Seed Quality Enhancement : Principles and Practices

📚 Book Details:

• Author(s): S. Kalaivani, K. Vanangamudi, M. Vanangamudi, G. Sastry, A. Selvakumari, P. Srimathi

• Publisher: Scientific Publishers

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition (2010)

• ISBN: 9789386652027

• Pages: 486

• Binding: Paperback

• Weight: 890 gms

📘 Book Description (English):

Seed Quality Enhancement: Techniques for Agricultural Crops provides an in-depth exploration of seed biology and its crucial role in agricultural productivity. Seeds are not only the source of future plants or foods but also represent the foundation of food security and the first link in the food chain. High-quality seeds are indispensable for successful agriculture, ensuring vigorous seedlings and high yields.

Key Themes Covered:

1. Seed as the Foundation of Life: Seeds are integral to crop production, food security, and agricultural sustainability.

2. Importance of Seed Quality: The book emphasizes that every seed must be readily germinable and produce strong, healthy seedlings to guarantee a successful harvest.

3. Challenges of Seed Deterioration: Seed, being a biological entity, naturally deteriorates beyond harvest, leading to poor germination, delayed emergence, weak growth, and lower yields.

4. Seed Management Practices: Discusses safe, environmentally sound, and scientifically proven seed management technologies.

5. Seed Enhancement Techniques: Focuses on pre-sowing treatments that optimize seed quality, ensuring maximum field stand establishment and crop productivity.

   • Physical, Physiological, and Biochemical Treatments: Methods include seed hydration and dehydration, as well as non-physiological techniques like coating or pelleting.

6. Seed Design and Functioning: The book explores two main goals of seed enhancement — improving seed structure (design) and performance (functioning).