Testing Seed for Quality

Abstract

The value of seed depends on its quality. Hence, evaluation of seed quality is of critical value in any seed production system. It is, therefore, desired that seed quality is tested for all essential parameters, following the standard procedures and performing the tests in such a manner that the results are consistent and are reproducible, within the permissible limits of tolerance. As the submitted sample is only a minute fraction of the whole seed lot, reproducibility and reliability of results will greatly depend on the precision of sampling. Hence, the accuracy in sampling and precision in testing the vital parameters of seed quality form the essential components of quality assurance process. Though the seed testing procedures are essentially based on the ISTA Rules, each country may modify these to suit its requirement, crop- and variety-specific characteristics, and the available resources without compromising on the accuracy in seed quality evaluation. The essential components of seed quality and standard procedures to evaluate the same are discussed.