About Project
	Agro Climatic Information
	Infrastructure
	Mandate
	Objectives
	Scientists Information
	Research Activities and Achievements
	Research Recommendations
	Extension Activities
	Contact Information

About Project

The seed technology research unit is one of the earliest centres to be established under 1^st Phase of National Seed Project. The Seed Technology Research Unit is functioning at Dr. PDKV Akola from December 1979. This unit is working on various aspects of seed quality assessment and improvement in different crop seeds. The research in this unit on Seed Production and Certification, Seed Physiology, Storage and Testing, Seed Pathology, Seed Entomology and Seed Processing and contributed to the need-based technology on the different factors of seed quality, for improvement of seed and betterment of farmers in Vidarbha region. Presently STR Units is conducting various projects under two major ICAR-IISS schemes viz. AICRP-NSP (Crops) and TSP. The unit is also identified as DUS Testing Centre under PPV&FR Authority, India since 2004 for pigeon-pea and safflower. The mandate crops allotted to the centre are Pigeon pea, Mungbean and safflower. During 2018-19 about 61 varieties of pigeon pea and 24 varieties of safflower were grown for maintenance purpose and 17 candidate varieties of pigeon-pea were also grown for characterization study. During 2021-22 about 90 reference varieties and 4 farmers varieties of Mungbean were also grown for characterization study. Mandate work as per the National Test Guidelines and report submitted to PPV & FRA.

Along with ICAR – IISS Schemes and DUS testing of mandate crops, the unit is conducting University level experiments pertaining to seed science and technology and also provides the facility of seed testing for various research centers of university. Presently the seed testing laboratory has been notified for Seed Testing by the government of Maharashtra.

The unit is actively involved in multidisciplinary seed research including Seed Production & Certification, Seed Physiology, Storage & Testing, Seed Entomology and Seed Processing as per the approved Technical Programme of AICRP-NSP for seed quality assessment and improvement in different crop seeds. During last 20 years the research in the unit has contributed to the need-based technology on the different factors of seed quality, for improvement of seed and betterment of farmers in Vidarbha region.

Through TSP, the unit plays vital role to disseminate information and impart training on seed production, processing, storage and packaging, seed health and quality control. The academic staff of this unit is also engaged in teaching work of M.Sc. and Ph.D. Courses.

Agro Climatic Information

Akola is situated at an elevation of 307.4 meter above the mean sea level at 220 42’ North latitude and 770 02’ East longitude and has subtropical climate. Normal rainfall of 0.2 mm in 41.2 rainy days received at Akola centre. Rainfall received during four months i.e. June to Sept. maximum temperature ranges between 29.0 0C to 47.2 0C. April, May and 1st week of June are the hottest period in which temperature ranges between 33 ⁰C to 44 ⁰C. However, in the month of December and January maximum temp is below 30 ⁰C. The minimum temp ranges between 10.3 to 27.6 ⁰C. Bright sunshine hours ranges between 3.3 to 8.8 hours in rainy season sunshine hours are less (3.3 to 4.5 hours) wind speed in the range of 4.9 to 9.1 km/hour during January to April, However, it is more onwards April up to Sept. (10 to 16.2 km/hour). Relative humidity 10 % during summer and maximum in Rainy season i.e. 88 %. Evaporation rate is maximum during summer (17.3 mm/day) and minimum in the month December and January (402 to 5.2 mm day)

Infrastructure Facilities

The Seed Technology Research Unit is well equipped with state- of -art equipment’s in various laboratories like

1. Seed Physiology, Storage and testing laboratory
2. Seed Processing laboratory
3. Seed Entomology laboratory
4. DUS testing Unit laboratory
5. Field of Seed technology Research Unit.
6. Seminar Hall/Farmers training hall.
7. Implementation of Tribal Sub Plan
8. Seed Germination testing Laboratory
9. Sc. and PhD. Students field and Laboratory Experiments facilities
10. Conducting Field experiential learning programme of UG Students facilities

Seed Physiology, Storage and testing laboratory

Seed Physiology, Storage and testing laboratory is the pride of the STRU having advance equipment’s   to Study the planting value of seeds to examine the prescribed periods of validity of fresh and revalidated certified seed lots of some major field crops. To assess the efficiency of molecular markers in hybrid purity testing in comparison to the grow-out test (GOT) in various field crops. To validate the identified markers for various hybrids. Development of priming technologies for enhanced planting     value of seed under sub-optimal conditions in field crops.  Validation of standardized priming technologies in pigeon pea for sub- optimal condition. Development of seed enhancement technique for low temperature stress during seedling establishment in maize and paddy. 

Seed Processing laboratory

Seed Processing laboratory is the laboratory where the work on optimum sieve size and type of screen for grading seeds of different crop varieties and hybrids including their parents is done. Crop-wise classification of varieties in seed chain with respect to their seed size (small, medium and bold) and to standardize the size and type of grading sieve. To study the effect of processing method on quality of different crops and to standardize the processing methods.

Seed Entomology laboratory and Field

The seed Entomology laboratory is adequately equipped to cater the needs for conduction of the research trails on the storage Entomology. It includes the research aspects on the field as well as in storage Entomology viz. Survey and evaluation of seed health status of farmers’ saved seed with respect to insect infestation, to know the type and level of infestation by insects under storage condition, Impact of insect infestation on seed quality. Farmer’s practice, if any, to store / protect seeds from insect damage. To develop effective eco-friendly, low-cost techniques for the control of bruchids infesting pulse seed, to study the effect of solarization on seed quality attributes of treated seeds. Survey and monitoring of insecticide resistance in storage insect pests infesting seeds in storage godowns to estimate level of resistance to commonly used insecticides in storage godowns. To evaluate commercially available neem formulations against major storage insect-pests damaging seeds and to study the storability of treated seeds.

DUS testing field and laboratory

Other than AICRP- NSP activities carried out at STRU, this unit is actively involved in DUS testing and maintenance of mandate crops – pigeonpea, safflower and Mungbean. Various work is carried out at DUS unit which is Characterization of the Pigeonpea varieties under DUS programme as per NTG guidelines. Maintenance of pigeonpea varieties under DUS programme. GOT of varieties received for characterization and Maintenance of Safflower varieties under DUS programme.

DUS Maintenance and testing of Mungbean, Pigeonpea and safflower Genotypes under DUS testing Programme

DUS Storage of Mungbean, Pigeonpea and Safflower seeds laboratory

Experimental Field of Seed Technology Research Unit

The Seed Technology Research Unit is having its own research farm of 7.20 ha. for conducting the research experiments of Seed production and certification, Seed Physiology, Seed Entomology, DUS testing field experiments and as well as faculty of the Unit and also catering to the needs of the corporate sector by way of testing their seeds under Agency Trials which also generates revenue for the Unit.

Arial view of the Farm of Seed Technology Research Unit showing research experiments of Seed production and certification, Seed Physiology, Seed Entomology, DUS testing field experiments and as well as faculty of the Unit and also catering to the needs of the corporate sector at STRU, Dr. PDKV., Akola

Infrastructure developed at Field of STRU, Dr.PDKV, Akola

• 1.2 km long, 8 ft. high chain-link Fencing with CCTV Camera and Approach Road:
• Tree plantation at the Auspicious Hands of Honorable Vice Chancellors of all Four SAUs of Maharashtra
• New protective irrigation facilities established at STRU, Dr. PDKV, Akola field:
• The field of STR Unit is expanded from 2.5 ha to 7.2 ha. To meet the increasing demand of protective irrigation to AICRP on Seed (Crops) Experiments and Demonstration, a new Irrigation line with provision of Sprinkler and Drip is made at STRU field.
• Farm Mechanization And Instruments Purchased
• Instruments /Equipment’s purchased
• Sieve Shaker
• Moisture meter
• Selfing structure with Net
• PC sets
• Digital Camera
• 50 HP Mahindra tractor
• Rotavator
• MB plough
• Duck foot type 5 tyne

Seminar Hall/Farmers training hall.

The Seed Technology Research Unit, Seminar Hall/Farmers training hall is well equipped with the state of art AV aids. The instructional programme is being implemented with the help of AV aids like interactive LCD, OHP, CD, posters, charts etc.

Mandate and Objectives

Presently STR Units is conducting various projects under two major ICAR-IISS schemes viz. AICRP-NSP (Crops) and TSP. The unit is also identified as DUS Testing Centre under PPV & FR Authority, India since 2004 for pigeon-pea and safflower. Along with ICAR – IISS Schemes and DUS testing of mandate crops, the unit is conducting University level experiments pertaining to seed science and technology and also provides the facility of seed testing for various research centres of university. Presently the seed testing laboratory has been notified for Seed Testing by the government of Maharashtra.

Accordingly, the research programme has been planned and undertaken with following objectives under different units viz.

1. Seed Physiology, Storage and testing of seeds

• Study the planting value of seeds to examine the prescribed periods of validity of fresh and revalidated certified seed lots of some major field crops.
• To assess the efficiency of molecular markers in hybrid purity testing in comparison to the grow-out test (GOT) in various field crops.
• To validate the identified markers for various hybrids. Development of priming technologies for enhanced planting value of seed under sub-optimal conditions in field crops. 
• Validation of standardized priming technologies in pigeon pea for sub- optimal condition. Development of seed enhancement technique for low temperature stress during seedling establishment in maize and paddy.

2. Seed Processing

• Optimizing sieve size and type of screen for grading seeds of different crop varieties and hybrids including their parents.
• Crop-wise classification of varieties in seed chain with respect to their seed size (small, medium and bold) and to standardize the size and type of grading sieve.
• To study the effect of processing method on quality of different crops and to standardize the processing methods.

3. Seed Entomology

• Survey and evaluation of seed health status of farmers’ saved seed with respect to insect infestation, to know the type and level of infestation by insects under storage condition, Impact of insect infestation on seed quality.
• Farmer’s practice, if any, to store / protect seeds from insect damage.
• To develop effective eco-friendly, low cost techniques for the control of bruchids infesting pulse seed,
• to study the effect of solarization on seed quality attributes of treated seeds.
• Survey and monitoring of insecticide resistance in storage insect pests infesting seeds in storage godowns
• to estimate level of resistance to commonly used insecticides in storage godowns.
• To evaluate commercially available neem formulations against major storage insect-pests damaging seeds and to study the storability of treated seeds

4. DUS testing Unit

• Various work is carried out at DUS unit which is Characterization of the Pigeonpea varieties under DUS programme as per NTG guidelines.
• Maintenance of pigeonpea varieties under DUS programme.
• GOT of varieties received for characterization and Maintenance of Safflower varieties under DUS programme.
• Characterization of the Mungbean varieties under DUS programme as per NTG guidelines.

5. Field of Seed technology Research Unit.

• Kharif and Rabi experimental trails on seed production and certification, Seed Physiology, Seed Entomology, DUS testing field experiments and as well as faculty of the Unit and testing of seeds under Agency Trials are conducted on field of STRU.

6. State Seed Testing Laboratory Notified by Government of Maharashtra STRU, Dr.PDKV, Akola

• Seed testing is determining the standards of a seed lot viz., physical purity, moisture, germination and thereby enabling the farming community to get quality seeds.
• The Seed Testing Laboratory is the hub of seed quality control. Seed testing services are required from time to time to gain information regarding planting value of seed lots. Seed testing is possible for all those who produce, sell and use seeds.

Inuaguration of State Seed Testing Laboratory at the auspecious hands of Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, IISS, Mau , Dr. Sharad Gadakh, VC, Dr. PDKV., Akola and dignitaries

State Seed Testing Laboratory Notified by Government of Maharashtra, STRU, Dr.PDKV, Akola

Objective & Importance of Seed Testing

Seed testing is required to achieve the following objectives for minimizing the risks of planting low quality seeds.

1. To identify the quality problem and their probable cause
2. To determine their quality, that is, their suitability for planting
3. To determine the need for drying and processing and specific procedures that should be used
4. To determine if seed meets established quality standards or labeling specifications.
   To establish quality and provide a basis for price and consumer discrimination among lots in the market. The primary aim of the seed testing is to obtain accurate and reproducible results regarding the quality status of the seed samples submitted to the Seed Testing Laboratories.

Importance

• The importance of seed testing was realized more than 100 years ago for assured planting values. The adulteration of vegetable seeds by stone dust which was packed in some parts of the world particularly in Europe.              
• Seed testing has been developed to aid agriculture to avoid some of the hazards of crop production by furnishing the needed information about different quality attributes , purity, moisture, germination, vigour and health.
• Quality control of seed depends on the different seed testing protocols which determine the genuineness of the cultivar.
• Testing of seed to evaluate the planting value and the authenticity of the certified lot.
• Seed testing is required to assess the seed quality attributes of the seed lots which have to be offered for sale.
• These quality attributes are seed moisture content, germination and vigour, physical and genetic purity, freedom from seed borne diseases and insect infestation. In India, seed testing is done mainly for moisture, germination and physical purity of seeds.
• Standard seed testing procedures for the evaluation of the seeds were developed by ISTA. It is obligatory on the part of the seed analyst to follow rules prescribed by 1STA (1STA, 1985) if the seed is moving to the international trade. 
• The seed testing procedures which are described below are based mostly on the international rules because most of our rules (Chalam et . 1967) are based on, 1STA, 1996. Economic yield of a crop depends on the quality of seeds which can be evaluated by seed testing (1STA, 1996).
• The testing of seed quality is carried out on seed samples drawn from seed lot to be used for cultivation. The quantity of seed sample taken for testing in laboratory is minute compared to that of seed lot it represents.

Role of Seed Testing Laboratories

Seed testing laboratories are essential organization in seed certification and seed quality control programmes. The main objective is to serve the producer, the consumer and the seed industry by providing information on seed quality. Test results may cause rejection of poor seed multiplication or low-grade seed in a count of law.   

       Walk in Seed Germinator Chamber and Seed Testing Laboratory