Title Seed Technology Notes RK Bhattarai.pdf ✅

2 A fruit is a mature ripened ovary of a flower that usually contains one or more ovules that have been fertilized and develop into true seeds. For example, legume pod, peppers and cereal grains are fruits just as apples, oranges and peaches. The fruits have exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp. Fruit type: 1. Simple fruit a. Fleshy b. Dry i. Dehiscent: legumes ii. Indehiscent: achene 2. Multiple: mulberry, pineapple 3. Aggregate: strawberry Sometimes fruits may develop from ovary without fertilization and this phenomenon is called parthenocarpy and the fruits are called parthenocarpic fruits. The resulting fruits are seed less and therefore do not contribute to the reproduction of the plant e.g. banana, pineapple etc. Plant growth substances may have a role in this phenomenon, which can be induced by auxins in the commercial production of tomatoes and other fruits. Seed technology Feistritzer (1975) defined seed technology as the methods through which the genetic and physical characteristics of seed could be improved. It involves such activities as variety development, evaluation and release, seed production, processing, storage and certification. The seed technology is essentially an interdisciplinary science which encompasses a broad range of subjects. Seed technology comprises techniques of seed production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, certification, marketing and distribution and their related research on these aspects. It is an interdisciplinary science, which deals from varieties release to all aspect of seed handling. Plant breeder, agronomist, botanist, pathologist, entomologist and physiologist can work together on the variousaspects of seed technology. Role of seed technology 1. Seed – carrier of new technologies 2. Seed – a basic tool for secured food supply 3. Seed – the principle means to secure crop yield in less favorable production area 4. Seed – a medium for rapid rehabilitation of agriculture in cases of natural disaster 5. Seed – a bridge between two generation Goals of seed technology 1. Rapid multiplication 2. Timely supply 3. Assured high quality of seed 4. Reasonable price Opportunities of seed technologist 1. Management of seed enterprise 2. Seed testing laboratories 3. Seed certification agencies 4. Seed law enforcement agencies 5. Training/extension centers (for seed growers) 6. Research institute (where seed technology research being done) Scope of seed technology 1. Food supply 2. Income generation opportunity 3. Food security

4 technicians like JT and JTAs and submit to the seed company. On the basis of seed demand of each district the seed is distributed just before one month of cropping season of any crop. In this process the seed farmers’ team is involved to produce quality seed, which is used for general in each districts of Nepal. The important programmes which were launched in different time in Nepal are listed below: ➢ Seed Production and Input Storage Project supported by USAID. ➢ Agriculture Research and Production Project supported by USAID. ➢ Integrated Cereal Programme (ICP) ➢ Koshi Hill Area Rural Development Project (ODA/UK) ➢ Koshi Hill Agriculture Project (ODA/UK) ➢ Vegetable Seed Production Project of FAO- FAO/SATA. ➢ Fresh Vegetable and Vegetable Seed Production Project (FAO/SDC) ➢ Cereal Seed Production Project (GTZ/FRG) ➢ Seed Production and Marketing Project GTZ/FRG ➢ National Seed Potato Development Programme (SWISS) ➢ Seed Technology and Improvement Programme (STIP) ➢ Mechi Hill Development Programme (ODA/KHARDEP) Stakeholders and their role in Nepalese seed sector The stakeholders involved in Nepalese seed sectors can be categorized as public, private and cooperative sectors. The public sectors are responsible for wide range of activities such as policy making, planning and research for varietal development, quality control and marketing. Private sector isthe crucial part of the Nepalese seed sector as they are involved in varietal diversification, seed production and marketing. Similarly, the cooperatives and community sector is involved in seed multiplication and marketing ➢ Table: Stakeholder in seed sector development in Nepal S.N. Stakeholders Roles/Responsibilities 1. Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) Varietal development, maintenance breeding, breeder seed production, PGR conservation 2. National Seed Board Seed policy formulation, planning and coordination of seed programmes, monitoring and release of new varieties 3. Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC) Secretariat of NSB, implementation of seed policies, acts and seed quality control services 4. Department of Agriculture Planning and implementation of seed programmes (like DISSPRO), technical support to seed growers, monitoring at district level 5. National Seed Company Limited Production of foundation seeds and distribution to remote areas where pvt. Seed sector are absent, maintenance of buffer seed. 6. Universities/Institutes Development of human resources 7. Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (SEAN) Representation of seed entrepreneurs, Contract seed production, Internal quality control, Policy feedback, Organizing seed producers , lobbying for enabling environment for seed sector 8. Seed Companies Seed production through contract, processing and marketing, Research and Development of varieties 9. Non-Governmental Organizations Implementation of seed production programmes, support research and varietal development in partnership with Govt. of Nepal 10. Seed Producers ( groups, cooperatives, individual producers) Certified seed production and processing with or without contracts