becomes 400x10,000/40,000 =10kg/haEstablishment rate 40%Required seeding rate=10kg/40% =25kg/ha

Seed cleaning using urea solution Dissolve 1.5 kg urea in 40 litters of

water Soak seeds in the urea solution and stir

to float unfilled, poorly filled, broken, and diseased seeds.

Remove floating poor seeds by hands/sieves.

Wash seeds properly 3-4 times with clean water.

Dry under shades properly before sowing

Breaking dormancyMany varieties have a dormancy period immediately after harvest. This usually lasts up to 1 month during which time germination levels are low and variable. Also thick and hard seed coatings can prevent water uptake.1. Higher temperature. Seeds are exposed to higher temperatures, 40C –42C, for 1-2 days prior to sowing.2. Scarification scars the seed hard outer coat making it pervious to gases and moisture Done mechanically, thermally, and chemically.Mechanical. Need to scratch, break or nick the seed coat on seeds by using sandpaper or filing for seeds that have large or thick seed coatings- just enough to see a difference in color.Hot water scarification. Bring water to a boil (212°F), place the seeds into the water. Allow the seeds to soak until the water cools to room temperature.

Seed priming and pre-germinationA number of different treatments are used to improve seed establishment. Seed priming increases the rate of seedling establishment. The seeds are soaked for 4-8 hours and then re-dried prior to sowing. Primed seeds can be sown through a mechanical seed drill but must be sown within 1-2days after priming. Pre germination where the seeds are soaked for between 24-48 hours then drained for 24 hours before sowing. Pre-germinated seeds have the radicle (root) protruding and cannot be sown through a seeder

Seed dressing Fungicides can be applied to seed (seed dressing)

or applied in soil (coated on compound fertiliser or mixed with liquid fertiliser and applied in-furrow

Seed dressing fungicides provide protection from seed-borne diseases, such as smuts and bunts.

Some seed dressing and/or in-furrow products suppress early foliar diseases, such as yellow spot, powdery mildew and leaf or stripe rust and fungal root rots, such as pythium, rhizoctonia, crown rot and take-all.

Seed dressing for rice% Active Ingredient(s) Rate Additional InformationMetalaxyl 28.35% 0.75 - 1.5 fl. oz. per 100 lbs. of seed. For Pythium caused seed rot and damping-off

control. For use as a commercial seed treatment.Tri floxystrobin 22% 0.32 - 0.64 fl. oz./cwt For Rhizoctonia solani controlmefenoxam 33.3% Apply 0.0425 to 0.085 oz. per 100 lbs. of

seed for Pythium seed rot and damping-off control in rice when applied in combination with Vitavax-200, 42-S Thiram, or RTU-Vitavax-Thiram at labeled rates.

For Pythium seed rot and damping-off control. For use as a commercial seed treatment.

thiram 42% 1.5 fl oz/bu For seed decay, damping off, and seedling blightsmancozeb 50% 4 oz. per 100 lbs. of seed. For control of damping-off, seed rots, and seedling

blights. Drill box treatment. mancozeb 37% 3.4 to 6.7 oz. per 100 lbs. of seed. For control of soil borne and seed borne fungi

causing seed rot and reduced seedling vigor. Apply before, during, or after soaking in water.

carboxin 10% + thiram 10%

5 to 6.8 fl. oz. per 100 lbs. of seed. For control of various seed and seedling diseases. The higher rate is recommended for control of Helminthosporium oryzae. Ready to use seed treatment which may be applied as a commercial seed treatment or as a pour-on hopper box application.

carboxin 5.7% + thiram 5.7%

9 to 12 fl. oz. per 100 lbs. of seed. To control various seed and seedling diseases, especially effective against Rhizoctonia solani and Helminthosporium oryzae. The higher rate is recommended for control or Helminthosporium oryzae. Apply as a pour-on treatment or by machine.

4. Plant Establishment •Land selection and preparation •Isolation distance management •Time of planting •Establishment techniques

Field selection Fields should not have grown the same

crop for the previous year unless the crop was the same variety planted for certification and met inspection requirements for varietal purity

Fields should be free from flooding and shade and be relatively fertile

Separation from other fields of the same variety by a ditch, levee or roadway or barren strip as designated by Seed act

Fields should be free of weeds prior to planting

9. What are the isolation distances needed for each crop ?

Isolation distances

Crop Isolation distance (m)Prebasic Basic Certified

Wheat 10 10 3

Rice 10 10 3

Maize 400 400 200

Cotton 50 50 10

10. What are the requirements of a well prepared seed bed ?

A well prepared field Many small soil clods to give good seed

soil contact. This means that many of the soil particles and seed should be a similar size.

No weeds Level and smooth soil surface after

working. Well-constructed bunds with drainage

lines inside the bunds or levees

Preparing Field Plow immediately after the previous harvest if the soil is

still moist. First plowing. Use a disc or moldboard plow at least 30 days

before planting - maximum depth needed 10-15 cm. (4-6in) Second plowing. Plow across the field with the disc or tine

harrow at least twice to produce small soil clod sizes. Second plowing should be 14-20 days before planting and the last harrowing or puddling 7 days before planting. Maximum depth should be 5-8cm (2-3in).

Repair bunds. Destroy rat burrows and repair any holes and cracks and re-compact the bunds. Bunds should be at least 0.4m high and 0.8m wide.

Leveling the field will give better water coverage, better crop establishment and better weed control. A level field should have 1cm slope /100m length and 1 cm side slope

Soil Puddling for rice should be done at least 1-2 days before seeding to allow the water to clear when direct seeding

Land Leveling Increased Yield. Land leveling will

increased yields by up to 15-20 %. Better Weed Control. Improved

water coverage through land leveling reduces weeds by up to 40%

Farm Management. increase field sizes by combining a number of smaller fields..

Seeding Practices. Level fields require up to 50% less seed when direct seeding

Water Use efficiency. Leveling fields increase water use efficiency by up to 15%

Improves the timeliness of all operations

Uniform crop at harvest

Laser leveling for rice in Pakistan

Pre-planting checkBefore planting the field for certified seed productionCheck the source from the labels, seals, bags or receipt of seed purchased.Check area and location of the seed field.Check cropping history of the field where the seed crop is grown. Ensure isolation distance of seed crops from other crops.

Desired crop establishmentA uniform plant population that is

planted on time and can maximize yields

Planting techniques for Rice

What row spacing and in-row spacing for

RiceWheatMaizeCottoen

Planting techniques Direct seeding-dibbling, broadcasting, machine

sowing Select optimum time planting Rice-transplanting verses direct seeding Plant spacing-between rows, within rows

Rice 20cm x20cm, maize 75cm x 30cm, wheat 10cm x10cm

Depth planting-depends on seed size, soil condition and soil moisture Rice 1-2cm,wheat 2-5cm ,maize 5-7 cm

Desire establishment rate- Rice 100 seedlings/m2, maize 50-60, Cotton

Apply basal fertilizer or all fertilizer My apply pre-emergent herbicide

Using a seed drillUse the correct soil opener for cropCalibrate seed drill to get correct seeding rateDrill seed at recommended rate, at desired row width and planting depth Seed coverage. Drag a covering device such as a chain, plank or harrows behind the seed drill to close the seed furrowApply basal fertilizer at time of planting through the seed drillApply pre-emergent herbicide such as pendamethalin after sowing according to the label recommendations - normally 1-3 days after first irrigationFlash flood every 6-7days after seeding and then emergence up to the 2 leaf stage and then add permanent water for rice

Calibration of seed drill

Measure the planting width of seed drill Measure 100m in field Drive the seed drill and count the number of revolutions of the

planter drive wheel( controls the meter devices) over 100 m Place seed in seed drill box and collect seed from at least 30% of the

seed metering devices. Place collecting bags over the outlet tubes and turn the drive wheel

the number of turns equivalent to 100m collecting seed Weigh seed and compute seeding rate Seeding rate = Seed weight (kg) x (no’s seed tubes/no’s collection

tube) x (100/planting width)For example : 1kg seed x (5/15 tubes) x (100/5m width)

= 60kg/ha

Seed drill and metering device

5. In-crop management •Weed management•Water management •Fertilizer management •Roguing•Pest and disease management

Weed Management

Each 1 kg dry matter of weeds is equivalent to 1kg grain loss. Weeds cause most yield loss within the first 20- 50 days after

crop establishment. Weeding after panicle initiation may also be important to

prevent weeds shedding seeds in future crops. Plowing and harrowing in fallow should be undertaken at

least 10-14 days apart or after rain. Good land leveling reduces weed growth because most

weeds have trouble germinating under water Select varieties which have early vigor Use clean rice seed which is free of weed seeds. Apply permanent water early - weeds cannot germinate

under water.

When to weed Weed - 2-3 weeks after establishment, and then in another 2-3 weeks. Weed before fertilizer application. Using herbicides. Identify the weed correctly and use the

appropriate herbicide as recommended on the label. Spray when the weeds are small (2-3 leaf ) Pre-emergent herbicides apply after planting prior to crop

establishment and seed emergence (Buthachlor, Penticlochlor, Oxidiazinon)

Post emergent herbicides apply after emergence being careful of crop damage (Nominee and Clover)

Herbicides are poisonous; if they are not used properly they can cause health and environment problems. Label them clearly and keep them out of children’s reach.

Always use protective clothing when spraying. Do not wear raincoats as this increases sweating. “One year’s seeding equals seven years weeding”

Nutrient management• Use organic fertilizer (manure, compost, straw, husk, plant

leaves) when possible-especially in rice nurseries• Apply fertilizer according to crop, soil type and expected yield.• Eg 1ton rice= 15kg N,3-4 kg P, 5-15kg K • Apply all P and K at establishment • Apply N at or before establishment and then top dress

according to yield potential up until panicle initiation 2-3 splits is best for rice

• Zinc or K- may need to be applied after establishment• In established rice crops apply chemical fertilizer only in

standing water and evenly across the whole field or drill into moist soilFertilizers Nitrogen (N) Phosphate (P) Potash

(K)Sulfur (S)

Animal manure 1-2 % DAP 18 % 21 % (48 % P2O5) Urea 46 % Sulfate of ammonia 21 % 24 %Muriate potash 40 %

11. a.What characteristics do we consider when rouging a crop.

b.When should we rouge

RougingRouging is the removal of all off-types Identifying off-typesPlants taller or shorter than most of the populationPlants with different color leaves, sheaths or strawPresence or absence of awns: Plants with earlier or later panicle emergence are off-types: Only plants that flower within 2-3 days should be keptAngle of the lag leaf: If erect flag leaves are dominant in a crop, then horizontal or droopy leaves are off-types.Inconsistent size, shape or color of grains: Diseased- or insect-damaged plants.Normally done 3 times-vegetative, flowering, grain fill

.

Rouging for offtypes

Field inspections-certification

Crop Number inspections

Wheat2, flowering and color change

Rice 2, flowering to harvest

Maize2, before and during flowering

Cotton 3-flowering to picking

Water Use

Comparing water balance models

Improve water use efficiency

Level the fields Use dry land preparation

techniques where possible Use direct seeding techniques Use short duration crops Maintain the bunds and drains Puddle the fields just prior to

planting Harvest on time

Water Quality

Factor Units No problem

Slight –moderate problem

Severe problems

pH no units 6..5-8.5 <6.5;>8.5 <6.5;>8.5Salinity – Ecw(water)

dS/m = mmol/cm

<2.0 2.0-2.6 >2.6

Multiply the reading by 1000 to get µS/cm Salinity – Ece (soil)

dS/m <3.0 3.0-3.8 >3.8

TDS mg/l <450 450-2,000 >2,000Specific ion toxicity Sodium - SAR no units <3 9 >9Chloride me/l <4 10 >10Boron mg/l <0.7 0.7-3.0 >3.0Bicarbonate HCO3

2-me/l <4 >4 >4

Alternate Wetting and Drying Water level - below the soil surface for 1-

10days. Monitor using a perforated tube inserted

below the soil surface. 15 cm below the surface, the fields

flooded to 5 cm. Repeated up until panicle initiation Panicle initiation flowering-fields flooded. The ground water depth of 15 cm is

called 'Safe AWD“ Safe AWD -reduce water use by 15%

without decreasing yields. “For AWD to work fields must be

leveled and bunds well maintained”

6. Harvest management •Harvesting •Threshing

When should a crop be harvested ?

When to harvestHarvest rice when: 20-25% grain moisture 80-85% straw colored and the grains in the lower part of

the panicle are in the hard dough stage

30 days after flowering

Manual systems of harvestingManual cutting, threshing, cleaning and haulage.

-traditional tools for hand cutting and threshing such as threshing on drums or compact mounds of clay.Problems of contamination from soil- especially aflatoxins and soil born fungiNeed separate seed from soil-tarpaulins

Combine harvestingThe combine harvester combines cutting, handling, threshing and cleaning in one passFront reel speeds= 10-20 % faster ground speedDrum speeds = 600 rpm (12-15m/sec)Fan flow = 8-12 m/secGround speeds- 3-7km/h

7. Drying and storage•Pre-cleaning •Measurement of moisture content •Drying method •Pest control before storage•Storage method

7. Drying and storage

Drying Systems Rate

Storage Safe storage

systems

When should seed be dried?What is the maximum temperature of seed when drying?What is ideal drying rate?

Drying Soon as possible after harvest No soil contamination Temperature not greater than 42 C Drying rate not greater than 1% /h Be careful of re-wetting and drying

Storage period Required MC for safe storage Potential problems

2 to 3 weeks 14 - 18% Molds, discoloration, respiration loss

8 to 12 months 12% or less Insect damageMore than 1 year 9 % or less Loss of viability

Drying systemsMethod Crop

Flow Drying Technology CharacterizationField drying

Piles, racks Rapid quality reduction

Sun drying Batch Drying pavements or mats

CheapLabor intensiveTypically poor milling quality

Heated air drying

Batch Re-circulating batch dryer

Mixing of grainLarge capacity rangeGood qualitySkilled laborers requiredMedium capital investmentAfter-sales service requirementWear of moving components

In-Store Drying

Batch Storage bin with aeration components and pre-heater for adverse weather and nighttime

Excellent grain qualityLarge capacity rangePre-drying of high moisture grainRisk of spoilage during power failure

Sun drying recommendation Do not dry on clay pans-

use tarpaulins or ground sheets Spread the grains in thin layers,

ideally 2-4 cm. Turn or stir the grain every 30 minutes. Protection. On hot days the grain temperature

can rise above 50-60ºC. If that is the case cover the seed at mid-day to prevent over-heating;

Cover the grain immediately if it starts raining. Prevent contamination of seed with other

materials and keep animals off the seed; Monitor grain moisture content and seed

temperature.

Machine drying Select the machine carefully considering the

technical requirements, economic feasibility volumes of crops to be dried.

Get proper training from the manufacturer. Before loading the dryer, clean the seed. Fines

reduce the airflow through seed causing increased drying time and wet spots. Green, immature grains and straw extend drying time and increased energy consumption.

In the dryer, do not mix dry with wet seed.-may cause the dry grains to fissure.

Monitor the drying air temperature-maximum 42 C. Monitor the moisture content and stop the drying

process at 12 % MC.

Solar bubble dryer Drying tunnel made from

plastic sheets, 1t capacity Inflated by using 2 blowers Driven by 220V power grid

or 12V solar panels Drying time – 1 day from

20% MC to <14%MC Drying time same as sun

drying during sunshine, around half during rainy days

Mixing of grains is still necessary

What are the characteristics of a safe storage system ?

Requirements of storage systems Prevention of moisture

re-entering the grain after drying

Protection from insects, rodents and birds

Ease of loading and unloading.

Efficient use of space Ease of maintenance and

management.

Types of storage systems

Bag system

Rice 500m out of 700million tons is bags Jute bags should not be stacked higher than

4m and plastic bags 3m Bags should be stacked under cover e.g.

under a roof 1m between stacks and around stacks and

1.5 meters clearance Stacked on pallets Easy to fumigate Easy for maintaining seed lots Not efficient usage space Expense of bags Seed takes up moisture- hygroscopic

Commercial Bulk Storage: Warehouse Flexible, can be used for

other purposes 500-10,000 tons Divisions can separate for

different sizes Aeration facilities available Automation difficult, labor

intensive Cheaper than silos Control of rodents, birds

and insects is very difficult

Front loader tractor

Telescopic loader

Copyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

Commercial Bulk Storage: Indoor Silos

Not common in Asia Automatic loading and

unloading using conveyors

Compartments for different varieties / lots

High investment per ton

Small scale container

Large container with hopper bottom

Commercial Bulk Storage: Outdoor Silos

Not popular in Asia, but new installations

Management problems -> Condensation

Efficient use of space Automatic loading,

unloading Aeration Easy to control pests,

sealed for fumigation Less problems with rodents

and birds

Copyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

Concrete and steel silos

Silo Complex in Vietnam

Problem of moisture uptake by seed

Relative Humidity Storage Temperature, ºC

% 22 24 28 32 36 40 44

50 11.2 10.9 10.7 10.5 10.2 10.0 9.9

55 11.7 11.5 11.2 11.0 10.8 10.6 10.4

60 12.3 12.0 11.8 11.6 11.4 11.2 11.0

65 12.7 12.6 12.4 12.2 12.0 11.8 11.6

70 13.5 13.3 13.1 12.8 12.6 12.5 12.3

75 14.3 14.0 13.8 13.6 13.4 13.2 13.0

77 14.6 14.3 14.1 13.9 13.7 13.5 13.4

79 14.9 14.7 14.5 14.3 14.1 13.9 13.7

81 15.3 15.1 14.9 14.6 14.5 14.3 14.1

83 15.7 15.7 15.3 15.1 14.9 14.7 14.5

85 16.1 15.9 15.7 15.5 15.3 15.1 15.0

87 16.6 16.4 16.2 16.0 15.8 15.6 15.5

89 17.2 17.0 16.8 16.6 16.4 16.2 16.1

91 17.9 17.7 17.5 17.3 17.1 16.9 16.7

Hermetic or sealed storage systems Impermeable barrier between seed

and atmosphere Insects and seed respiration

decreases O2 and increasing CO2

Constant grain moisture content Doubles the life of seeds Reduces insects activity (1/kg) Protects grain from birds and rodents Works for 3kg - 300ton cubes Can use for CO2 fumigation

Hermetic storage and germination

Moisture in Stored Grain

Data from commercial system, 5t capacity

Live Insect Counts (Insects/ kg)

Months Open Storage(bags)

Hermetic (5 ton)

Hermetic (small)

Cold room Air conditioner

0 3.2 8.8 7.4 8.4 8.4

3 234 0 1.4 0 1.6

6 114 0.4 1.6 0 3.0

9 54.4 0.4 1.2 0 3.4

12 27.2 2.2 1.2 0 9.0

Effect of using other plastic materials

0

5

10

15

20

0 20 40 60 80

Oxy

gen

Con

tent

(%)

Days

Normal plastic

Vacuum pouch

Germination- farmers seeds

Farmers can approximately double the life of their seeds

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3 4 5Farmer

Ger

min

atio

n af

ter 7

mon

ths,

%

TraditionalHermetic

On farm research Bangladesh, storage in hermetic drumsTesting the super bag in Lao PDR, 2005

Works with other crops

Photo: CIMMYTCopyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

Storage hygiene Keep storage areas clean. This means sweeping the floor,

removing cobwebs and dust, and collecting and removing any grain spills.

Clean storage rooms after they are emptied and this may include spraying walls, crevices and wooden pallets with an insecticide before using them again

Placing rat-traps and barriers in drying and storage areas. Cats deter and help control rats and mice

Inspect storage room regularly to keep it vermin proof. Inspect the stored seeds once a week for signs of insect

infestation. When necessary and only under the direction of a trained pest control technician, the storage room or the seed stock may be sealed with tarpaulin and treated with a fumigants.

Pest control before storageDisinfesting the storage systemDisinfestations require a systematic and thorough cleaning of all sources of infestation before storage.Storage containers, structures and equipment can be treated with:Malathion (50EC) at 5ml/20l of water @20ml/m2

Fenitrothion (50EC) at 5ml/l water @20ml/m2

Deltamethrin (2.5% WP) at 1.5g/l water @20ml/m2

All second hand bags should be examined and where necessary treated with either a fumigant, insecticide or dipped in boiling water. Solutions of Malathion (50EC) and Fenitrothion (50EC) at 5ml/20l of water and Deltamethrin (2.5% WP) at 1.5g/l water @20ml/m2 can be used for dipping the bags.

8. Conditioning and processing •Seed grading and sorting •Seed protection •Sampling for purity •Packaging •Labeling

Why grade seed?

Seed gradingSeed is graded according to length, width and weight. SystemsReciprocating sieves of various sizes over an air stream. In some instance air or pneumatic suction is used to remove the lighter or unfilled seeds from above the sievesIndented rotating drums remove the small seeds by having the smaller seeds lodge into a dent and then separated by gravity while the whole seeds pass feed over the top of the dents. Different indent sizes are used for different seed sizesVibrating tables separate the seed according to weight. These are normally used after the seed has been graded for size

Reciprocating sieves-length x width Uses reciprocating

sieves of various sizes over an air stream.

In some instance air or pneumatic suction is used to remove the lighter or unfilled seeds from above the sieves

Indented roller Indented rotating drums

remove the small seeds by having the smaller seeds lodge into a dent and then are separated by gravity while the whole seeds pass/ feed over the top of the dents.

Different indent sizes are used for different seed sizes

Gravity table Vibrating gravity tables

separate the seed according to weight.

These are normally used after the seed has been graded for size and shape.

Monitoring infestations in seed Determine the level of infestation and

then select an appropriate method for control.

Storages should be checked 2-4 weeks

More than 2-4 insects per kg some form of treatment is required.

No’s bags sampled= the square root of the number bags in lot size.

Direct seed treatment Malathion is a widely used chemical

and is toxic to insects if it comes into direct contact with the pest.

Malathion is applied at the time grain is stored.

Safety precautions must be observed when applying Malathion or any other chemical.

Check the label

FumigationReach the pests in the most remote hiding place. Phosphine fumigationUses tablets and pellets -release phosphine gas when contact humid air.Phosphine as a gas as it is very toxic to humans. Fumigation must take place in an enclosure that can be tightly sealed. Once the exposure time is ended, the grain must be aerated and the bin checked for residual phosphine gas before entry. Temperature (C) Tablets (days) Pellets (days)

Under 5 No fumigation No fumigation5-10 10 811-15 5 416-25 4 3Over 25 3 3

Carbon dioxide fumigation Carbon dioxide replaces the oxygen in the storage bin Carbon dioxide suffocates, dehydrates andproduces toxic

chemicals in the blood of the insects. Elevated carbon dioxide levels must be maintained until all

insects die. Exposure time depends on the percentage of carbon dioxide

and the temperature of the grain. The cost of CO2 fumigation is high.

Grain Temperature (C) Minimum CO2 Levels (%)

Days for control

25-30 80 8.525-30 60 1125-30 40 1725-30 20 Weeks to

months

Seed labels- determined by seed act Variety and Kind – Cultivar/release name, species, and common name; Lot number – a series of letters or numbers assigned by the grower Origin – where

the seed was grown; Net weight – how much material is in the container; Percent pure seed (purity) – how much of the material is actually the desired seed; Percent inert matter – plant debris or other materials that are not seed; Percent other crop seeds – other non-weed seeds; Percent weed seeds – seeds considered weed species; Percent germination (germ) – how much of the seed will germinate readily; Hard seed – seed which does not germinate readily because of a hard seed coat; Dormant seed – seed which does not germinate readily because it requires a pre-

treatment or weathering in the soil. Germination test date – within 12 months of the planned date for using the seed; Name and address of company responsible for analysis (seller or grower Total Viability/Germination – this may or may not be stated.

Seed label in Pakistan

Grain and seed quality kit

Temperature

Moisture content

Milling degree

Head rice, brokens

DimensionsCracks, Insects Weight Volume

Better understanding of grain and seed quality More informed decisions in post harvest

management Affordable, for farmer intermediaries and

processors

Information on labelThe following information shall be printed in block type on the label.Federal Seed Certification Department.Species (Latin name).Cultivar name.Category.Reference No.Additional information may be added if so desired by the Federal Seed Certification Department

Classification of seedPre-basic Seed is produced by the breeder and is of the

highest genetic purity. For identification, this class carries a white label with violet diagonal line.

Basic Seed is progeny of the pre-basic seed and is produced by the seed corporations at their seed farms. This class is identified by a white label.

Certified Seed is produced from the basic seed by registered growers. Certified seed is identified by blue label.

Approved Seed is produced from the certified seed and is identified by a pink label.

SEED MARKET POTENTIAL VALUE and INDICATORS

Total Value of Seed market: US$ 850Million Value of Seed produced: US$ 250Million Market Gap for Investment: US$ 500Million No. of Multinational Seed Cos. 05 No. of National Seed Companies: 773 No. of public sector seed organizations: 04 Seed Market Dealers’ network: 15000 Investment in Seed processing Plants: Rs.1500Million Employment generation: 50,000 Nos.

Seed Quality Course, Pakistan

Education

Transcript of Seed Quality Course, Pakistan