Seeds are the key input in agriculture. They act as the container and carrier of the plant world, playing a significant role in crop production. Typically, farmers in our country use a good portion of their crops as seeds for the next harvest. However, continually using the same seed leads to a significant reduction in crop yield. Hence, it is essential to replace the seed after 2-3 years to ensure high yield in the next crop.
Seed is a term used to describe different things. More specifically, any part, organ or seed of a crop that can generate a similar crop is called a seed. Seeds are used for the propagation of plants and their definition can vary depending on botanical characteristics and agricultural uses. In botany, for instance, the mature ovule is referred to as a seed once it has been fertilized by the flower’s pollen. Examples of this include rice, wheat, and papaya seeds. In agricultural theory, on the other hand, the part of the plant that is utilized for propagation is called a seed. This can include potato tubers, sweet potato vines, banana sugar, sprouts, stone-cut leaves, and branches of various flowering plants.
“Good seed is good crop” is a popular slogan in the seed industry of our country. Good quality seeds are essential for a good yield. The quality of seeds can be classified into various categories such as basic seeds, foundation seeds, improved seeds, hybrid seeds, etc.
The characteristics of quality seeds are as follows: they should be pure (with a minimum of 94% purity), have bright, beautiful, and natural colors, be nutritious and large-grained, free from pests and diseases, and have a seed moisture content of maximum 12% (for paddy and wheat) and 10% for other crops. Additionally, the growth potential of these seeds should be above 70-85%.
It is important to buy good quality seeds from reliable seed producing institutes and organizations to ensure better crop yield. However, continuous cultivation with the same seed for a few years can lead to a decrease in yield. In our country, the same seed can provide good yield for up to two or three years. After this period, factors such as soil, climate, sunlight stability, temperature, maintenance, and insects can adversely affect crop yield and quality. To maintain market value, it is necessary to replace the seed after 2-3 years of continuous cultivation. Therefore, it is recommended to buy new seeds after this period to ensure better yield.
