Seed is the basic foundation of any crop. It must be grown, harvested, and processed correctly for the best yield and quality results. Good quality seeds lead to lower seed rate, better emergence (>70%), more uniformity, less replanting, and vigorous early growth which helps to increase resistance to insects and diseases and decrease weeds.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of selecting good quality paddy seeds and how to select them.
Importance of good quality seeds
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Quality seeds can ensure the genetic and physical purity of the crops.
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They can give desired plant population.
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They have the capacity to withstand adverse conditions.
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The good quality seeds can produce vigorous, fast-growing seedlings and can resist pest and disease incidence to a certain extent.
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Good quality seeds can ensure uniform growth and maturity.
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In good quality seeds, the development of the root system will be more efficient that aids the absorption of nutrients efficiently, and results in higher yield.
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The good quality seeds will respond well to added fertilizer and other inputs.
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Good quality seeds of improved varieties ensure a higher yield of at least 10 – 12 %.
Selection of good quality seeds
Seed selection plays an important role in paddy cultivation. There are a variety of factors to consider while selecting a rice variety:
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Adaptability to local conditions
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High-yielding and certified seeds
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Good grain quality
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resistance to insect pests and diseases
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Maturity or growth duration
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Lodging resistance
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Moderate seed dormancy
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Tolerance to adverse soil conditions
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Tolerance to drought
Methods for Separation of Quality Seeds
To separate good seeds from bad, soak them in water and the unviable seeds will float on the surface of the water. These seeds can be easily removed and the seeds that sink can be used for cultivation. By this method, damaged seeds can easily be removed. One of the other methods is used when there is an excess of chaffy grain in the seed stock. Take some water into a vessel and drop an egg in it. Keep adding salt slowly till the egg reaches the surface.
When the seeds are dropped into the water, the good-quality seeds will sink. Remove the unviable seeds that float on the surface of the water. Wash the selected seeds in good water 2–3 times to remove the salt deposits. If this is not done, the germination capacity of the seeds will be affected.
Seed rate
The seed rate varies according to the variety to be cultivated. The seed rate required for one hectare of land under irrigated conditions is given below:
Short Duration variety: 60-70 Kg/ha
Medium Duration variety: 40-60 kg/ha
Long duration variety: 30-60 kg/ha
Germination test
The germination test is considered the most important quality test for evaluating the planting value of a seed lot. The test is designed to measure the ability of seeds to produce normal seedlings. The various ways of performing a germination test are listed below:
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Tie a handful of seeds in a white cloth, soak it in water for 12 hours and keep it in a dark place for 24 hours. Check the germination percentage the next day.
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Tie paddy straw together to make it into a mat. Keep the seeds in the center of the mat and then roll and tie it. Dip it in water for a minute and transfer the seeds to a straw. After 24 hours, count the seeds that have germinated.
Take a wet gunny bag, fold it, put the seeds in between the two layers, and keep the bag in the dark for a day. Check the germination the next day.
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