Course on Seed Quality. Run at UAF as part of the AIP project in Pakistan, May 2016. Lead instructor: Joe Rickman

1. Seed Production in
Pakistan
By
J F Rickman, Mark Bell, Arif Afzal, Abdul Rehman

2. Program-Day 1
1. Participants-name, government or private, crop, involved in seed
industry
2. Legal requirements –seed act, standards for different crops
3. Measure seed standards and moisture -EMC
4. 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

3. Program Day 2
 Visit seed production companies

4. Program Day 3
 Business and operation plan for your crop

5. 1. What is the difference
between seed and grain ?

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

7. Steps in seed production

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

9. 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%).

10. 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 field
a minimum of re-planting or gap filling
a vigorous seedling establishment
a uniform plant stand
faster growth rate and better resistance
to stress and diseases
uniformity ripening.

11. 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
MOISTURE IMMATURE DISEASED RUBBISH BROWN
RICE
WHITE RICE HEAD RICE COLOR
15
7
2 3
77
73
44
37
21
8
2 2
77
74
59
36
Grain quality
Thailand 2016
Dry Harvest Wet harvest

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

13. 4. How many people have
seen/read the Pakistan seed act?
5. What are the most important
components of the act?

14. Pakistan Seed Act 1976
1. 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. Omitted
9. 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 growers
13. Grant of certificate by Federal Certification and Registration
Department
14. Period for which registration and certification shall be
effective
15. Cancellation of certification
16. Appeal
17. Seed Analyst
18. Seed Certification Officer
19. Seed Inspector
20. Power of Seed Inspectors
21. Procedure to be followed by Seed Inspector
22. Report of Seed Testing Laboratory
22A. Registration or enlisting of plant variety or hybrid
22B. Registration to do seed business
22C. Registration of seed dealer
22D. Registration of seed processing units
22E. Restrictions
22F. Establishment of seed testing laboratories
22G. Registration of genetically modified plant varieties
22H. Horticulture nurseries to be registered
22I. Federal Seed Committee
22J. Variety Evaluation Committee
23. Offences and penalty
24. Power of court to order forfeitures
25. Cognizance of offence, etc
26. Presumption as to order
27. Indemnity
28. Delegation of powers
29. Power to make rules

15. 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 inspection
Harvesting, Threshing and Transportation
Bulking
Seed Processing and Packing Schedule
Seed lot
Lot size
Construction of Seed Lot Number
Seed Treatment
Sample and sampling of seed
Seed 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 type
Varietal protection program
Seed and material transfer agreement
Quarantine requirements for importation of new genetic
material.

16. 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

17. Identifying seed
Colors of the labels:
Pre-basic seed : White with a diagonal violet line
Basic seed : White
Certified seed 1st generation : Blue
Approved seed 2nd generation : Red
Truthfully labeled seed: Yellow
Labelling seed
Labels may be either adhesive or non-adhesive.
Information may be printed on one or both sides.
Labels shall be rectangular with square corners.
.

18. Seed label in Pakistan

19. 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

20. Seed Standard of Certification
Wheat
Factor Pre Basic Basic Certified
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
Germination (% minimum) 85 85 85
Moisture content (%) 12 12 12

21. 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

22. Seed Standard of Certification
American Cotton
Factor 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
Germination (% minimum) 80 80 75
Moisture content (%) 12 12 12

23. Seed Standard of Certification
Desi Cotton
Factor 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
Germination (% minimum) 80 75 70
Moisture content (%) 12 12 12

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

25. Develop a seed production plan
(Wednesday )

26. Seed Production Plan

27. Crop Growth Calendar

28. Develop a seed production calendar
Key activities (rice as example)
Rice nurseries planted and fertilized in early June and
transplanted in early July
Land preparation should be completed by 10th
July
Seed production fields planted by 15th
July
Fertilizer applied within 2 weeks of planting
Weed control begin within 21 days of crop establishment
Roughing for off-types during vegetative, flowering and grain
filling stages
Insect and disease management when reach economic injury
level
Last irrigation 20 days before harvest
Harvest crop at 20-22% moisture
Dried to 14% within 24hrs
Cleaned, graded, stored at 12% ASAP

29. Crop plan

30. Farmer
Details Items to
Be checked
Expected
Dates
Actual Field Check
Information
Recorded Remarks/comments
Farmer
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
Transplanting
1st 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
Latitude Quantity l/ac
Foliar spray 1.5 % K Solution l/ac
Longitud
e
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 %
Harvest
5th Nov Hand/combine
Paddy Purchase
Standards Check
yes/no

31. 3. Seed preparation
•Seed lot inspection
•Seed Lot preparation
•Priming
•Cleaning
•Pre-germination
•Seed treatment

32. Preparing and checking the seed

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

34. 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

35. 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.

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

37. 1 Identification
1.1 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 characteristics
2.1 Ecology: Upland rice 2.5 1000 grains weight: 29.0 g
2.2 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 characteristics
3.1 Plant
Average height: 100 cm 3.3 Grain
Tillering: Good Length: 6.9 mm
Basal 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

38. 7. Measure varietal purity

39. 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 seed
•Use a Vernier caliper or photographic enlarger to measure the
dimensions of each of the twenty grains.

40. 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.

41. Measuring Varietal Purity
Red grains
A 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:

42. 8. Measure Seed lot purity ?

43. Environmentally acquired properties
Seed lot purity
Moisture content
Pest damage
Physical damage
Immature grains
Milling characteristics
Chalkiness

44. Seed Lot Purity
Seed lot purity is a measure of the
impurities in a seed batch. These include
weed and other crop seed, and
inert matter.

45. How to measure seed lot purity
Select 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 matter
Weigh 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:

46. Germination tests

47. Germination tests
Place water absorbent material inside the waterproof tray
Take random sample from each seed lot and mix in a container
Take at least three seed samples from the mixed grain
Count out 100 seeds from each sample and place on absorbent material inside
the tray
Carefully saturate the absorbent material
For each of ten [10] days check that absorbent material remains moist and
record the number of germinated seeds
Compute germination test for five [5] days and for ten [10] days
The 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 tray
While 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

48. 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

49. Measuring Moisture content
Oven 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

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

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

52. 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 Percen
Copyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

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

54. Calculating seeding rate?

55. Calculating Seeding Rates
For 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/kg
Calculate weight seed (kg) required if 100% establishment
Estimate establishment rate (25-50%)
Calculate seeding rate kg/ha
 Example:
Require 400 seedlings /m2
Seeds per kg = 40,000 seeds/kg or 25gms/1000 seeds
Calculation becomes 400x10,000/40,000 =10kg/ha
Establishment rate 40%
Required seeding rate=10kg/40% =25kg/ha

56. 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

57. Breaking dormancy
Many 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.

58. Seed priming and pre-germination
A 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

59. 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.

60. Seed dressing for rice
% Active Ingredient(s) Rate Additional Information
Metalaxyl 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 control
mefenoxam 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 blights
mancozeb 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

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

62. 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

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

64. 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

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

66. 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

67. 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

68. 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

69. Laser leveling for rice in Pakistan

70. Pre-planting check
Before planting the field for certified seed
production
Check 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.

71. Desired crop establishment
A uniform plant population that is
planted on time and can maximize
yields

72. Planting techniques for Rice

73. What row spacing and in-row
spacing for
Rice
Wheat
Maize
Cottoen

74. 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

75. Using a seed drill
Use the correct soil opener for crop
Calibrate seed drill to get correct seeding rate
Drill 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 furrow
Apply basal fertilizer at time of planting through the
seed drill
Apply pre-emergent herbicide such as
pendamethalin after sowing according to the label
recommendations - normally 1-3 days after first
irrigation
Flash flood every 6-7days after seeding and then
emergence up to the 2 leaf stage and then add
permanent water for rice

76. 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

77. Seed drill and metering device

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

79. 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.

80. 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”

81. 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 soil
Fertilizers 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 %

82. 11. a.What characteristics do
we consider when rouging a
crop.
b.When should we rouge

83. Rouging
Rouging is the removal of all off-types
Identifying off-types
Plants taller or shorter than most of the population
Plants with different color leaves, sheaths or straw
Presence or absence of awns:
Plants with earlier or later panicle emergence are
off-types: Only plants that flower within 2-3 days
should be kept
Angle 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
.

84. Rouging for offtypes

85. Field inspections-certification
Crop Number inspections
Wheat 2, flowering and color change
Rice 2, flowering to harvest
Maize 2, before and during flowering
Cotton 3-flowering to picking

86. Water Use

87. Comparing water balance models

88. 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

89. Water Quality
Factor Units No
problem
Slight –
moderate
problem
Severe
problems
pH no units 6..5-8.5 <6.5;>8.5 <6.5;>8.5
Salinity –
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 >2,000
Specific ion toxicity
Sodium - SAR no units <3 9 >9
Chloride me/l <4 10 >10
Boron mg/l <0.7 0.7-3.0 >3.0
Bicarbonate
HCO3
2-
me/l <4 >4 >4

90. 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”

91. 6. Harvest management
•Harvesting
•Threshing

92. When should a crop be harvested ?

93. When to harvest
Harvest 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

94. Manual systems of harvesting
Manual 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 fungi
Need separate seed from soil-tarpaulins

95. Combine harvesting
The combine harvester combines cutting,
handling, threshing and cleaning in one pass
Front reel speeds= 10-20 % faster ground
speed
Drum speeds = 600 rpm (12-15m/sec)
Fan flow = 8-12 m/sec
Ground speeds- 3-7km/h

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

97. 7. Drying and storage
 Drying
 Systems
 Rate
 Storage
 Safe storage systems

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

99. 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 damage
More than 1 year 9 % or less Loss of viability

100. Drying systems
Method
Crop
Flow
Drying Technology Characterization
Field drying Piles, racks Rapid quality reduction
Sun drying Batch Drying pavements or
mats
Cheap
Labor intensive
Typically poor milling quality
Heated air
drying
Batch
Re-circulating batch
dryer
Mixing of grain
Large capacity range
Good quality
Skilled laborers required
Medium capital investment
After-sales service requirement
Wear of moving components
In-Store
Drying
Batch Storage bin with
aeration components
and pre-heater for
adverse weather and
Excellent grain quality
Large capacity range
Pre-drying of high moisture grain
Risk of spoilage during power failure

101. 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.

102. 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.

103. 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

105. What are the characteristics
of a safe storage system ?

106. 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.

107. Types of storage systems

108. 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

109. 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

110. 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

111. 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

112. 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

113. 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

114. Hermetic storage and germination

115. Moisture in Stored Grain
Data from commercial system, 5t capacity

116. 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

117. Effect of using other plastic
materials
0
5
10
15
20
0 20 40 60 80
OxygenContent(%)
Days
Normal plastic
Vacuum pouch

118. Germination- farmers seeds
Farmers can approximately
double the life of their seeds
0
20
40
60
80
100
1 2 3 4 5
Farmer
Germinationafter7months,%
Traditional
Hermetic
On farm research Bangladesh, storage in hermetic drums
Testing the super bag in Lao PDR, 2005

119. Works with other crops
Photo: CIMMYT
Copyright 2013, The International Rice Research institute

120. 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.

121. Pest control before storage
Disinfesting the storage system
Disinfestations 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.

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

123. Why grade seed?

124. Seed grading
Seed is graded according to length, width and weight.
Systems
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 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 sizes
Vibrating tables separate the seed according to weight.
These are normally used after the seed has been graded for
size

125. 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

126. 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

127. 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.

128. 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.

129. 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

130. Fumigation
Reach the pests in the most remote hiding place.
Phosphine fumigation
Uses 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 fumigation
5-10 10 8
11-15 5 4
16-25 4 3
Over 25 3 3

131. 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 8.5
25-30 60 11
25-30 40 17
25-30 20 Weeks to months

132. 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.

134. Seed label in Pakistan

135. 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

136. Information on label
The 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

137. Classification of seed
Pre-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.

138. 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.