Bradbrook - 2012 - Rice Farming complete with methods to increase ric

a. Genetically trae to its kind (often referred to as varietal purity);
b. Whole and evenly sized;
c. No damage or deformity;
d. Not carriers of seed-bome pathogens, pests and diseases;
e. Viable (with at least 80% germination rate and good vigor);
f Have no impurities such as weed seeds, seeds from other crops, or inorganic matter;
and
g. Have no discoloration on the kernel surface (or less than 25% of the surface area).
Government institutions provide seed certifications for seed producers that ensure seeds sold
to farmers are of high quality and are genetically pure. Seeds are classified as breeder,
foundation, registered, and certified based on their genetic purity. Certified seeds are those
that are commercially available. Many poor farmers in Asia use the harvested seeds from the
previous crop for the next cropping cycle. Such seeds do not perform as well as certified
seeds, especially if the growing conditions were not optimal.
For farmers who have purchased seeds, it is important to take seed samples from different
bags and examine them for the previously mentioned physical attributes. Seeds can be
sampled by number (e.g. for germination tests and seed-bome diseases) or by weight (e.g. for
impurities and varietal purity). It may also be necessary to test for seed-bome diseases using
standard laboratory procedures.
1. A simple germination test (source lRRl.org)
Materials;
3 waterproof containers (e.g. tray)
Water absorbent material such as cotton, tissue or cloth for each container
Seeds
Water
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