SylbV01-00-00. pmd

XII. Suggested websites
www.seedquest.com
www.ucanr.edu
www.sasa.gov.uk
www.ppvfra.org
https://www.upov.int/test_guidelines/en/
http://plantauthority.gov.in/crop-guidelines.htm
https://www.upov.int/resource/en/dus_guidance.html
https://www.upov.int/edocs/tgpdocs/en/tgp_6_section_2.pdf
https://www.upov.int/publications/en/tg_rom/introduction.html
I. Course Title
: Seed Vigour and Crop Productivity
II. Course Code
: SST 605
III. Credit Hours
: 2 (1+1)
IV. Why this course?
Seed vigour is an important quality parameter needs to be assessed to estimate the
real planting value of seed
. 
Seed vigour is governed by several factors which
ultimately decide the crop productivity and yield. Hence, knowledge on the concept
of seed vigour and its manifestations, prediction of seed vigour in relation to crop
productivity will be useful for better management of seed lots and seed crop.
V. Aim of the course
To impart knowledge on seed vigour, vigour test, impact of seed vigour on seed
production, storage and seed management.
VI. Theory
Unit I
Seed vigour – importance, concepts, definitions, vigour 
vs 
viability, historical
development – ISTA vigour committee. Factors influencing seed vigour – genetic,
agronomic, biotic and abiotic factors.
Unit II
Seed vigour and senescence – sequence of vigour loss – manifestations of seed

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Plant Sciences–Seed Science and Technology
101
vigour – physical, physiological, biochemical and molecular manifestations; vigour
in relation to seed dormancy and germination; vigour in relation to value for
cultivation and use.
Unit III
Vigour tests – history – definition – characteristics – types – direct and indirect
tests – physical test – x-ray radiography, seed size; physiological test – seedling
first count, radicle emergence, speed of germination, seedling measurement; stress
tests – brick gravel test, cool test, cold test, paper piercing test, ethanol, ammonium
chloride and NaCl soak tests, accelerated ageing test, exhaustion test, controlled
deterioration test, osmotic stress test.
Unit IV
Chemical and biochemical tests – electrical conductivity test, free sugars and amino
acids, tetrazolium chloride test, respiration quotient, GADA test, free fatty acid,
DPPH, respiratory and hydrolytic enzymes tests, modern vigour tests – machine
vision, Q
2 
analyzer – standardization of vigour test.
Unit V
Influence of seed vigour – crop growth, field emergence, productivity and storage;
vigour of vegetative propagules; role of seed vigour in field emergence, crop growth,
yield and productivity. Seed vigour improvement and management techniques –
pre-sowing and pre-storage – mid storage methods to improve seed vigour.