Seed Production of Vegetable, Tuber and Spice Crops

Characteristics of quality seed

Genetic purity

• Genetic purity of seeds refers to the trueness to type.
  
• If the seed possesses all the genetic qualities that breeder has placed in the variety, it is said to be genetically pure.
  
• It has direct effect on ultimate yields. If there is any deterioration in the genetic make up of the varirty during seed multiplication and distribution cycle, there would definitely be proportionate decrease in its performance.
  
• It is, therefore, necessary to ensure genetic purity during production cycles.
Physical purity

• Physical purity of a seed lot refers to the physical composition of seed lots.
  
• A seed lot is composed of pure seeds, inert matter, weed seeds and other crop seeds.
  
• Higher the content of pure seed the better would be the seed quality.
  
• Pure seed considered together with seed germination determine the planting value of the seed.