Seed Production and Testing Technology (0+2) is a comprehensive practical manual developed to impart hands-on skills essential for seed quality evaluation, scientific seed handling, and systematic seed production practices. Designed as a Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) for undergraduate students of agricultural sciences, the book emphasizes experiential learning by replacing traditional lectures with structured laboratory and field-based exercises. It serves as a bridge between theoretical understanding and real-world application, preparing students for professional roles in the seed industry, research institutions, quality control laboratories, and agricultural extension services.

The book covers a broad spectrum of practical competencies required in modern seed technology. Beginning with foundational seed viability and vigor tests—such as standard germination, tetrazolium staining, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, and vigor index calculation—it equips students to evaluate the physiological potential of seeds with accuracy. Modules on physical and genetic purity, moisture determination, and dormancy-breaking techniques ensure learners gain proficiency in assessing overall seed quality and performance.

Practical sessions further extend into seed handling and production practices, including seed collection, post-harvest management, cleaning, grading, packaging, labeling, and storage. Students also learn essential field-level skills such as isolation distance calculation, pollination control (bagging and emasculation), and identification of the optimum time for seed harvest. Attention is given to seed treatment, seed-borne disease detection, and seed rate estimation—skills crucial for sustainable agricultural production.

Advanced topics such as molecular marker-based purity assessment, digital data management systems, and seedling emergence behavior under varied soil conditions provide exposure to emerging technologies in seed science. Each experiment is presented with clear objectives, step-by-step procedures, and guidelines for recording observations, ensuring clarity and ease of execution.

By integrating traditional methodologies with technological advancements, this book empowers learners with practical expertise, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It aims to build a strong skill foundation that will help students excel in academic pursuits and contribute effectively to the development of a robust and high-quality seed sector.

Prof (Dr) A. Zaman; Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences,Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata-700 156, West BEngal

Dr (Md) Hedayetullah: Assistant Professor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, West Bengal

Chapter 1.Seed Viability Test Using Germination Method 
Chapter 2.Tetrazolium Test for Seed Viability Assessment 
Chapter 3.Standard Germination Test for Different Crop Seeds 
Chapter 4.Seed Purity Analysis (Physical Purity Test) 
Chapter 5.Seed Purity Analysis (Genetic Purity Test) 
Chapter 6.Moisture Content Determination Using Oven Method 
Chapter 7.Seedling Vigor Index Calculation 
Chapter 8.Accelerated Aging Test to Assess Seed Vigor 
Chapter 9.Electrical Conductivity Test for Seed Vigor 
Chapter 10.Seed Dormancy Breaking Techniques (e.g., scarification, stratification) 
Chapter 11.Seed Collection and Post-Harvest Handling Procedures 
Chapter 12.Seed Cleaning and Grading Using Sieves 
Chapter 13.Seed Packaging and Labeling Practices 
Chapter 14.Seed Storage Conditions and Monitoring 
Chapter 15.Isolation Distance Calculation for Seed Production 
Chapter 16.Pollination Control Methods (bagging, emasculation) 
Chapter 17.Seed Harvest Timing and Methods 
Chapter 18.Seed Treatment with Fungicides or Insecticides 
Chapter 19.Testing for Seed-borne Diseases 
Chapter 20.Estimation of Seed Rate for Different Crops 
Chapter 21.Preparation of Seed Production Plots 
Chapter 22.Monitoring and Recording Field Seed Production Data 
Chapter 23.Use of Digital Tools for Seed Testing Data Management 
Chapter 24.Molecular Marker-Based Seed Purity Testing 
Chapter 25.Seedling Emergence Studies Under Different Soil Conditions 
Chapter 26.Effect of Storage Duration on Seed Viability 
Chapter 27.Assessment of Seed Vigor Using Accelerated Aging and Conductivity Tests 
Chapter 28.Comparative Study of Different Seed Treatments 
Chapter 29.Effect of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination 
Chapter 30.Documentation and Reporting of Seed Testing Results