FOREST

SEED
MANAGEMENT
A Manual

Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education

w w w. i c f r e . g o v. i n
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT
A MANUAL

INDIAN COUNCIL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

P.O. New Forest, Dehradun - 248 006

[Link]
 PATRON

Dr. Suresh Gairola, IFS

Director General

EDITORS

Shri Vipin Chaudhary, IFS

Deputy Director General (Extension)

Dr. Shamila Kalia

Assistant Director General (Media & Extension)

Shri Ramakant Mishra

Chief Technical Officer (Media & Extension)

© Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education | 2019

Published by
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
P.O. New Forest, Dehradun 248 006

Citation
ICFRE, 2019. Forest Seed Management, ICFRE Manual.
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, India.

Processed and Realization

Print Vision
41-C, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
(+91) 135 2741702 | printvisionddn@[Link] | [Link]
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Foreword

I CFRE with its Headquarters at Dehradun is an apex body in the national

forestry research system that promotes and undertakes need based
forestry research and extension. The Council that came into being in
1986 has a pan India presence with its 9 Regional Research Institutes
and 5 Centers in different bio-geographical regions of the country. Since
then research in different fields of forestry has been a major focus of
ICFRE.
There is an earnest need of publication of its research to the stakeholders
in a simple and lucid manner, to improve the visibility and relevance of
ICFRE. Therefore it was decided that the information available on the
technologies, processes, protocols and practices developed by ICFRE
has to be published in the form of operational manuals/user manuals. It is
also desirable that the manuals should be a comprehensive national
Dr. Suresh Gairola, IFS level document depicting extent of knowledge in applicable form.
Director General Accordingly, 18 scientists of ICFRE were nominated as National Subject
Indian Council of Matter Coordinators (NSMCs) to carry out the task on the specified
Forestry Research and Educatrion subject. These NSMCs were assigned the task to select and nominate
nodal officers from other Institutes of ICFRE as well as other
organizations if necessary, collect and collate the information on the
subject from various sources in coordination with the nodal officers of
ICFRE institutes.
In the light of above "A manual on forest seed management" is prepared
for the various stakeholders of the forestry sector. It is in a simple and
illustrative language to understand and follow the procedures and methods
to be followed in seed collection, extraction, processing & handling, testing,
storage, disease management, certification, etc. The figures, sketches and
illustrations compliment the text which enhance the understanding and
depiction of the methods to be followed to make this manual of much
practical utility. This manual is useful for seed collectors, seed analysts,
State Forest Department personnel - frontline staff, nursery and plantation
managers, tree growers, farmers, teachers, students, researchers,
scientists, technicians, other organizations engaged in nursery and
afforestation activities like Ecotask Force, railways, NGOs, trainees of any
course on seed and nursery technology of forestry, agroforestry,
ornamental and medicinal species.
I hope that the manual will provide useful information to the diverse
stakeholders and prove to be helpful literature for planning future
programmes.

Dr. Suresh Gairola

iii
 Preface
U nder the Paris agreement India has committed to create an additional
‘carbon sink’ of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through
additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Also Green India Mission/Scheme
under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, aims at protecting;
restoring and enhancing India's diminishing forest cover and responding to
climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.
These will be achieved through massive afforestation/reforestation
programmes using multipurpose tree species suited to diverse
agroclimatic zones. Currently and in future also a heavy demand for quality
planting stock of various multipurpose species is foreseen for raising
plantations. This has time and again highlighted the importance of
selection of seed sources of forestry/multipurpose species for collecting
their quality seeds, which have the quality to grow and adapt well to the planted sites. The growing realization of
use of quality seeds for plantations has also raised the concern for having a trained and skilled manpower in
seed, nursery and plantation technology through various hands-on training programmes, green skill
development programmes for various stakeholders of the environment and forestry sector as well as allied
sectors. The Director General, ICFRE stressed on the urgent need of developing user/óperational manuals on
various subjects for such capacity building initiatives, that spell out the various technologies, processes
standardized by ICFRE scientists through years of dedicated research. As a result one National Subject Matter
Coordinator and Nodal officers were nominated in the institutes who were entrusted with task of compiling the
information and knowledge generated on seed technology of forestry and other species into a manual on
‘Forest Seed Technology’. Apart from an introductory chapter this manual comprises of chapters on seed
collection, extraction, handling, seed quality evaluation, dormancy and pretreatments, seed storage, insect
pest management of seeds, seed certification, seed testing and storage procedures of important forestry
species. A chapter on instruments/equipments used in seed testing with their brief description has also been
included to assist the users in establishing simple seed testing infrastructure and facilities. Besides this,
formats for various seed quality test reports have been included as Annexures. An attempt has also been made
to duly compliment the different processes with photographs, sketches and figures for better depiction of the
methods aiding in effective understanding by the users. The authors sincerely hope that the manual on Forest
Seed Technology will serve as a valuable resource material for training programmes on seed, nursery
technology of forestry, agro-forestry, ornamental and medicinal species; forest certification, GSDP on
Management of small botanical gardens, etc. for forest departments, farmers, Ecotask Force, seed collectors,
seed analysts, nursery and plantation managers; tree growers, students, researchers, etc. All stakeholders are
encouraged to use and share this document and offer their suggestions for its improvement in future.

Dr. Manisha Thapliyal

National Subject Matter Coordinator (NSMC)
Forest Seed Management

iv
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Acknowledgement
T he following individuals and organizations are gratefully acknowledged for their valuable contribution to the
development of this manual.

• Dr. S.C. Gairola, DG, ICFRE for nominating me as the NSMC Forest Seed technology and entrusting
the responsibility of preparing the manual on this team of NSMC and nodal officers.

• Shri A.S. Rawat, Director, FRI for his valuable guidance and encouragement.

• Shri Vipin Chaudhary, DDG Extension, ICFRE for regular inputs, encouragement and kind support
in bringing out this publication.

• Dr. Shamila Kalia, ADG (Media and Extension div.), ICFRE for her regular inputs and facilitating the
review of this manual.

• All Directors and GCRs of ICFRE Institutes for guiding and encouraging the nodal officers of their
respective institute, for timely submission of their contributions for the manual.

• All the Nodal Officers Dr. Maitreyee Kundu, Scientist F (TFRI), Dr. Geeta Joshi, Scientist F (TFRI), Dr.
Sanjay Singh, Scientist F (IFP), Dr. R. Anandalakshmi, Scientist F (IFGTB), Dr. Manish Kumar Singh,
Scientist D (RFRI), Shri P.S. Negi Scientist C (HFRI), Dr. NK Bohra Scientist C (AFRI) for compiling the
seed technology research outcomes on various species of their regions and making their
submissions well on time.

• Dr. Namitha N.K., TO, FRI for collection of literature and compiling the information for the various
chapters.

• Praveen Rawat, Amit Simalti, Neha, Sheeshram – Scholars of Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, FRI for
their assistance in compilation of the manual.

• Mrs. Afshan Zaidi Artist, FRI for drawing many of the illustrations in this manual.

• Mr. Amol Raut Artist, FRI for assisting in designing the cover of the manual.

• Editorial Board for the critical inputs and suggestions for improving the manual.

• All Scientists and Researchers working in the field of seed science whose work has been referred to,
in this manual.

v
 COMPILED BY

?
Dr. Manisha Thapliyal Forest Research Institute,
National Subject Matter Coordinator Dehradun

NODAL OFFICERS

?
Dr. Maitreyee Kundu Tropical Forest Research Institute,
Jabalpur

?
Dr. Geeta Joshi Tropical Forest Research Institute,
Jabalpur

?
Dr. Sanjay Singh Institute of Forest Productivity,
Ranchi

?
Dr. R. Anandalakshmi Institute of Forest Genetics & Tree Improvement,
Coimbatore

?
Dr. Manish Kumar Singh Rain Forest Research Institute,
Jorhat

?
Shri P. S. Negi Himalayan Forest Research Institute,
Shimla

?
Dr. N. K. Bohra Arid Forest Research Institute,
Jodhpur

OTHER CONTRIBUTOR

?
Dr. Namitha N.K. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun

vi
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 SEED COLLECTION 03
?Planning and preparation for seed collection
?Strategy for seed collection
?Source of seed
?Time of seed collection
?Selection of preferable trees
?The purpose of collection of seed
?Collection methods
?Seed Collection Tactics

3 SEED EXTRACTION, PROCESSING AND HANDLING 06

?Seed Handling
?Seed extraction
?Seed cleaning

4 SEED QUALITY EVALUATION THROUGH SEED TESTING 09

?Seed lot
?Purity analysis
?Seed weight
?Moisture Content
?Indirect tests of Viability
Vigour Tests
?

5 SEED DORMANCY AND PRETREATMENTS 14

Seed Dormancy
?

After ripening
?

Pre-treatments
?

vii
 6 SEED STORAGE 16
Types of Forest Seed
?

Seed Storage Classes

?

Storage principles
?

7 INSECT PESTS OF SEEDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 18

Insect pests of forest seeds
?

Control measures
?

8 SEED CERTIFICATION 21
Seed Certification and need of Seed Certification in Forestry
?

International Seed Certification Schemes

?

Seed certification in India

?

Forest seed certification activities at state level

?

9 INFORMATION ON SOME IMPORTANT FORESTRY SPECIES OF INDIA 25

10 INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENTS USED IN SEED TESTING LABORATORY 38

Sampling Equipments
?

Sample Dividers/Splitters
?

Seed Purity & Grading Instruments/Equipments

?

Other instruments/equipments used in seed testing laboratory

?

Important Chemicals Used In Seed Testing Laboratory

?

11 FORMATS FOR VARIOUS SEED QUALITY TEST REPORTS 46

Annexure I- Purity Test
?

Annexure II - Seed Moisture Content Test

?

Annexure III- Germination Test

?

Annexure IV- Summary of Test Results

?

Annexure V- Price List of Seeds

?

12 LITERATURE CITED 52

viii
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

1 INTRODUCTION

The current forest cover of the country is 23.34% (ISFR, 2017) and as per National Forest Policy it needs to be increased to
33% of the geographical area of the country while also addressing the productivity issues of forests in India which is low
as compared to the world average. The productivity of our forests can be enhanced through raising forest plantations
which are also a powerful tool for mitigating the climate change effects and global warming. Plantations not only have a
major role as producers of timber, pulpwood and wood-based panels for forest industries, but fuelwood and pole
plantations and farm woodlots are locally important as well. Shelterbelts and dispersed planting for soil stabilization,
habitat improvement, urban and rural amenity or as part of an agrisilvicultural system, all benefit the human environment.
With such a variety in planting purposes, it is not surprising that the scale of tree-planting and the variety of species
planted continue to grow in so many ways. The greatly increased agroforestry plantations open up a whole new range of
multipurpose species for trial (Willan, 1985). These new developments have introduced new opportunities and pose new
challenges in seed collection, handling, quality evaluation of these wide spectrums of species.

To raise high quality forest plantations, foresters and plant growers require quality seeds capable of producing plants
which have the ability to grow well on planted sites. The majority of afforestation and agroforestry programmes depend
on quality seeds for planting. Seed quality has critical effect on the performance and productivity of trees established and
on economics of planting them (Shukla et al., 2017). At present, most of the genetic material (seed/planting stock
material) used in forestry sector in India is obtained from unspecified sources, from stands, natural or planted, which are
neither classified nor managed specifically for seed or planting stock material production. Thus, procuring seed and
planting material will require conscientious efforts in the selection of species and strains for various types of planting sites
ranging from wastelands to fertile soils, from drought prone areas to areas with well-distributed rainfall and from tropical
to alpine climates (Piare Lal et al., 2008).

Seed Technology is essentially an inter-disciplinary science which encompasses broad range of subjects. In its broadest
sense, seed technology includes the development of superior plant varieties, their evaluation and release, seed
production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control, seed marketing,
distribution and sale, seed physiology, seed production and seed handling based on modern agricultural and forestry
sciences. Knowledge of seed biology is crucial for proper management of seed sources as well as the handling of seed
themselves (Thapliyal, 2014). Problems of seed procurement, handling, processing and lack of technology often limit the
use of any species in the plantation programmes.

A user manual on seed technology for the various stakeholders of the forestry sector is required for making them
understand and follow the procedures and methods to be followed in seed

collection, extraction, processing & handling, testing, storage, disease management, certification, etc. in simple
illustrative language, that will be very helpful in using the right methods. The figures, sketches and illustrations would

01
compliment the text which will enhance the understanding and depiction of the methods to be followed to make this
manual of much practical utility. This manual is intended to be useful for seed collectors, seed analysts, State Forest
Department personnel - frontline staff, nursery and plantation managers; tree growers, farmers, teachers, students,
researchers, scientists, technicians, other organizations engaged in nursery and afforestation activities like Ecotask
Force, railways, NGOs; trainees of any course on seed and nursery technology of forestry, agroforestry, ornamental, and
medicinal species.

02
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

2 SEED COLLECTION

PLANNING AND PREPARATION FOR SEED COLLECTION

Seed collection is the first step towards the plantation activities and success of each plantation activity is directly related
to the quality of the seed. Quality of the seed should be maintained from seed collection stage but most of the times,
adequate attention is generally not paid on seed collection whereas this should be planned well in advance and not left for
last minute.

STRATEGY FOR SEED COLLECTION

Monitoring Visit
Field visits should be conducted before or at the time of flowering. This is the right time for site selection and GPS
Coordinates of the selected site should be recorded for further monitoring visits. General information about the site
should be recorded viz., habitat characteristics, species composition, volume and spacing, species density, age,
health, status, etc.

The second phase of monitoring visit is the selection of seed trees. Trees should be assessed for their physical
characteristics, including their form, branching, growth rate, dominance, crown cover, health, spacing preference of
at least 100 meters between individuals of the same species.

SOURCE OF SEED
Source of seed is an important aspect which determines the early growth and survival, vigor, disease and pest resistance,
productivity and quality of plantation. Most of the tree plantations in India have low productivity mainly due to the quality of
the seed source. Generally, seeds are collected in bulk from the available region irrespective of considering the source of
seed.

It is advisable to collect seeds from an adjacent source for raising plantation in the local site due to the similar suitable
climate for the species and adaptability to disease and pests. Introduction of same species of the different geographical
region may or may not have the resistance for pest and disease or adaptability to new climatic conditions.

From Forest/Natural Stand

Seed for the plantations should be collected from the natural stands. The stands should be of known parental seed
origin, healthy, good growth rate, and have straight boles free of defects.

From Seed orchards

Seeds of superior genetic quality can be derived from seed orchards, where plants are improved by selection or plant
breeding.

TIME OF SEED COLLECTION

The optimal time to harvest is when a large amount of viable, germinable seeds can be collected. Collection of mature
and healthy seeds from disinfected, vigorous, healthy and disease-free mother plants is essential for raising good quality
seedlings.

03
Seed collection can be prioritized based on the availability of seeds with respect to specific time or season. Some tree
species are aseasonal, have more or less continuous reproduction throughout the year. Fruits and seeds of different age
classes are present in the same tree due to which small number of mature seeds may be available during each collection.
e.g: Lagerstroemia spp. Second category of trees have short seed maturation time and are highly season dependent so
seeds should be collected within that period. A large number of seeds can be collected at one time but seeds are easily
shed or dispersed within a limited period e.g. Mesua ferrea, Diploknema butyracea, Acacia spp., Cassia spp. The third
category of the tree have definite maturation season but with prolonged persistence on the tree before dispersal. e.g.
Delonix regia, Schizolobium spp., Melia spp., etc.

Recalcitrant seeds usually begin to lose their viability soon after their maturity. So, it requires the collector to determine
when seeds are mature and harvest them, accordingly. Recalcitrant seeds of Diploknema butyracea loose viability within
two to three weeks after collection.

SELECTION OF PREFERABLE TREES

In order to maintain genetic diversity, seed should be collected from a large number of trees at least 15-25 trees. In
general, the distance between selected seed trees should be at least 100 m. Seeds collected from the trees of close
distance, have the higher possibility of similar genetic characters which may reduce the genetic variation in the
subsequent generations through inbreeding and reduce the expected outputs. When many good quality trees surround
a seed tree, its progeny will demonstrate good characteristics at the same time, if the seed tree is surrounded by many
poor quality trees, the progeny will demonstrate poor quality.

THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTION OF SEED

Purpose should be well defined before the collection of seeds. Criteria for selection of trees may differ based on the utility.
Species having a straight stem, with fewer branches or no branches, long, clean and clear merchantable bole, without the
fork and buttress free, uniform crown, free of disease and insect pest with superior quality timber and high volume are
advisable for timber species. Trees which are fast-growing, nutritional, heavily branched and having high coppicing ability
are suitable for fodder. Abundant and large sized fruits with good quality taste and large quantity, disease, and pest free
trees are advisable for fruit trees.

COLLECTION METHODS

Collection from the Ground

Seeds of temperate species that are commonly
collected from the ground are Quercus, Fagus,
Castanea. Seeds of tropical species that are
commonly collected from the ground are
Tectona, Gmelina, Triplochiton, Cassia, Acacia
and several Dipterocarps. Spreading plastic
sheets or canvas under the tree during seed fall
time is a good method for collection of seeds
daily and it will minimise the inert materials and
foreign particles in the seedlot.
Seed collection from the Ground

Collection from the Standing Trees

In the case of shrubs or low-branched trees, fruits can be picked directly from the branches by the collector while
standing on the ground. e.g. Fraxinus spp, Hardwickia binata, Pterocarpus spp.

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 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Collection using ladders, laggi

Ladders and laggi (a long hollow, metal pole with a sickle-like hook at one end) are most suitable for collecting seeds
from trees of medium height. e.g. Mallottus philippensis, Michelia champaca, Sapindus mukorossi, Enterolobium
spp., etc.
Various tools and instruments are required during field visits for the collection of seeds. Some of the important items
are safety harness, climbing accessories, first aid materials, pruners, rakes, tarpaulins, seed baskets, field books,
pen, markers, plastic bags, ladders, rope, GPS, measuring tape, hammer, etc.

Seed Collection from tree using ladder Seed Collection using laggi and tarpaulin Sheet

SEED COLLECTION TACTICS

• Collect seedlots from between 15 and 25 individuals that are spaced at least 100 meters apart from any other
collection tree of the same species.
• Choose trees in vigorous health and avoid the ones that are diseased, suppressed, deformed,
environmentally stressed, or in otherwise poor health.
• Collect seeds from trees that are well formed and either dominant or co-dominant in the canopy.
• Avoid collection of seed from trees that are isolated from others of the same species.
• Harvest only mature seed from ripened fruits.
• To ensure genetic variation, collect fruits equally from all parts of the crown-top, sides, and bottom-as these
parts may have been pollinated at varying times from different sources.
• Man-made stands, including live fencing, plantations, or windbreaks, should be carefully reviewed as to their
establishment before being selected as a seed source.

05
 SEED EXTRACTION, PROCESSING
3
AND HANDLING

SEED HANDLING
Appropriate handling of seeds after collection is crucial for the ultimate seed quality. Seeds with relatively high moisture
content after collection can cause damage and deterioration. Rate of damage and deterioration mainly depend on the
species, condition of seed at collection and external environment, etc. Handling of seeds at the field is mainly intended to
reduce the bulk for efficient and economic transportation to the seed processing unit.

Generally seeds accompanied by impurities, foreign materials, soil particles, twigs, leaves and inert materials are
detrimental to seed viability due to the presence of more moisture and seed pathogens. So it is essential to remove the
harmful materials from the seeds.

Excessive drying and direct exposure to the sun should be avoided in recalcitrant seeds. Recalcitrant seeds must be
dried carefully to the lowest possible levels for safe storage.

Harvested fruits can be stored for a short time before extraction if required. Fruits can be stored in sufficient air circulated
containers such as trays, nylon net bags, etc. Soft fruits should be stored at 100-150C with adequate humidity and
ventilation. Hard fruits can be stored in the shade in thin layers.

If collected seeds have high surface moisture, they should be first dried in shade or a well- ventilated room by spreading
them on newspaper or blotting paper before transferring them to cloth or paper bags.

SEED EXTRACTION
Seed extraction is defined as the separation of seeds from their enclosing structures. Seed extraction should be done
from the after ripened fruits and seed should be mature before extraction to avoid the rapid desiccation during extraction.
If the fruits are not ripened to an adequate level they can be stored in cool, well aired containers such as nylon- net bags,
wire- mesh bottoms and trays with holes. For Soft fruits, the temperature of the storage area/chamber should be
maintained at 100C to 150C with sufficient humidity to
prevent drying and hard or dry fruits are best stored in
the shade in thin layers.

Procedure for seed extraction will differ accordingly

based on the types and characteristics of fruit.

Extraction of Seed from Dry Dehiscent Fruits

Seeds from dry dehiscent fruits can be extracted
by spreading the fruits on a tarpaulin under
shade. Strong attachment of seeds with pods
can be removed by threshing by hand, or
beating the pods in the sack with sticks, or
rubbing on a rough surface. Examples of dry
dehiscent fruits are Acacia spp, Bauhinia,
Desmodium, Eucalyptus, etc. Dry dehiscent fruits of Bixa orellana

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 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Extraction of Seed from Dry Indehiscent

Fruits
Smaller indehiscent fruits can be broken by
threshing by hand, rubbing on a rough surface
or by beating with sticks. Seeds from larger
fruits can be extracted by splitting mechanically
or by hand. Pods with gummy material e.g.
Cassia fistula and Prosopis cineraria require
several rounds of threshing and intermittent
drying. Dry indehiscent fruits retain their seeds
and do not crack open after ripening. e.g. Acer,
Fraxinus, Ulmus, Bamboos, Quercus, Corylus
avellana.
Dry indehiscent fruits of Fraxinus spp.
Extraction of Seed from Fleshy Fruits
Generally, seeds from fleshy fruits are removed
by cutting the fruit in half or by cutting off the
distal end and squeezing out the content into a
container. Small seeds of pulpy fruits can be
extracted by mashing the pulp, mixing it with
water, allowing the seeds to settle and then
detaching off the pulp. Large seeds from pulp
can be extracted by hands/ forceps, or washing
the seeds in sieves under running water, gently
rubbing with wire mesh.

Examples of fleshy fruits are Neem, Hippophae,

Ficus, Putranjiva, Rubus, Cinnamomum
camphora, Ilex, etc.

Mucilaginous Seeds Fleshy fruits of Hippophae spp.

Some seeds or fruits are remarkable for the
abundance of mucilage. e.g. Dillenia indica,
Sterculia spp. Mucilage in seed is not easy to remove by washing with water.

Some simple techniques to remove mucilage from seeds

• Rubbing the wet seeds on a wire mesh repeatedly with a gloved hand.
• Rubbing with clean and coarse sand followed by proper removal of sand with water.
• Dry the seeds first and then rub off the dry mucilage from the seeds.
• Acid treatment methods can also be used for removing mucilage adhering to the seed.

Pulpy Fruits
Soak the fruits in containers until they become soft and remove when they start to ferment. Wash the pulped seeds
under running water and thoroughly clean and dry in thin layer on an absorbent sheet with circulating air. e.g. Gmelina
arborea.

07
Stone Fruits
Stone fruits are de-pulped manually with a sharp knife and washed with running water to remove pulp. The seeds are
then surface dried. e.g. Prunus spp.

Dewinging
De-winging is the removal of wings, hairs and
spines from the seeds while seed of
Dipterocarps and many recalcitrant seeds are
not dewinged if sown immediately after
collection. Dewinging helps to ease handling
during storage, pretreatment and sowing and
reduce the probability of getting fungal attacks
due to moisture retention.

• Wings of conifers are removed by mechanical

abrasion during tumbling.

• Delicate seeds are de-winged by tumbling in

closed drums e.g. Abies.
Net drum rotator used for separation of seeds of conifers
• Mechanical de-wingers are used to de-wing
seeds where wings are scraped away between the brushes.

• Papery wings, hairs and spines are removed by tumbling in mixers together with some abrasive materials like sand or
gravel. e.g. Casuarinas.

• Abundant hairs in some seeds are removed by burning. e.g. Kapok

SEED CLEANING
Cleaning seed lots is the basic step. It is the removal of impure, inert, debris, foreign materials, damaged and infected
seeds to improve the quality of the seeds. Seed should be cleaned immediately once it reaches at the seed processing
site.

Seed Cleaning Procedure

• Separate seeds from debris and remove empty seeds and chaffs by gentle winnowing or by seed blower, aspirator,
specific-gravity separators, flotation methods, absorption methods, etc.
• Inspect the insect and fungal damage in seeds. If infestation is suspected, store the seeds at sub-zero in a freezer for
seven days to kill insects before removing infected seeds. Isolate the affected sample from the rest of the material
and dry the seeds to low moisture content in sealed containers with silica gel to prevent further spread of fungi or
insects.
• Removal of mechanically damaged and empty seeds manually.
• Verification and inspection of seeds finally for removal and inspect the diseased, damaged, empty and chaff seeds,
color and shape of the seeds, etc.

Upgrading
Upgrading is the process of improving the potential performance of seed lot by removing empty, damaged, weak,
immature or odd-sized seeds. Instruments used for upgrading will differentiate the inferior quality seeds from healthy
seeds thereby reduce the storage space requirements, reduce the costs and improve uniformity in seeds and also
reduce planting time in nursery. Some of the instruments used for upgrading the seeds are given in the chapter 10.

08
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

SEED QUALITY EVALUATION

4
THROUGH SEED TESTING

SEED LOT
A seed lot can be defined as a quantity of seed with every portion or every bag uniform within permitted tolerances as to
percentage of pure seed, inert matter, other crop seed, germination and dormant seed, weed seed, and rate of
occurrence of noxious weed seeds. A quantity of seed, which is not uniform within permitted representative tolerances,
should not be classified as a seed lot.

PURITY ANALYSIS
The purity of a seedlot is the weight of pure seeds divided by the weight of pure seeds plus debris and is presented on a
percentage basis.

Pure seed weight

Purity (%) = x 100
Pure seed weight + Debris weight

SEED WEIGHT
It is a general term used to describe the relative size of seeds. The weight of 100 or 1000 seeds is the test used to quantify
the weight of tree seeds.

The 1000 pure seed weight can be converted to seed per gram or per kilogram as follows:

1000
Number of seeds per gram =
Weight (in gram) of 1000 seeds

09
 1000 x 1000
Number of seeds per Kilogram =
Weight (in gram) of 1000 seeds

MOISTURE CONTENT
Seed moisture content is the amount of water in the seed. Moisture content is the most important factor determining the
rate at which seeds deteriorate and has profound impact on storage longevity of seeds.

Fresh weight – Oven dry weight

Seed Moisture Content (%) = x 100
Fresh weight

Seed moisture content can be determined by two different methods

?Oven drying method

?Moisture meters

Oven Drying Method

The standard method for determining moisture content is the oven drying method. ISTA (2010) has prescribed two
different oven-drying methods for determining moisture content, based on the chemical composition of seeds:

• The low constant temperature oven method for oily seeds; and
• The high constant temperature oven method for non-oily seeds.

Low Constant Temperature oven Method

This method has been recommended for seed of the
species rich in oil content or volatile substances. In
this method, the pre- weighed moisture bottles along
with seed material are placed in an oven maintaining a
temperature of 103°C. Seeds are dried at this
temperature for 17±[Link] relative humidity of the
ambient air in the laboratory must be less than 70
percent when the moisture determination is carried
out.

High Constant Temperature oven Method

In this method, the pre- weighed moisture bottles
along with seed material are placed in an oven
maintaining a temperature of 130°C. Seeds are dried
at this temperature for 1 to 4 hours depending on the
species. In this method there is no special Seed moisture content determination through
oven dry method
requirement pertaining to the relative humidity of the
ambient air in the laboratory during moisture determination.

Moisture Meter
It estimates seed moisture content of seed quickly and gives a rough idea about the moisture content of a seed within
minutes. But the estimation is not as precise as by the oven dry method.

10
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FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

INDIRECT TESTS OF VIABILITY

The standard for judging seed quality is always a germination test under optimum conditions. Under certain
circumstances, however, germination tests are not possible and so called rapid tests must be used to estimate seed
quality.

Tetrazolium Test
This method determines the percentage of viable seed
which may be expected to germinate. The chemical
2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride is colourless but
develops intense red colour when it is reduced by living
cells. Split the seeds in to half by scalpel and soak the
seed overnight.

Make 0.5% aqueous solution of tetrazolium chloride

and soak the seed and immediately wrap with
aluminium foil or dark polythene cover to avoid the
direct light and keep the content in dark condition for 24
hours. Seeds are washed in tap water and the number
of seeds which acquired red stain in the embryo is
determined. Seed viability testing using tetrazolium salt solution

Number of half seed stained red

Viable Seed % = x 100
Total number of half seed taken

Indigo Carmine
It stains dead tissues blue. This method is common in Eastern Europe and was developed in Russia by Professor
Nelyubon. As a viability stain, it will stain dead cells blue while living cells remain unstained.

Selenium or Tellurium Salt

Tests were developed in Japan by Dr. Hasegawa. This method was the first vital stain method with seeds, but it is not
used now because of metal toxicity from the salts.

X - Ray Radiography
X-Ray radiography is the most expensive but not necessarily the best of the rapid tests. It is very effective for some
situations, like other rapid tests, X-ray radiography offers a quick estimate of seed quality when there is no-time for a
complete germination test.

Currently X-rays are used to test for

Determining seed anatomy including embryo presence, size and shape. This process is good for empty seed
?
counts before germination
Determining insect damage including the location and extent of damage and the growth of insect larvae.
?

Determining internal mechanical damage including seed coat cracks invisible to the naked eye.
?

11
Leachate Conductivity
As seeds deteriorate, cellular membranes are damaged and substances can be leached in proportion to the degree
of deterioration. Measurements of these substances can be correlated with seed quality. Measurable materials are
sugars, amino acids and electrolytes (the easiest to measure both in terms of time and expense).

VIGOUR TESTS
Standard germination tests do not adequately measure the ability of seeds to germinate and produce normal seedlings
under field conditions because germination tests are conducted in the laboratory under optimum conditions. Therefore, a
more sensitive measurement of seed quality has been sought by those concerned with the planting quality of a seed lot.
This measurement of seed quality has been referred to as seed vigour. Seed vigour tests add supplemental information
about the quality of seeds to information obtained through other tests. Seed vigour is most important under adverse field
conditions and it can also indicate the storage potential of a seedlot.

Vigour Tests can be grouped into four categories:

Seedling growth and evaluation
?

Stress Tests
?

Biochemical Tests
?

Germination data.
?

Seedling Growth and Evaluation

a) Seedling Vigour Classification
Normal seedlings are further classified as strong or weak based on deficiencies of roots, shoots or cotyledons
that are symptomatic of reduced quality.

b) Seedling Growth Rate

Similar to the standard germination test but at the end of germination period, seedling growth is measured as
either linear growth or weight.

Stress Tests
a) Accelerated Aging
Developed at Mississippi State University on agricultural seeds, this test is now being used for tree seeds. In
this test seeds are subjected to 40 C to 45oC and nearly 100 percent relative humidity for various periods.
o

b) Cold Tests
o
Seeds are placed in soil (high moisture and lower temperature 10 C) for a specified period then transferred to
favourable temperature. It is probably the oldest vigor tests used in USA.

Germination Data
Another approach is to use germination test data, although more frequent counts than ISTA requires, may be needed to
achieve the required sensitivity.

As prescribed by ISTA, the first (early) count can be used as a vigour indicator.
?

Time required to reach 50 percent, 75 percent, etc. of germination is calculated.

?

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FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Mean Germination Time (MGT) can be useful in some cases. However, slow germination because of dormancy may
inflate the value by giving equal weight to the very last seedlings to emerge.

Germination Value (GV) and Peak Value (PV) are used world-wide. Peak value is a good germination rate term to
express vigor in temperate species.

Germination was expressed as percentage and as mean germination time (MGT) (Bonner, 2008). MGT is calculated by
using the following equation:

(Daily germination percentage x days)/ number of seeds sown

Tests for identification of mechanically damaged seeds

a)． Fast green test
The fast green test reveals physical fractures in the seeds． Seeds are soaked in a 0．1％fast green solution for
only 15－30 seconds． During this period， the fast green penetrates any area of the seed coat which has been
fractured and stains the endosperm green． After the soaking period，the seeds are washed and the fractures
then become apparent （ visible） in the seed coat． The stained seeds are counted and expressed in percentage．

b)． Ferric chloride test

Mechanically injured legume seeds turn black when placed in a solution of Ferric chloride．The seeds are
immersed in 20％solution of Ferric chloride （
FeCl3）for 15 minutes，
the seeds are washed and all black stained
seeds are separated and expressed in percentage．

13
 SEED DORMANCY
5
AND PRETREATMENTS

SEED DORMANCY
In a majority of forestry species, there exists a lag period between the attainment of seed maturity and the seed
germination. Such seeds fail to germinate even if these are exposed to favorable environmental conditions, which are
generally conducive to germination. This process is called seed dormancy. Seed dormancy is an important survival
strategy of plants in their natural environments.

The extent of dormancy in seed depends on the genetics and on environmental factors, such as temperature, relative
humidity and light duration.

AFTER RIPENING
After ripening process is required for seeds with moderate degree of embryo dormancy. Such seeds are kept in dry
storage that causes certain physical and chemical changes in seeds. Biochemical changes like reduction of stored
lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins will take place in seeds and also promote the production of gibberellins and
hydrolysis of proteins during dry storage followed by an increase in the metabolic activity which causes initiation of
germination in the seed.

Seeds of species like Schleichera oleosa, Fraxinus and Ginkgo require after ripening before germination due to immature
embryo.

PRE-TREATMENTS

Cold Stratification
It is one of the most common methods to break dormancy. In this method, seeds are stored in a low temperature area
in moistened condition and placed in layers of moisture-retaining media such as peat moss, vermiculite, sawdust,
etc. The duration of moist stratification varies with the species e.g. Acer caesium, Corylus jacquemontii, Junipers, etc.

Scarification

Acid Scarification
?

Dormancy of seeds with hard and impermeable seed coats can be broken by soaking the seeds in concentrated
sulphuric acid. The acid causes some kind of wet combustion on the seed-coat. This method is not applicable to
seeds that easily become permeable because the acid penetrates and damages the embryo.

Mechanical Scarification
?

Permeability of hard coated seed can increase by puncturing the seed coats or scratching the seeds with the aid
of knife, needle, file, hot wire burner, abrasion paper, etc. e.g. Sapindus mukorossi

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FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Growth Promoters/Chemicals
?

Embryo dormancy of seeds can be broken by soaking the seeds in hydrogen peroxide which stimulates
respiration and accelerate germination. Mild dormancy in seeds can be overcome by soaking the seeds in the
solution of potassium nitrate, gibberellic acid and cytokinins for different period.

Cold Water Soak

?
In some hardseeded species, the seed coats are not completely impermeable to water. Soaking such seeds in
water at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours may be sufficient for full imbibition and subsequent germination
e.g. Putranjiva roxburghii.

Boiling Water/Hot Water Soak

?
Seeds are put into very hot or boiling water and left there till the water cools. The hot water softens the seedcoat or
causes them to crack, and imbibition occurs as the water cools. Numerous leguminous species can be treated
in this manner. e.g. Acacia, Albizia,Cassia, Prosopis, etc.

Hot Wire
?
This technique requires a heated needle or an electric wood burning tool to burn small holes through seedcoats.
e.g. Albizia, chestnut, etc.

Alternate Soaking and Drying

?
Seed of some species is difficult to scarify by soaking. Teak (Tectona grandis) may require several cycles of
soaking and drying. Alternate soaking and drying is also used for seeds of Diospyros melanoxylon, Terminalia
bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia citrina, etc.

15
 6 Seed Storage

Seed storage is the preservation of seeds under controlled environmental conditions which will prolong the viability of the
seeds for long periods and supply when it is needed for regeneration. The objective of seed storage is to delay
deterioration or decrease its rate until seeds are used.

Seed characteristics, seed handling before storage, genetics and the storage environment affect longevity in storage.

TYPES OF FOREST SEED

Orthodox Seed
Seed which can be dried to moisture content as low as 5% without injury and are able to tolerate freezing and stored
at low temperature without losing their viability for long periods of time is known as orthodox seed. Most tropical tree
pioneers, that are those typical of early forest succession, have small orthodox and dormant seeds. Species of
Acacia, Prosopis, Albizia, Cassia, Bauhinia, Terminalia, Tectona, Pinus, Picea, Eucalyptus, etc.

Eucalyptus seed Teminalia spp. Tectona grandis

Recalcitrant Seeds
Seeds of Recalcitrant species have high moisture content at maturity > 30-50% and are sensitive to desiccation
below 12-30% depending on species. They have short storage potential and rapidly lose viability under any kind of
storage conditions. Seeds cannot be stored under conventional seed-banking conditions of low water content and
subzero temperatures

Disoxylum binectariferum Castanospermum australe Myristica fragrans

16
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Species of Dipterocarpaceae, Lauraceae, Quercus spp., Castanea spp, Castanospermum australe, Diploknema
butyraceae, Mesua ferrea, Shorea robusta, Dysoxylum binectariferum. Cocos nucifera, Artocarpus heterophyllus, etc.

Species producing seeds of this type typically occur in moist areas, particularly rainforests where the seeds are shed
at high moisture content, in a metabolically active state. The seeds are often large and round, have thin coverings and
a low seed coat ratio (SCR). High moisture contents of recalcitrant seeds make them sensitive to desiccation and
chilling injury through the formation of ice crystals that disrupt cells when subjected to subzero temperatures.

Intermediate Seeds
Seeds are not fully orthodox or recalcitrant category. Some of these seeds may have a limited desiccation tolerance
but are sensitive to freezing temperatures. Species are able to withstand desiccation between about 7-10% to 20%
moisture content in an air-dried storage condition. e.g. certain Citrus spp.

Examples of intermediate Seeds are Azardirachta indica, Bixa orellana, Citrus limon, Carica papaya, Araucaria
columnaris, and Coffea arabica.

SEED STORAGE CLASSES

Storage class Storage period Seed moisture Temperature Container type

0
Years % C
True orthodox <5 6-10 0-5 Airtight
<5 6-10 -18 Airtight
Sub-orthodox <5 6-10 0-5 Airtight
<5 6-10 -18 Airtight
Temperate Recalcitrant <3 30-45 -1 to –3 4-mil*plastic, unsealed
Tropical Recalcitrant <1 30-45 12-20 4-mil*plastic, unsealed
*mil = 1/1000 inch = 0.025 mm

STORAGE PRINCIPLES
Orthodox seeds at 5 to 10 percent moisture can be stored at most temperatures.
?
0 0
The safe temperature range for recalcitrant seeds of temperate zone species is 1 C to 3 C while for tropical species it
?
0 0
is usually above 12 C to 15 C, because of chilling injury.
If the storage unit has humidity control (50 to 60 percent relative humidity), orthodox seeds need not to be sealed.
?
Recalcitrant seeds cannot be sealed, so they cannot be stored in such a unit, the low humidity would desiccate the
seeds.
Without humidity control, relative humidity will be 95 percent or more, which is fine for recalcitrant seeds. Orthodox
?
seeds must be dried and stored in sealed containers in such a unit.
Humidity control is not recommended for the tropics because both orthodox and recalcitrant seeds will be stored in
?
the same facility.
Reduced oxygen slows metabolism and increases longevity but it is not usually practical to regulate oxygen level.
?

Containers like fibre drums with capacity of 0.45 & 0.90 hl, plastic bottles and bags (0.1 to 0.2 mm thick) are very
?
effective for seed storage.

17
 INSECT PESTS OF SEEDS
7
AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

INSECT PESTS OF FOREST SEEDS

One of the important causes of poor regeneration in Indian forests is heavy insect pests attack during flowering, fruiting,
seed formation, and seed shedding. Insect pests attack has
not limited and causes heavy loss and high mortality during
storage and seedling stages. The cumulative actions of
insect pests are significantly degrading the health of seed
by damaging the seed and protective structures,
consuming the reserve food in the endosperm or
cotyledons and formation of bores, mines, and galls.

In India’s forest, Teak and Sal are the most economically

important species attacked during inflorescence stage,
seed formation and seed shedding. The inflorescence of
teak is injured by the sap sucking bug, Leptocentris vicaris
in South India, thus causing the destruction of much of the Insect pests attack on seeds

seed crops. High host density is also one of the key factor
promoting pest outbreaks. Cones of various species of conifers in the Himalaya are attacked by Dioryctria abietella.

The intensity of seed damage depends on the parts of seeds damaged and also on the nature of insect pests. Insects of
the orders Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Homoptera and Thysanoptera cause the most
damage to flowers, fruits, and seeds of woody plants. The most important among the insect pests damaging seed during
storage is the species Caryedon, Bruchus, Bruchidius, Callosobruchus and Sitophilus.

CONTROL MEASURES
Monitoring and detection of insect pests in seeds are necessary at an earlier stage to reduce the heavy loss. Methods like
traditional, natural, chemical, and biological measures can be used.

Parasites and Predators

Introduction of natural predators for the management of insect pests is found effective in many species.
Trichogramma evanescens (Hymenoptera: Trychogrammatidae) has been used successfully against Bambusa tulda
seed borer.

CHEMICAL MEASURES
Chemical insect control is effectively applicable in seed orchards or clonal seed orchards. Spraying of chemicals such as
0.25% of endosulfan or fenitrothion water emulsions, 0.05% of Monocrotophos dichlorvos water emulsions are reported
to be effective for the control of pests.

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FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Management of insects pests attacking seed on trees:

High volume spray of Azinphos methyl 0.2%

?

Fenvalerate and permethrin 0.025%

?

Endosulfan 0.25%
?

Tetrachlorvinphos 0.25%
?

Monocrotophos and Dimecron 0.25%

?

Thimet /phorate/ Furadon 0.5%

?

Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium amisopliae (100% mortality)

?

MANAGEMENT OF STORED SEEDS

Some of the methods should be followed before storage for ensuring the safety and quality of seeds for long-term are
visual examination of seed, analysis of purity, inspection of moisture content, cutting test in representative samples, X-
Ray techniques to detect any internal infestation, chemical treatment, etc.

Seeds should be treated with chemical fumigants such as carbon disulphide, ethylene bromide, and carbon
tetrachloride. Chemically treated seeds can be stored in an air tight dry container, or disinfected gunny bags in properly
aerated rooms. Gunny and jute bags used for seed storage can be treated with pyrethrine and malathion dusts for
surface sterilization.

TRADITIONAL STORAGE PRACTICES USING PLANT AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Leaves of Azardirachta indica, Pongamia glabra, Ocimum spp., Leucas zeylanica, Vitex negundo, Adathoda vasica, stems
of Madhuca latifolia and Cactus spp., seeds of Annona reticulata and Piper nigrum are some of the natural extracts used
for seed storage. Natural plant parts are safer as compared to toxic chemicals. Oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus
communis is a natural insect repellant.

Quality of seed production and viability of seed is highly influenced by the insect pest damage in natural populations and
storage conditions. Healthy and insect pests free seeds can improve the survival rate of plantations and thereby increase
their productivity. Regeneration failure in most of the forests is mainly due to pest and disease and can only be controlled
by using specific control measures like chemical, biological, natural, etc.

19
 Table 7.1 Common Name Scientific Name Order Family
Insect pests
of forest seed,
fruit and
conifers SEED BORERS

Oak acorn weevils Sitophilus glandium (Marshall) Coleoptera Curculionidae

Curculio sikkimensis Coleoptera Curculionidae

Pine shoot borer Dioryctria abietella Denis & Schiff Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Pyralid moth Trachylepida fructicassiella Ragnot Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Eucosmid moth Argyroploce illepida Lepidoptera Eucosmidae

Ailanthus webworm Atteva fabriciella Swedrus Lepidoptera Yponomeutidae

Albizia seed borers Bruchus bilineatopygus Pic Coleoptera Bruchidae

B. spraspmaculatus Pic Coleoptera Bruchidae
Caryedon gonagra Fab Coleoptera Bruchidae

Sal Seed borer Sitophilus rugicollis Casey Coleoptera Curculionidae

Weevil Mecobaris terminalae Marshall Coleoptera Curculionidae

Beetle Araecerus fasciculatus

INFLORESCENCE FEEDER, SEED AND FRUIT BORERS

Pyralid moths Dichocrosis punctiferalis Guenee Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Pagyda savalis Walk Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Teak seed borer Eutectona machaeralis Walk Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Meliaceae fruit and Hypsipyla robusta Moore Lepidoptera Hypsipylidae

shoot borer

(Source: Sood, 2009)

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FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

8 SEED CERTIFICATION

SEED CERTIFICATION AND NEED OF SEED CERTIFICATION IN FORESTRY

Seed certification is the guarantee of seed character and quality by an officially recognized organization usually
evidenced by a certificate, which includes such information as certification category, genuineness of species and variety,
year of collection, origin, purity, soundness, and Germinative capacity.

Forest seed certification can be an effective way to improve the plantation practices in our country. With the aim of
increasing the forest cover, Govt. of India has launched several initiatives like National Mission for Green India (GIM),
CAMPA, National afforestation programme, etc. which aim to increase forest cover in India through rehabilitation of
degraded forest, compensatory afforestation, reforestation and plantation and land restoration works.

The survival and success rate of most of the massive plantation work in India has not figured much in any literature but the
results are comparatively lesser than the half of the expected level so we must give attention to some of the key factors to
ensure success. In India, massive scale plantation programs always relied on seed and due to the length of forest tree
cycles, the cost of plantations and long-term forest investment, it is essential to get proper information on the origin and
on the genetic characteristics of the seed used in plantation programmes. In most of the plantation work, lots of funds
have been primarily invested for nursery development, infrastructure, seedling supplement but adequate standards to
measure the quality of seed should also get equal importance.

The origin, genetic characters of the seed significantly affect the growth, survival, productivity, long term viability, adaptive
capacity and self sustainability of tree populations. Origin of seed will provide the details of climate, topography, edaphic
characters, associates of the region and this information will be helpful when introducing the particular species in to other
regions. If the seed is taken from a single tree or few trees or from limited site there must be high frequency of inbreeding
this will cause low seed set and germination. In India, forest and plantations are facing the risk of inbreeding which cause
reduced fitness, less survival and success rate of subsequent generations as compared to global average. Seed zone is
the first step in seed certification which is a geographical area delineated by means of administrative and geographical
boundaries and which may be based on the climate, topography, altitude, latitude, longitude, temperature, precipitation,
etc. SSOs and CSOs should be developed to meet the immediate demand for forest seed for plantation work. These
trees are genetically

superior and isolated from genetically inferior trees to reduce pollination and to get desired characteristics. The first
experimental clonal seed orchard of teak was established at the New Forest campus of the Forest Research Institute,
Dehra Dun. Following this, many states have established teak seed orchards on an area of nearly 1,000 hectares. More
than 3000 hectares of seed stands and seed production areas have been identified in India and are managed for seed
production.

Phenotypic characters of the tree must be highly relevant during utility-based tree seed collection. Phenotype is a product
of both the genetics of the tree and the environment in which it grows. Growth rate is often largely determined by the
environment, but branchiness, forkedness, and wood quality are based on genotype and is highly heritable. Thus,
collectors should first select a site to match the planting site and then collect seeds from the best trees in that site.

21
INTERNATIONAL SEED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
European Union (EU) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) certification schemes are
the two important seed certification schemes. Under the OECD Scheme, reproductive materials are classified into four
categories. The rules of the OECD Scheme apply to forest reproductive material of "Identified", "Selected", "Qualified" and
“Tested” categories, issued from forest basic material of "Seed-source", "Stand" and "Seed Orchard", “Parents of
Family/ies, “Clone” and “Clonal Mixture”.

Standards for Certification

Categories of Reproductive Materials
?
Certification classes for forest reproductive material differ from classes for agricultural seeds. Forestry programs
typically follow the OECD standards for forest reproductive material that includes “tested reproductive material,”
which is the equivalent of the “certified” category for agricultural seeds, and three additional classes of less rigid
genetic control. The four classes and their requirements are:
Source - Identified Reproductive Material (Yellow Tag) comes from stands within an identified seed collection
zone. It is required that:
Seed source and/or provenance must be defined and registered with the designated authority.
?
Seeds must be collected, processed, and stored under inspection by the designated authority.
?

Selected reproductive material (Green Tag) comes from phenotypically selected stands and cultivars. These
stands and cultivars have not been tested for genetic quality, but they must;
Be isolated by distance from poor stands.
?
Show normal variation among trees within a stand.
?
Be large enough for adequate cross-pollination.
?
Be old enough and developed enough to allow evaluation of phenotypes.
?
Exhibit phenotypic superiority in some desirable quality, such as volume, wood quality, form or growth habit,
?
wood quality, resistance to disease, fodder production, or fruit production.

Reproductive Material from untested seed orchards (Pink Tag) comes from phenotypically selected parent trees
in a seed orchard or from the progenies of such trees.

Tested reproductive material (Blue Tag) must come from seed orchards, stands, or cultivars whose genetic
superiority in at least one desirable quality has been proven in tests approved by the designated authority.
Superiority can only be certified in terms of the environment and the age of the test.
Forestry certification classes can be applied to parts of plants (cuttings) as well as seeds.

Types of basic materials recognized in the scheme

?

There are six types of basic material from which reproductive material can be collected, namely:
Seed source, Stand, Seed Orchard, Parents of Family(ies), Clone and Clonal Mixture.

Seed Source: Trees within an area from which seeds are collected.

Stand: A delineated population of trees possessing sufficient uniformity. These are of two types:

Autochthonous Stand: Stand regenerated by natural regeneration. The stand may be regenerated artificially
?
from reproductive material collected in the same stand or autochthonous stands within the close proximity.

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 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Indigenous Stand: An indigenous stand is an autochthonous stand or is a stand raised artificially from
?
seed, the origin of which is situated in the same region of provenance.

Seed Orchard: A plantation of selected individuals where each one is identified by clone, family or provenance,
which is isolated or managed to avoid or reduce pollination from outside sources, and managed to produce frequent,
abundant and easily harvested crops of seed.

Parents of Family(ies): Trees used to obtain progeny by controlled or open pollination of one identified parent used
as a female, with the pollen of one parent (full-sibling) or a number of identified or unidentified parents (half-sibling).

Clone: Group of individuals (ramets) derived originally from a single individual (ortet) by vegetative propagation (e.g.
by cuttings, micropropagation, grafts, layers, etc).

Clonal Mixture: A mixture of initially identified clones in defined proportions

Origin of Reproductive Materials

?
For an autochthonous seed source or stand, the origin is the place in which the trees are growing. For a non-
autochthonous seed source or stand, the origin is the place from which the seed or plants were originally introduced.
The origin of a seed source or stand may be unknown.

Provenance: The place in which any seed source or stand of trees is growing.

Region of Provenance: For a species or sub-species, the Region of Provenance is the area or group of areas
subject to sufficiently uniform ecological conditions in which stands showing similar phenotypic or genetic
characters are found.

SEED CERTIFICATION IN INDIA

In India, seed certification was first started for agriculture crops with the establishment of National Seed Corporation
(NSC) in 1963 and is also regulated in accordance with the Seed Act, 1966. In 2008, India became a member of OECD
Seed Schemes followed by 109 varieties in 20 agricultural crops from India are enlisted in OECD list of varieties eligible for
OECD Varietal certification.

However, an institutional framework along with adequate guidelines for certification of forest seed is not fully established
in our country. Unlike agriculture crops, demands of forest seed certification has not reached a significant level due to
many factors like long rotation period of trees, slower rate of breeding as compared to agricultural crops, very less
demand for international trade, concept of secondary outputs from trees and forest, lack of proper standards in
genetic/phenotype/environmental subject of tree seeds, etc.

In the 1970s, the Government of India had sanctioned a project known as Indo-Danish Project on “Seed Procurement
and Tree Improvement” which issued a document “Certification of Forest Reproductive Material in India (Anon, 1979a)”
and “Seed Zonation followed in India” (Gopal and Pattanath, 1979b) for forest seed certification by the States. This
scheme was based on OECD standards and guidelines of ISTA, 1971 which framed a set of rules for the collection,
transportation, processing, storage, sampling, labeling and sealing of seed for distribution.

The project formulated a set of minimum standards for seed collection.

?Source-identified Reproductive Materials: Seed from indigenous or non indigenous species collected from
demarcated seed zones and approved by Designated Authority

?Selected Reproductive Materials: Derived from stands, cultivars with minimum standards mentioned in the
scheme.

23
?Reproductive Materials from untested Seed Orchards: Derived from untested seed orchards, derived from
single species seed orchards, collected from single region or provenance. Reproductive material derived from
seed orchards established to produce species hybrids or provenance hybrids, can only be included in this
category.

?Tested Reproductive Materials: Seed/reproductive materials originate from seed orchards, stands or cultivars
whose genetic superiority to appropriate standards, in one or two characters important to forestry has been proved
by comparative tests conducted in specified environments.

FOREST SEED CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES AT THE STATE LEVEL

States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, U.P., Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and
Maharashtra have made considerable progress in the development of SPAs, SSOs and CSOs. In 1994, seed testing
facility was established for quality seeds for plantation by Kerala Forest Department and later on Govt. of Kerala handed
over this responsibility to Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) which procures the seeds from SPAs and seed orchards
and supplies the seeds to KFD after quality testing. In Kerala, seed certification of teak is done by the Seed centre of KFRI,
Peechi. The seed centre has been set up in collaboration with the State Forest Department.

In 1992, Maharashtra Forest department established a Seed Centre at with the objective of ensuring supply of good
quality seeds of forestry species for the planting programme by identifying and managing different seed sources such as
seed stands, seed production areas, seed orchards etc, seed collection, treatment, certification and distribution. The unit
is equipped with all infrastructural facilities necessary for seed processing, certification and storage

A few states also have the infrastructure to collect, process, grade and test seed, as well as a system of in house
certification. However, in general, the progress in this respect is uneven and a majority of the States do not use (or have)
enough source identified or certified material for plantations. So a Designated Authority with nationally recognized seed
certification protocols should be adopted for all over the country which ensures the uniformity in seed certification
practices.

24
 9
S. Scientifi Family Flowerin Fruit Seed Seed Pretreatmen No. of Germinati Seed
No. c g maturity processi Moist ts for days/ on storage
Name season are germination months percentag behaviour
content taken to e (%)
germina

1. Abies Pinaceae April- October Cones are dried 8.73 No pre- 1 42 Orthodox
spectabilis May in the shade for treatment month nature: Seeds
2-3 weeks after required, stored in
airtight
SPECIES OF INDIA

collection from however poor

the field and germination is moisture-
seeds are due to proof polysac
separated from presence of bottles placed
in refrigerator
the cones large number
at <50C
manually and of empty
retains more
then dried for seeds (up to
than 32%
one week under 60%)
viability after 6
room
months, 27%
temperature. viability after
one year & 21
% viability even
after one and
half years of
storage.
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

INFORMATION ON SOME IMPORTANT FORESTRY

2. Acacia Fabace Feb- Jan- The dry pods 12.96 Hot water for 1-2 72-80 Orthodox
catechu ae March March were kept for 24 hours
drying in shade.
When the pods
started splitting,
the seeds were
ICFRE
A MANUAL

separated
manually.

25
26
3. Aegle Rutaceae March- May-June The ripened fruits 7-8 Not required 5-6 days 90-95 Orthodox
marmelos May were macerated,
de-pulped and
washed with tap
water. The seeds
were separated with
the help of sieve.

4. Albizia Fabaceae April-June Sep-Nov The pods were 9.86 Hot water for 24 1-2 days 70-75 Orthodox
jullibrissin kept for shade hours
drying & followed
by manual extraction.

5. Bischofia Euphobiac April-May Dec- The ripened fruits 13.02 Not required 12-18 65-78 Recalcitrant
javanica -eae March were macerated, days
de-pulped and
washed with tap
water. The seeds
were separated with
the help of sieve.

6. Boswellia Burseraceae January- May-June Seeds are 15-20 Seeds should be 6-15 20-90 Orthodox: In
serrata March extracted from immersed in days ambient conditions
the dry ripe fruits water before they at 15-37°C upto
manually and are sown one year;
wings are viability can be
removed by extended for
rubbing between more than three
hands and then years, if stored
cleaning can be at low temperature
done either by (-20°C to 15°C)
winnowing or by with wide range
a seed blower. of moisture
content (4- 11%).
 7. Buxus Buxaceae Mar - May Sep-Oct Seeds were 10.61 GA3(0.02, 0.05 % 30-40 40-45 Orthodox
wallichiana extracted for 24, 48 and 72 days
manually after hours) Moist
splitting fruit. stratification

8. Careya Lecythidaceae Mar-April May-June 20.21 No 4-5 days 95-100 Recalcitrant

arborea

9. Carpinus Betulaceae Mar-April Seeds were 6.4 GA3(0.02, 0.05 % 15-25 50-55 Orthodox
viminea separated from for 24 and 48 days
the debris, empty hours); Moist
seeds and chaffs stratification
by gentle
winnowing.

10. Chukrasia Meliaceae April- Jan- Shade dried the Not required starts 70-90 Orthodox
tabularis June/July March capsules until after 7
they split open days and
and then released ends after
the seeds by 28 days
gentle tumbling
or shaking

11. Dalbergia Fabaceae March- Nov-Dec Manual extraction 10.96 No 2-3 days 90-95 Orthodox
sissoo May method was
adopted to
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

separate the
seeds from pods.

12. Desmodium Fabaceae March- May-June Manual extraction 6.5 Not required 2 days 95-100 Orthodox
oojeinense April method was
ICFRE

adopted to
A MANUAL

separate the
seeds from pods.

27
28
13. Dipterocarpus Dipterocar- June- Feb- Ripe fruits are sun Not required 10-12 25-80 Recalcitrant
macrocarpus -paceae November March dried, calyx and days
pedicel are
removed and
henceforth
excised fruits is
referred as seeds

14. Duabanga Lythraceae Mar-May Sep-Oct Fruits at maturity Not required 10-12 70 Recalcitrant
grandiflora releases seeds days
during
September and
October

15. Elaeocarpus Elaeocarp- May-June Sep-Oct Chemical or Scarification 10-12 10 Recalcitrant

serratus -acea mechanical days
scarification for
removal of seed
coat

16. Emblica Euphorbi- March- Feb-April Fruits are soaked 20-25 Seed exposed to 35 days 85 Orthodox type:
officinalis -ceae May in water for few GA3 500ppm for >6years at low
days till the pulp 24hours resulted temperature (- 20°C
softens, then better to 15°C, 4-12%).
macerated gently germination. moisture content.
by pounding Viability of seeds
them in a mortar declines after two
with a pestle to years of storage at
remove the pulp ambient condition
at any moisture
content.

17. Euodia luna- Rutaceae Sep-Feb June-July The fruits are 18.3 Not required 28 days 56 Orthodox: Can
ankenda manually depulped be stored put
using water to to one year
extract the seeds.
 18. Fraxinus Oleaceae Aug-Sep Sep-Oct Fruits were 6.07 No 5-6 days 85-90 Orthodox
micrantha separated from
branches and
seed extracted
and removed all
foreign materials
manually.

19. Fraxinus Oleaceae Mar-April Sep-Oct Fruits were GA3(0.02, 0.05% 60-65 25-30 Orthodox
xanthoxylodes separated from for 24, 48 and 72 days
branches and hours) Moist cold
seed extracted stratification,
and removed all Warm stratification
foreign materials Warm+ cold
manually. stratification

20. Hardwickia Fabaceae July- Sep April-May The fully matured 10-12 Nil 10-15 80-100 Orthodox type:
binata pods may be days in >5years at 0- -
Roxb. dried placing soil 20°C. > 2years
them under sun at ambient
for extraction of temperature
seeds. Seeds are (15-46°C) with
then cleaned by 10% moisture
seed blower or content.
by winnowing.

21. Hippophae Elaeagna- Feb- Nov-Feb The ripened fruits 10.4 Not required 5-6 days 85-90 Orthodox
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

salicifolia -eae March were macerated,

de-pulped and
washed with tap
water. The seeds
were separated
ICFRE
A MANUAL

with the help of

sieve.

29
30
22. Holoptelea Ulmaceae Feb- Jan-Feb April-May 12-16 Nil 10 days 60 Orthodox :>
integrifolia March 5years at 150C
to - 200C and 3-
5% moisture
content. At room
temperature
viability of seed
can be extended
up to one year,
if stored at 3-5%
moisture content.

23. Hydnocarp Flacourtiac Feb-April July-Aug The mature hard 74.9 Not required 20 days 40 Recalcitrant:
-us alpina eae fruits were broke Can be kept
open carefully viable only upto
using hammer to 20 days
release the seeds

24. Juniperus Cupressac- Nov-Dec November Berries are dried in 9.20 Seeds are mixed 10 70 Orthodox:
polycarpos -eae (Male shade for a week with fresh cow month seeds stored in
Cones) after collection from dung and placed airtight
field & then soaked in open pits for moisture-proof
in luke warm water 60 days duration polysac bottles
containing 5% Lye during winter for placed in
solution (Na OH) cold moist refrigerator at
for 3 days for easy
stratification <50C retains
seed extraction.
treatment. more than 70%
Seeds are extracted
viability after
from the berried
one year of
by macerating the
berries on wire mesh storage and
with the help oval 55% viability
or round shaped even after two
stone & then cleaned years of
and dried in shade storage.
for 7-10 days.
 25. Litsea Lauraceae Sep-Feb June-July Fruits are soaked 52.19 Not required 28 days 63 Recalcitrant:
wightiana in water for 12 Seeds are
hours and the short lived and
pulp removed are viable upto
manually to 20 days.
extract the seeds.

26. Madhuca Sapotaceae Mar-April June-Aug Seeds are 40-45 Nil 17 days 80-100 Recalcitrant:
indica separated from Viability up to 5
the seeds by months at 28°C
rubbing the fruits in sealed
manually and polythene bags
thorough washing. with shedding
moisture
content of 40-
41%.

27. Magnolia Magnoliace June-Sep Aug-Sep Remove seed from Stratification 7 to 28 70-80 Orthodox Low
champaca -ae dried fruit, rub days temperature
seeds with sand
papers or press
seed edge with
sharp knife and
immerse overnight
in hot water before
sowing
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

28. Meliosoma Sabiaceae Sep-Oct June Soak fruits for 12 33.27 Not required 27 days 77 Orthodox :
wightii hours in water and Seeds can be
manually remove stored at 15°C
the pulp. The upto one year
ICFRE
A MANUAL

extracted seeds
are sown.

31
32
29. Mesua Calophylla- April-June July-Sep Soaking in cold Not needed 11-24 90 Orthodox
ferrea -ceae water for 24 hrs to days
hasten the
germination

30. Michelia Magnoliace Jan-Feb Sep-Nov The mature fruits 28.63 Soaking seeds in 25 days 26.25 Intermediate:
champaca -ae are spread on water for 24 Seeds are
tarpaulin for about hours slighty viable upto 2
4 days and improves the months at room
allowed to split germination. temperature.
open to release
the seeds.

31. Michelia Magnoliace Sep-Oct May-June The mature fruits 20.11 Soaking seeds in 25 days 25 Intermediate:
nilagirica -ae are spread on water for 24 Seeds are
tarpaulin for about hours slighty viable upto 2
4 days and improves the months at
allowed to split germination. room
open to release temperature
the seeds.

32. Morus Moraceae Jan-Feb April-June Pre-treatment with Stratification 30 to 60 50-80 Orthodox
laevigata hormones like GA3 days
enhance
germination

33. Neolitsea Lauraceae Jan-Feb May-June Fruits are washed 24.13 Not required 45 days 25 Recalcitrant.
zeylanica in water to remove Seeds remain
the pulp and viable only upto
seeds extracted 20 days

34. Nothapodyt- Icacinaceae Oct-Feb June-July Fruits are washed 24.13 Not required 30 days 51 Recalcitrant.
-es in water to remove Seeds remain
nimmoniana the pulp and viable only upto
seeds extracted. 45 days
 35. Phoebe Lauraceae April-May Oct-Nov Manual removal or Stratification 35 days 65 Recalcitrant
goalparensis 2-4 longitudinal to 4
incisions on the months
seed coat helps in
water absorption
and subsequent
seed germination

36. Pinus Pinaceae April-June Dec-Jan Cones dried in the Not needed 6-20 70-90 Orthodox
kesiya sun, Seeds are days
extracted by
shaking or raking
and de-winged
before storage

37. Pinus Pinaceae March- Oct-Nov Seed extraction is Not needed 7-15 40 Orthodox:Kept
merkusii June by sun drying the days upto 6 months
cones until they beyond which
open and then thegermination
stirred the cones capacity
for seed declines.

38. Pinus Pinaceae April-May Sep-Nov The dry cones of 11.69 Hot water for 24 10 days 75-85 Orthodox
wallichiana Pinuswallichiana hours
were placed in a
drum rotator machine
to separate the
seeds from cones
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

and de-winging
was done.

39. Pongamia Fabaceae March- Seeds are extracted 14.32 Nil 30 days 80 Orthodox: >
pinnata May from pods by light 5years at ambient
hammering or temperature
ICFRE

pressing a knife (15-35oC) and

A MANUAL

along the sutures to moisture content

break them open. of 4-5%.

33
34
40. Pterocarpus Fabaceae June-Nov Dec- The seed wings 20-25 Nil 69 days 60-95 1 year viability
marsupium March are clipped off the at ambient
fruits with the help temperature
of scissor to (15-350C). > 3
facilitate sowing years at 150C to
operation. -100C and 4-5%
moisture content.

41. Pyrus Rosaceae Feb- Sep-Dec The ripened fruits 10.97 Not required 4-6 days 70-75 Orthodox
pashia March were macerated,
de-pulped and
washed with tap
water. The seeds
were separated
with the help of
sieve.

42. Rhododen- Ulmaceae Feb- Oct-Dec Manual extraction Not required 8-10 7680/g Orthodox
-dron March method was days (weight
arboreum adopted to basis)
separate the
seeds from
capsules

43. Sapindus Sapindaceae Oct-Dec Feb-May Fruits are spread 10 Soaking in cold 10-15 60-70 Orthodox: High
laurifolius and dried in Sun. water for days Viability at 0 to -
Seeds are then overnight 200C, 3-5%
separated by moisture
gentle cracking of content.
the fruits

44. Schima Theaceae April-May Oct-Nov Seed - germinates Not needed 12-30 10-20 Recalcitrant
wallichi freely when sown days
as soon as it is ripe
 45. Shorea Dipterocar- Aug-Oct Jan-April Not required but Not needed 15-30 50-60 Recalcitrant
asamica -pac eae Recommended to days
soak the seed for
12 hours prior to
sowing

46. Shorea Dipterocar- Feb-April May-June Not required Not needed 15-28 75-90 Recalcitrant
robusta -pac eae days

47. Symplocos Symplocac Nov-Feb July-Aug The fruits are 29.32 Seeds require 25 days 90 Orthodox:
cochinchin -eae soaked in water after ripening. Stores well
-enis for 24 hours and Pack seeds and even upto 2
then the pulp is allow it to remain years at room
removed by at 20°C for about temperature
scrubbing with 9 months.
sand.
Then soak seeds
in water for 24
hours and sow in
the nursery bed.

48. Syzygium Myrtaceae Oct-April July-Aug The seeds can 30.94 Seeds can 19 days 23.8 Recalcitrant:
arnottianum extracted by extracted by Fresh seeds
soaking the fruits soaking the fruits can remain
in water for an hour in water for an viable only upto
followed by hour followed by one month.
manual depulping manual
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT

and washing. The depulping and

cleaned seeds
washing. The
need to be surface
cleaned seeds
dried under shade
need to be
(28-30 oC) for half
surface dried
an hour.
ICFRE

under shade (28-

A MANUAL

30oC) for half an

hour.

35
36
49. Syzygium Myrtaceae Dec-Feb June-Aug The seeds can 44.0 Not required 18 days 86.3 Recalcitrant:
cumini extracted by Fresh seeds
soaking the fruits can remain
in water for an hour viable only upto
one month.
followed by manual
depulping & washing.
The cleaned seeds
need to be surface
dried under shade (28
-30 oC) for half an hour.

50. Terminalia Combretac April-July Feb- May Fruits are dried in 30-40 Seeds are 50-75 50-75 Orthodox type:
arjuna -eae the shade. soaked in Indole- days >5 years at 0 to
3 acidic acid -20oC with low
(IAA) at the dose moisture content.
of 500 ppm Even hermetic
induce better storage at room
temperature
germination
(15-350C) with 5%
capacity
moisture content
retains their
viability up to 2
years.

51. Terminalia Combretac Feb- May- Nov The fruits are 10 Soaking and 86 days 66.7 Orthodox type:
chebula -eae March soaked 24-48 hrs drying for 5- > 5 years at 0 to
in water and the 7days -20oC with low
pulp is removed by moisture content.
macerating the Even hermetic
fruits and washing storage at room
temperature
thoroughly under
(15-350C) with 5%
water, clean seeds
moisture content
are then dried
retains their
under shade. viability up to 2
years.
 52. Toona Meliaceae March- April-June Manual extraction 5.96 Not required 4-5 days 85-95 Orthodox
ciliata April method was
adopted to
separate the
seeds from
capsules.

53. Uncaria Rubiaceae April-May Sep-Oct Minute seeds 10.7 Dry after ripening 10-12 1701/g Orthodox
pilosa were extracted for four months days (weight
manually. basis

54. Viburnum Adoxaceae Jan-Feb July-June Seed extraction 6.4 Not required 40 days 39.5 Intermediate:
erubescens not required. Seeds can
Fruits can be store upto one
sown directly. month.
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT
ICFRE
A MANUAL

37
 INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENTS USED IN
10
SEED TESTING LABORATORY

SAMPLING EQUIPMENTS SAMPLE DIVIDERS/SPLITTERS

Seed Trier: It is used for drawing seed samples Boerner Divider

?
from the seed lot.

Nobbe Trier
?

It is used for sampling seed from bag but not in It is used for dividing seed/grain sample into two
bulk. It is inserted pointing upwards at an angle equal halves.
of about 30° to the horizontal, with the hole facing
downwards until it reaches the centre of the bag, Gamet Divider
?
then revolved through 180°, bringing the hole
face upwards, and is withdrawn with decreasing
speed so that the quantity of seed obtained from
successive locations increases progressively
from centre to side of the bag.

Sleeve Trier
?

It is used for dividing and mixing of seed/grain which

This is used for drawing seed samples from the do accurate division and reduction to working size of
seed lots packed in bags or in containers. samples exactly representative of the original sample.

38
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Rotary Cone Sample Divider

? every operation the feed sample is divided in two
representative subsamples. The operation can be
repeated as many times as necessary, until the
required dividing quantity has been obtained.

SEED PURITY & GRADING INSTRUMENTS

/EQUIPMENTS

Illuminated Purity Work Board/ Diaphanoscope

?

It splits seeds of fine or coarse texture into

representative sub-samples with high accuracy of
99.9%, and assures reproducibility of analysis.
It is the instrument used for separating the inert
Riffle Sample Splitters
?
matters from the seed samples. Inert matters can be
anything other than the seeds like parts of leaves,
stems, chaff, twigs, soil material, discolor and 1other
foreign materials.

Winnower
?

It is precisely designed to reduce the bulk of material

to a convenient representative size for laboratory
analysis. A homogenous, dry, free- flowing sample is
poured evenly into the hopper/funnel. The material The winnower is used to separate seeds and other
flows through the alternately arranged passages in parts based on specific weight. A rough air
the opposite direction (chutes/riffle bank) into the two separation separates the seeds from the husks. It is
collecting pans under the dividing head outlets. With very suitable for cleaning small seed lots.

39
Seed Blower
?

The seed blower serves for quick and easy

separation of light and heavy fractions of a great
variety of seeds. The blower is equipped with a and particles of inert matter at the top and the
synchronous motor to ensure uniform RPM and air heaviest at the bottom. An oscillating movement of
flow is regulated with a calibrated vernier gate. the table causes the seeds to move at different rates
across the deck. The lightest seeds float down under
Aspirator
? gravity and are discharged at the lower end, while
the heaviest ones are kicked up the slope by contact
with the oscillating deck and are discharged at the
upper end.

Density Separator
?

It is used for separation of light chaffy material from

grains and bamboo species.

Gravity Separator
?
It is used to separate seeds based on their specific
weight. The purpose is to separate empty seeds,
insect damaged seeds, stones and other lighter or
heavier materials from the seed lot. The principle of
floatation applies here when the seeds are This seed density separation unit is used for accurate
transferred through a hopper/funnel into the platform seed density grading using liquids (water or liquids
surface. Air circulation through porous deck surface with certain osmotic pressures). During separation
and the bed of seeds by a fan, stratifies the seeds in the seeds should maintain the same moisture level
layers according to density with the lightest seeds content.

40
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Magnetic seed Separators

? OTHER INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENTS
USED IN SEED TESTING LABORATORY

Seed Counter
?

It is designed to count number of seeds automatically

and also make it easier to determine the number of
These machines use a magnetic force to separate
seeds per kilogram.
damaged seeds or other particles from the good
seeds. Vacuum Seed Counter
?

Colour Separator
?

It is used for seed counting and also placing the seed

in petridish or germination tray in the course of seed
germination. It has a suction tube and suction head
with control button to control the suction power
according to seed size.

The colour separator is used to separate discoloured Seed Scarifier

?
seed, greatly of lower quality. Separation based on
colour is necessary because the density and
dimensions of discoloured seed are the same as
those of sound seed; Seed that differs in colour is
detected by the photo cells, which generate an
electric impulse. The impulse activates an air jet to
blow away the discoloured seed into reject bin while
the rest of the seed passes through to another bin.

41
 Species with a hard or waxy seed coat require It is basically a growth chamber that creates an
scarification. Scarification is a technique that artificial environment of temperature, humidity and
simulates the natural disintegration (such as light to provide optimum conditions for the
weathering, abrasion, or partial digestion) of the seed germination of seeds. Temperature of the chamber
coat to allow water uptake for timely germination. can be altered to constant high or low temperature for
different time [Link] germination chamber,
Seed Moisture Meter
? improves uniformity, decreases the lead time and
increases the numbers of germinating seeds.

Plant Incubator
?

It is a quick and easy method to determine the

moisture content in seed.

Oil Seed Analyzer

?
It is used in the determination of oil & moisture
content and Solid Fat Content of oil seed.

Seed Analyser
?
It is a compact steel box bearing a weighing machine,
In plant incubator, heating, cooling and humidity are
backlit unit and a set of cameras. The versatile setup
provided to reproduce certain environmental
enables necessary adjustments for accommodating
conditions for the growth and maintenance of plant.
seeds of varying sizes. The unique combination of
This is also used for germination studies in
strategically placed cameras and the LED light
seed/plants.
source generate images of the seeds for analysis.
The software captures seed images and analyses the
Seed Storage Chamber
?
physical properties of the seeds.

Seed Germinator
?

42
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

The Seed Storage Chambers are basically enclosed Hot-air oven

?
spaces with a controlled environment, designed to It is used for determination of percent of moisture
maintain specific temperature and relative humidity content in seed samples.
conditions for short term or long term storage of
seeds. Seeds with reduced moisture content Accelerated Ageing Chamber
?
(desiccated) are stored at desired low temperature It is designed to simulate environmental conditions to
for enhancing the shelf life. test the vigor and long term effects on seeds under
stressed environment by adjusting the light,
Desiccator:
?
temperature and humidity at different time periods.

Seed Herbarium
?

Desiccators protect seed from humidity and remove

moisture from the seed samples. Desiccant like Silica
gel or Calcium Chlorite are filled below the platform in
the desiccators, which remove traces of water from
Seed herbarium is designed for the identification of
the seed samples. The glass lid of the desiccator is
various seeds and placed in alphabetic order of
sealed with grease or other lubricant to ensure an
scientific name or family.
airtight seal.
Thermogradient Plate:
?
Seed Dryer
?

Thermogradient plates are set up in different ranges

of temperature and this determines the exact
It removes excess moisture from the seeds under low temperature required for the germination of seeds.
temperature and low humidity conditions and The gradient variation in temperature in sections is
enhances the storage life of seed. 0.5°C or 1°C.

43
IMPORTANT CHEMICALS USED IN SEED Gibberllic Acid: Seed Pretreatment
?
TESTING LABORATORY

Tetrazolium Chloride
?

2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride is used to check Potassium Nitrate: Seed Pretreatment

?
the viability of seed. Viable seeds appear in red/pink
color and non viable seeds do not take any stain.

Benzyladenine: Seed Pretreatment

?

Kinetin : Seed Pretreatment

? Thiourea: Seed Pretreatment
?

44
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Hydrogen peroxide: Seed Pretreatment

? Mercuric chloride: Seed sterilization
?

Sulphuric Acid: Seed Pretreatment

? Sodium hypochlorite: Seed sterilization
?

45
 FORMATS FOR VARIOUS SEED QUALITY
11
TEST REPORTS Annexure I

PURITY TEST

Date Replicate

A B C D

Composition of Weight Weight Weight Weight Pure Seed %

Sample Grams % Grams % Grams % Grams %

Pure Seed

Other Crop Seed

Inert Matter

Total Weight of Total

Sample

Original Weight Av.

of Sample

Summary
Pure Seed %:

Other crop seed %

Inert matter%

Moisture content%:

1000 pure seed wt………………..g

No. of pure seeds per kg ………..

No. of pure seeds per kg.. ………………..unsorted sample

No. of germinable seeds per kg……………………..unsorted sample

46
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Annexure II

SEED MOISTURE CONTENT TEST (Fresh Wt. basis)

Date Replicate

A B C D

CWt. Container + fresh seed

Wt. Container + dried seed

Wt. Container

Fresh Wt. of seed

Dried Wt. of seed

Wt. of moisture removed

% moisture content

Average % m.c.

Summary
1000 pure seed wt…………………….g

Drying Oven Temp 0 C: ……………….

Hours in drying oven : …………………

Seed crushed/uncrushed: ………………

Weight of unsorted sample containing 1000 pure seeds……………g

47
 Annexure III

GERMINATION TEST
Study …………………….............….. Species ………………………..........

Seeds/Rep. ………………………...... Test Period ……………………...…..

Temp. Regime ……………………….. Pretreatment ………………………..

Date Mouldy Insect Empty Fresh Total No.

Removed Damage Seeds

Days

A
Replicates

Total

Av.

Seed pre-treatment Germination Test

Method: Method: Germination:

Time: Temp0C: Variation:

Temp0C: Time: Tolerance:

No. of seeds: Germ capacity

48
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

Annexure IV

SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS

Species………………………..

Official Identity No………………………………

Test Date Purity Germination No. of No. of Empty Conversion Seed Remarks
No. % % pure viable Seed Factor Moisture
Seed Seed % Content
per Kg per Kg %

49
 Annexure V
Price List of Seeds, Silviculture and Forest Management Division, FRI,
Dehradun (As on May 2019)

Sl. No. Name of Species Price (Rs/Kg)

1. Emblica officinalis (Amla) 1500

2. Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar) 500

3. Podocarpus gracilior 1000

4. Elaeocarpus sphericus (rudarksh) 700

5. Melia dubia/composita 300

6. Peltophorum africanum 300

7. Taxodium spp. 600

8. Cascabela thevetia (kaner) 700

9. Cinnamomum camphor (kapoor) 500

10. Acer oblongum (Himalayan maple, pharjanj) 400

11. Adenanthera microsperma (rakta chandan) 400

12. Aesculus assamica (Indian horse chest nut) 300

13. Albizia julibrissin (siris, silk tree) 400

14. Anthocephalus chinensis (kadamb) 400

15. Callistemon viminalis (bottle brush) 500

16. Cassia fistula (amaltas) 500

17. Cassia glauca (pila amaltas) 500

18. Cassia javanica (pink shower, java cassia) 500

19. Cassia nodosa 500

20. Chukrassaia tabularis (Indian redwood, Chikrasi) 500

21. Cupressus cashmeriana (weeping cypress, Kashmir cypress) 600

50
 ICFRE
FOREST SEED MANAGEMENT A MANUAL

22. Dalbergia sissoo (Indian rosewood, shisham) 200

23. Delonix regia (gulmohar) 400

24. Desmodium oojeinense (sandan) 250

25. Eucalyptus citriodora - lemon-scented gum 2000

26. Enterolobium contortisiliquum (earpod tree) 400

27. Eucalyptus hybrid 2000

28. Ficus benjamina (weeping fig, pukar) (Lokeh) 600

29. Gmelina arborea (gamhar) 400

30. Jacaranda mimosaefolia (neeli gulmohar) 1000

31. Lagerstroemia speciosa (jarul) 400

32. Michelia champaca 500

33. Putranjiva roxburghii (putranjiva) 300

34. Sapindus mukorossii (soap-nut tree, ritha) 300

35. Schizolobium parahyba 400

36. Strychnos nux-vomica (kucchla) 400

37. Tecoma stans (piliya, sonapati) 1000

38. Tectona grandis (teak, sagwan) 600

39. Terminalia arjuna (arjun) 400

40. Terminalia bellirica (baheda) 400

41. Terminalia chebula (harad) 400

42. Trewia nudiflora (false white teak, gutel) 200

51
 12 LITERATURE CITED

Bonner, F.T and Karrfalt, R.P. (2008). The Woody Plant Seed Manual. USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Hamden,
Connecticut.

FAO (1995). Forest resources assessment 1990- Tropical forest plantation resources, Rome, Italy

ISFR (2017). India State of Forest Report. Forest Survey of India, Dehradun. 363p.

ISTA (2010). International Rules for Seed Testing. Zurichstr. 50, CH-8303 Basserdorf, Switzerland.

Khullar, P., Thapliyal, R.C., Beniwal, B.S., Vakshasya, R.K and Sharma, A. (1991). Forest seed. Forest Research Institute, ICFRE-15,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand. 409p.

Kumaravelu, G. (1993). Teak in India. In Henry Wood (Ed.) Teak in Asia, FORSPA Publication No. 4, Bangkok. pp. 27–34.

Kundu, M., Schmidt, L. (2011). Hardwickia binata Roxb. Seed Leaflet, No. 152. 2011, [Link] & Landscape, University of
Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kundu, M., Schmidt, L. (2012). Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Seed Leaflet, No. 154., [Link] & Landscape, University of
Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kundu, M., Schmidt, L. (2015). Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC) Wight & Arn. Seed Leaflet, No. 166, [Link] & Landscape,
University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kundu, M.,Chaturbedi, N. (2014). The role of fruit coat in germination of Pterocarpus marsupium seeds. International J. Current
Research (6): 7935-937.

Kundu, M. (2008). Prediction of viability of seeds of Pongamia pinnata under controlled conditions. Seed Science & Technology, 36:
481-485.

MoA (2014). Handbook on OECD Varietal Certification in India, Ministry of Agriculture, DoAC, Government of India New Delhi.

OECD (2014). OECD Scheme for the Certification of Forest Reproductive Material Moving in International Trade., OECD Forest Seed
And Plant Scheme-Rules and Regulations. [Link]/tad/forest, Paris.

Piare Lal, A.S. Dogra and S.L. Dabral (2008). Need for an institutional and regulatory mechanism for certification of forest reproductive
material in India, ICFRE, Dehradun. 223p.

Shukla, G, Pala, N.A. and Chakravarty, S. (2017). Forest Seed Science and Management.

New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi. 268p.

Sood, A. (2009). A manual on Forest Entomology. Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. Solan, India. 109p.

Thapliyal, M. (2014). Advances in Seed Science & Technology. ICFRE State of Knowledge Series-1. Greenfield Publishers, Dehradun.
165p.

Willan, R.N. (1985). A Guide to Forest Seed Handling. FAO Forestry Paper 20/2. FAO of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.

52
Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education
(An autonomous body of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change,
Government of India)
New Forest, Dehradun - 248 006 (Uttarakhand)
[Link]