4.

Seed Production Technology

a. Developmental variations : These
Recall a little ? variations are due to change in the environment
for seed crops. When seed crop is grown under
• Seed Technology is a branch of science
different conditions of soil, climate, elevations,
which deals with the study of methods
etc., for too many consecutive generations, this
of improving genetic and physical
variation may appear as differential growth
characteristics of seed.
responses. Therefore, crop should be grown in
• The scientific seed production consists of
areas of their adaptation and growing seasons
various activities such as selection of seed
b. Mechanical mixtures : There are different
source, production of crop, harvesting,
reasons responsible for the mechanical mixture
processing, storage and distribution.
of seed. The reasons and remedies for them are
• Maintaining genetic purity of the seed is of
as given in table 4.1 :
utmost importance. The seed production
c. Mutations : Mutation means sudden
must be carried out under standardised
heritable change in the progeny. Mutation is
and well organized conditions.
not a major factor and in certain cases, it is
4.1 PRINCIPLES OF SEED PRODUCTION even difficult to detect minor mutations.
Pure seed of good quality is produced only under d. Natural Crossing : It can be an important
utmost care and by applying general principles source of varietal deterioration in sexually
of seed production. The general principles of propagated crops. The deterioration may be
seed production are broadly classified into two due to natural crossing with diseased plants,
groups as genetic and agronomic principles. off types and undesirable types.
4.1.1 Genetic principles :
Genetic principles are as follows: Can you recall?
1. Deterioration of varieties : Genetic purity
of a variety can deteriorate due to several • What is meant by variation?
factors during production cycles. The important • What is the significance of variation in
factors which are responsible for deterioration plants?
of genetic purity or trueness are. • What are the kinds of variation?

Table 4.1 : Reasons and remedies for the mechanical mixtures

Reasons causing mechanical mixture of seed Remedies
• Use of the same seed drill for sowing more • Cleaning of seed drill before sowing new
than one variety. varieties.
• Presence of volunteer plants in the seed field. • Irrigating the field 3 weeks prior to sowing
and deep ploughing.
• Cultivation of different varieties in adjacent • Space isolation should be provided to seed
field. plot.
• Use of threshing floor at a time for different • Only one variety should be threshed at a time
varieties. and threshing yard should be cleaned before
next use.
• Use of combining or threshing equipment • Combining or threshing equipments should
and gunny bags contaminated with the seeds be cleaned before use. Gunny bags should
of different varieties. be new or old gunny bags should be cleaned
and fumigated before use.

60
e. Minor genetic variations : The varieties to natural crossing from neighbour crop,
appearing phenotypically uniform and off types and disease infection by wind,
homogeneous at the time of release may insects, etc. from neighbouring fields. It is
consists of some minor genetic variations. The also required during harvesting and post
yield trials of lines propagated from plants of harvesting process to avoid-mechanical
breeders seed in the case of self pollinated crop mixtures. The distance should be as per
and proper precautions during the maintenance seed certification standards.
of nucleus and breeders seed of cross pollinated d. Roguing : The off type plants i.e., plants
varieties are suggested to control these of same crop species showing different
variations. characteristics from those of the seed crop
varieties, should be removed out of the
Remember this seed fields and isolation area at different
growth stages of seed crop. This procedure
of removing off type plants is called as
Woody plants tend to have more genetic
roguing. Regular supervision of seed field
diversity than the vascular plants like grasses.
is necessary for the same.
f. Selective influence of pest and diseases e. Seed certification : Seeds certification is
New crop varieties often are susceptible a legally sanctioned system for quality
to newer pest and diseases and thus, cause control of seed multiplication and
deterioration. Seed production under clean production. Inspection of seed plot from
and disease free conditions is important to seed certification agency is necessary to
overcome the influence of pest and diseases. verify that seed crop is of requisite genetic
purity and quality. Inspection of seed lot
Do you know ? after harvesting and in processing plant is
also necessary to verify quality of seed.
Which precautions are taken for avoiding
deterioration of genetic purity or trueness to Try this
its type during the seed production ?
• Point out the importance of roguing and
g. Techniques of plant breeder : The isolation distance in seed production.
genetical variations in the variety may occur • Obtain the information regarding the
due to inadequate evaluation of cytogenetic
isolation distance to be kept for seed
irregularities during the release of variety.
production of different crops.
2. Maintenance of genetic purity during seed
production : f. Grow-out test : These are also done
During seed production, the genetic purity periodically to test genetic purity of variety
can be maintained by following measures. grown and to ensure that they are being
a. Control of seed source : The seed to be maintained in their true form. This is conducted
used for seed production should be from by seed certification agency.
approved authorities and appropriate class 4.1.2 Agronomic Principles :
of seed. •• Selection of suitable Agro-climatic region
b. Preceding crop requirements : This The variety proposed to be grown for
should be studied prior to the selection producing seed should have suitable
of land for avoiding contamination from climate in respect of temperature,
volunteer plants and soil borne diseases. photoperiod, rainfall, wind velocity etc.
c. Isolation : The isolation of seed crop is In general, regions of moderate rainfall,
essential for avoiding contamination due temperature and humidity are suitable for
61
 seed production. Most crops require ample preventing the incidence of certain pest and
sunshine and moderate temperature for diseases. There should be sufficient moisture
flowering and pollination. The seed plot in the soil at the time of sowing, which will
should have suitable soil structure and be helpful for proper germination.
fertility characteristics as required by a crop. •• Seed rate : For seed crop lower seed rate is
It should be free from volunteer plants and desirable for having convenience in roguing
seed of weed and other crop plants. and inspection of seed crop.
•• Isolation : The isolation distance from •• Method of sowing : The seed crop is
neighboring field crop should be as per generally sown in rows by mechanical seed
requirement of certification standards. drill. Broadcasting is followed for thickly
In certain crops as in hybrid maize time sown crops. The seed is sown to a proper
isolation is useful. In nucleus and breeder depth by mechanical drilling. The seed drill
seed production, the isolation is provided should be cleaned before use. The spacing
by enclosing plant or group of plants in between two rows should be sufficient
cages or enclosing individual flowers by to allow proper aeration and penetration
bags. Isolation is also required during of sunlight. For hybrid seed production
harvesting, threshing and seed handling to female and male parent lines are sown in
avoid mechanical mixtures. the proportion of 4:2 to 6:2.
•• Land preparation : Good land preparation •• Depth of sowing : It should be such that
is essential for proper crop growth and it would allow proper emergence of crop.
irrigation management. It depends on size of seed and type of soil.
•• Variety : The variety should suit the Small seeded varieties are sown shallow,
prevailing agro-climatic conditions. but bold seeded can be sown little deeper.
It should be high yielder and possess The depth may be kept more in sandy soils
characteristics such as disease resistance, than in to clay soils.
grain quality, etc. •• Roguing : It is usually done at vegetative or
pre flowering stage, flowering and maturity
Try this stage. In some crops roguing and sorting
of ear heads is necessary to remove off
• Select and list the crops which will fit to
coloured, diseased or malformed ear heads.
your agro-climatic conditions.
Adequate and timely roguing is important
• Select and list the varieties suitable for
to prevent all kinds of contamination and it
your agro-climatic conditions.
is the responsibility of seed producer.
•• Seed : While buying the seed it should be •• Supplementary pollination : Artificial
seen that tag and seals of bags are intact and or supplementary pollination is necessary
its validity period or expiry date is not over. for the crops which are cross pollinated
The seed should be of appropriate class. by insects. Honey bees are kept in hives in
•• Seed treatment : The seed should be the vicinity of seed crop. In sunflower crop
treated to prevent the attack of certain two adjacent flower heads are rubbed on
pest and diseases, improving germination, each other or cotton cloth is tied on hand
increasing nitrogen fixation by legumes, palm and moved in clock wise direction on
breaking seed dormancy etc. flower surface. This results in increasing
•• Time of sowing : The seed crop should be the pollination and thereby seed setting.
sown at its normal time. However, certain •• Weed control : Production of high quality
changes in time of sowing need to be done and quantity of seed depends on effective
for synchronization of parents and for control of weeds. Weeds reduces yield and

62
 also cause contamination by sheltering •• Drying of seed : Drying of seed to safe
diseases and by their mixture in the crop moisture limit is essential to keep the
seed. Hand weeding, hoeings and use of viability and vigour of seed intact. Care
herbicides are the methods of weed control. should be taken to avoid mechanical mixing
Proper crop rotation and use of clean and to keep the identity of seed lot intact.
fallow land for seed production also helps •• Seed storage : For short period storage, seed
in checking weed growth. is kept in gunny bags or sacks in godowns.
•• Irrigation : Excessive moisture conditions Each bag should be labelled with necessary
and prolonged drought will adversely particulars. Bags should stacked on wooden
affect seed production. Soil type, season pallets. The storage structure should be cool,
and water requirement of crop decides dry and clean. Proper preventive control
the total quantity of irrigation and time measures should be taken in godowns
interval between two irrigation turns. A against storage pest and diseases.
critical stage of growth is also a criterion
for scheduling irrigation. Try this
•• Nutrition : Proper plant nutrition is
Visit nearby seed warehouse to know
essential for good yields and better quality
about :
of seed. Along with primary nutrients
• The methods of seed storage.
like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium
• The methods of insect and pest control in
certain secondary and micronutrients
seed storage.
should be applied in proper quantities and
at right stage of crop growth. • The methods of moisture and temperature
•• Insects-pest and disease control : Effective control in seed ware house.
control of all pest and diseases is essential •• Information of variety :
to produce healthy crop. They should be Detailed information regarding pedigree
controlled by using suitable insecticides and quality of seed is given on the label
and fungicides for seed treatment and for attached to the seed bag.
spraying on crop. Roguing of diseased 4.2 HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION OF JOWAR
plants and ear heads is also necessary.
Botanical name – Sorghum bicolor
•• Time of harvesting : The exact time of
harvesting is important in getting maximum Family – Gramineae
seed yield with better quality. The optimum Origin – North East Africa and India
time is when the seed is fully mature and
when the seed is easily harvested and
cleaned with minimum losses. The optimum
moisture content is a good indication of
the right time of harvesting. The period of
time, for which the seed crop will remain
proper for harvesting varies with climatic
conditions and the nature of the crop.
•• Method of harvesting : Harvesting and
threshing of seed crop is done manually by
hand or by using machines (combiners).
Proper care should be taken to avoid
mechanical injury to the seed and to avoid
mechanical mixtures in seed at the time of
harvesting and threshing. Fig. 4.1 Jowar earhead

63
 It does not tolerate frost. Jowar is well adapted
to semi arid region with annual rainfall of 350
to 400 mm. In India it is grown in the regions
receiving an annual rainfall of about. 400 to
1000 mm. Jowar is drought resistant crop.
4.2.3 Method (principle) :
Hybrid seed of Jowar is produced by using
cytoplasmic genetic male sterility. This involves
crossing of male sterile line i.e. Line ‘A’ (seed
Fig. 4.2 Jowar crop parent) with the restorer line (pollinator) i.e.
line ‘R’.
Can you recall?
The steps involved in hybrid seed
Jowar is one of the important cereals. It production of jowar are :-
ranks fourth in the world after wheat, rice • Maintenance of parental lines namely male
and maize and third in India as far as area sterile line (line A) carrying cytoplasmic-
and production is concerned. In India highest genetic male sterility; maintainer line (line
area under Jowar is in Maharashtra. Its B) male fertile, non pollen restoring and
grains are the basic food in India. restorer line (line R).
• Production of hybrid seed i.e., crossing of
4.2.1 Uses :
male sterile line (line A) with restorer line
Jowar is cereal crop. Its grain is eaten in
(line R).
the form of unleavened bread that is roti or
Bhakri. The grain is also consumed in the form
of pop grain and hurda. Grain itself is used as First year First year
cattle feed, poultry ration, etc. Grain is used in
the industries for the extraction of starch, oil,
glucose, ethyl alcohol and such other products.
The grain is also boiled and consumed like
rice. Jowar stem with leaves (green fodder, dry
fodder i.e. kadbi) is used as animal feed. The Line A Line B Line R
sweet sorghum can also be used for preparing
of jaggery and sugar. Grains have ritual value Second year
and used in various ceremonies..

Use your brain power

Why jawar plants are not fed to cattles before

50% flowers stage of crop Line A Hybrid Line R
Fig 4.3 Steps in hybrid seed production of jowar
4.2.2 Climate : 4.2.4 Maintenance of Male sterile lines (Line
Jowar is a tropical crop. It is cultivated ‘A’) :
throughout the year in tropics. Jowar is a. Principle : The male sterile line (Line
also cultivated in temperate region as a A) carries male sterility due to cytoplasmic
summer crop provided that the temperature is genetic factors. It is maintained by crossing
sufficiently high. About 7° to 10°C temperature with male fertile, non-pollen restoring strain
is necessary for germination. The optimum (Line B) which is sister strain of Line A is an
range of temperature for growth is 27° to 32°C. isolated plot.
64
 f. Source of Seed : Obtain nucleus / breeders
Remember this seed from a source approved by the seed
certification agency.
Line B is similar to Line A in all respects
g. Sowing Method : Maintenance of Line A
except that Line B is pollen fertile, whereas,
Line A is pollen sterile. Maintenance of consists of sowing of two parents. The female
parental lines is called as foundation seed parent (Male sterile line – Line A) and male
production and production of hybrid seed is parent (pollinator parent – Line B) are sown in
known as certified seed production. the proportion of 4:2 row. Four to six border
rows of male parent are sown all around the
b. Land requirements : Land to be used for field. The Border rows should be distinctly
seed production should be free from volunteer separated from crossing block by at least one
plants. There should not be Johnson grass in meter.
the seed field as well as within the isolation h. Spacing : Row to Row spacing should be
distance. Medium to deep black soil should
75 cm and plant to plant is 7.5 cm
be selected for sowing of this lines. The land
i. Seed rate :
should be well drained and fertile.
Female parent (Line A) – 8 kg / ha.
c. Isolation requirements : Jowar is self
pollinated crop, but cross pollination up to 8 Male parent (Line B) – 4 kg / ha.
to 10 percent may also occur. The distance of j. Roguing : Following precautions should be
isolation is as shown in the following table. taken while roguing.
Table 4.2 Isolation distance of Jowar 1. Start roguing before off types, volunteers
Minimum and pollen shedders in female rows start
distance shedding pollen.
Sr.
Contaminant (meters) 2. All rogues invariably be pulled out, to
No.
foundation prevent regrowth.
seed 3. All out crosses (identified by height) should
1 Fields of other varieties be removed as they soon as appear.
of grain and dual purpose 4. The plants which are out of place i.e., plants
sorghum and the same 300 in between the rows, male plant in female
variety not confirming to rows and also female plant in male rows
varietal purity should be removed.
2 Johnson grass (sorghum 5. Proper attention should be given at
400
helpense) flowering time. The roguing should be done
3 Forage sorghum 400 every day to remove pollen shedding types
in the seed rows.
d. Land preparation : The land is prepared to 6. Plants of other Jowar variety and Johnson-
fine tilth by one deep ploughing, three to four grass, sudan grass should be removed
harrowing and levelling. The land should be within isolation distance.
free from weeds.
7. The diseased heads affected by smut should
e. Sowing season and time : In Maharashtra removed.
generally crop is sown in Kharif season
8. Roguing should also be done thoroughly
and time of sowing is from fourth week of
before harvesting and after the seed has
June to first week of July. If crop is taken in
matured to the stage when true plant and
Rabi season the time of sowing may be mid
seed characters appear.
September (mostly in South India)

65
k. Fertilizer : n. Plant protection : It is the same as given in
i. Rainfed area certified (hybrid) seed production.
First dose Nitrogen and phosphorus are added o. Harvesting : Male rows are usually
each at 40 kg/ha. and potash if recommended harvested first and its produce is kept separate
at the rate of 35 kg/ha. at the time of owing. to avoid mixture at later stages. The female
Second dose Nitrogen is added at the rate of rows are harvested, when fully ripe. The
40 to 60 kg/ha. about 30 days after sowing. harvested heads should be sorted out to remove
diseased or undesirable heads. The heads are
dried for a week before threshing. Threshing
Try this
can be done by threshers. Seed should be dried
Collect the information of jowar hybrids to 10 percent moisture content before storage.
cultivated in your region. Visit such farm 4.2.5 Maintenance of Restorer Line (Line R)
and observe the cultivation practices The seed of restorer line (Line R) is
ii. Irrigated area produced in an isolated field. The cultural
practices are as follows :
First dose Nitrogen @ 60kg, phosphorus
50kg/ha. and if recommended potash 40kg/ha. Preparation of land, sowing season and
is added at the time of sowing. time fertilizer, irrigation and intercultural
operations are same as in the case of
Second dose Nitrogen is added @ of 60 to 70
maintenance of line ‘A’
kg/ ha. about 30 days after sowing.
a. Method of sowing : The crop is sown in
l. Irrigation : In kharif season first irrigation
rows. The depth of sowing should be 3 to 4 cm.
is given as pre-sowing irrigation and in the
case of long dry spell one or two protective b. Spacing : 1. Row to Row - 45 cm
irrigations are given as required. If grown in 2. Plant to plant - 15 cm
rabi season four to five irrigations are given at c. Seed rate : 12 to 15 kg / ha.
an interval of 10 to 15 days. The critical stages d. Plant protection : The information is same
of Jowar growth for irrigation are as given in hybrid (certified) seed production.
1. Seedling e. Roguing : Rogue out off types and volunteer
2. Grand growth stage plants before they begin to shed pollen. The
3. Flag leaf stage plants usually should be pulled out to prevent
4. Flowering regrowth. Rogue out all other plants such as
Johnnson grass, forage plants and Sudan grass.
5. Grain development
The diseased plants are also removed from
m. Inter-cultivation : The weed infestation is time to time as required.
more during the period of 15 to 35 days after
f. Harvesting : The crop must be fully
sowing. About 2 to 3 hoeing and one hand
matured. The harvested heads should be sorted
weeding in between them are given to control
out to remove diseased and undesirable heads
weed. These operations are also helpful in
from heap. The heads are dried and threshed by
loosening the soil and improving soil aeration.
threshers. Seed is dried to 10 per cent moisture
The inter-culture operations should not be more
content before storage.
than 4 to 5 cm deep. Pre-emergence spraying of
atrazine (atrataf) at 0.5 kg active ingredient per 4.2.6 Production of Hybrid Jowar Seed (Line
hectare or propazine at 1 kg chemical (50 per A x Line R)
cent wettable powder) in 1000 liters of water Hybrid seed is produced by crossing
can also be applied for controlling weeds. male sterile line (Line A) with restorer line
(line R) in an isolated field.
66
a. Land requirement : Sorghum prefers Indicator plant
medium deep to deep black soils. Land to be for male rows
used for seed production should be fertile and Border rows (4-
well drained. It should be free from off types 6) (male parent)
and volunteer plants. The previous crop should
Female parent
not be the other variety of same crop. Land (4 rows)
should be free from Johnson grass and other
Male parent
contaminants. (2 rows)
b. Isolation requirements : The isolation Fig. 4.4 Sowing ratio (Sowing plan) for hybrid
distance for fields of other varieties of grain, seed production of Jowar (Line A x Line R)
dual purpose sorghum and same hybrid not v. Spacing
confirming varietal purity requirements of
The recommended spacing between rows is
certification is 200 meters. Isolation distance
75 to 90 cm. The crop may be thinned to retain
for fields of other hybrids having same male
7.5 cm distance between two plants in a row.
parent should be 5 metres. The seed field should
vi. Seed source
be isolated by 400 metres from fields of forage
Foundation seed of line ‘A’ and Line
sorghum and Johnson grass.
‘R’ should be obtained from the source
c. Cultural practices :
recommended by the seed certification agency.
i. Preparatory tillage vii. Seed rate
The land is prepared by deep ploughing, It may be 8 kg/ha. for female parent and 4 kg/
3 to 4 harrowings and levelling. ha. for male parent.
ii. Sowing season and time The Jowar seed viii. Hybrids and their parents
crop is preferably sown in kharif season during A (Female) R (Male)
the month of June to July.
1) CSH-1 CK 60 A X IS-84
iii. Synchronization of male and female
parent 2) CSH-2 CK 60 A X IS-3691
For achieving perfect synchronization 3) CSH-3 MS2219 A X IS-3691
in flowering of parental lines, staggered
sowing based on difference in blooming time 4) CSH-4 MS1036 A X IS-3924
and hardening treatment for late parent to 5) CSH-5 MS2077 A X CS-3541
promote germination, etc., are recommended.
Generally, male parent is sown 4-6 days earlier 6) CSH-7R MS-36A X CS-168
than female parent. 7) CSH-8R MS-36A X PD-3-1-11
iv. Sowing method (ratio) :
8) CSH-9 MS-296 A X CS-3541
Usually four rows of female parent and
two rows of male parent are sown alternately. 9) CSH-16 MS-27A X CS - 43
About 4 to 6 rows of male parent are sown all ix. Roguing
around the field as border rows to prevent out It is similar to that for maintenance of
crossing and to supply ample pollen grains to male sterile line (Line A).
seed plant. At both the ends of male rows 3-4 d. Pest Control
seed of dhaincha or sannhemp are dibbled for i. Stem borer
identifying male parent. Larva initially feed on leaf whorls and
later on bore into the stem and feed on inner
material. Infected plant dries up.

67
Control measures e. Disease Control
Removal and destruction of dead hearts i. Grain smut It is a fungal disease. Grains are
(infected plants). Collection and destruction of replaced by elongated cylindrical structures,
stubbles of previous crop are the effective control which are covered by black powdery mass of
measures against stem borer. Spraying the crop fungal spores.
with chloropyriphos is also  recommended. Control measures Seed treatment with 300
ii. Ear head midge or midge fly mesh fine sulphar @ 4 to 6 g/kg seed has been
The maggot feed on the ovary making it proved effective.
dry. Grain formation may not take place in
such dry ovaries.
Control measures
Dusting the crop with melathion 5%
D.P. @ 20 kg/ha. and zonal sowing of crop,
that is sowing of crop at a time by forming
the group of villages has also been proved
effective. Spraying the crop with Quinalphos Fig. 4.5 Grain smut
or chloropyriphos may also be followed. ii. Loose smut It is also a fungal disease.
iii. Shoot fly The maggots feed on the growing Grains are covered by loose-black powdery
tip of the plant. As a result of which main shoot mass of fungal spores.
stops growing and too many lateral tillers Control measures Seed treatment with 300
(shoots) arise from the base of infected plants. mesh fine sulphur @ 4 to 6 g/kg seed is the
THese tillers are non-productive. effective control measure.
iii. Downy mildew It is a fungal disease.
Can you tell ?
Infected plants turn pale yellow. Lower side
Whether the practice of Integrated Pest of the leaves show whitish fungal growth. The
Management is possible in hybrid seed plants remain stunted and bear no ear - heads.
production of Jowar. Control measures Proper crop cultivation,
removal and destruction of infected plants
Control measures Drilling in soil 10%
and spraying the crop with mancozeb are the
phorate or thimet granules @ 15-16kg ha. is
suggested control measures.
useful preventive measure. Spraying of 25%
Quinophos 25% EC is also done against this
pest.
iv. Aphids Aphids suck up the sap from the
leaves and other tender plant parts and interfere
with the process of photosynthesis .
Control measures Drilling in soil 10% phorate
@ 15 - 16 kg/ha. or spraying the crop with
dimethoate 30% EC Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL
is recommended.
v. Army worm It feeds on the leaves starting
from margin towards the midrib.
Control measures Spraying the crop with
Quinalphos, or chloropyriphos are the control
measures. Fig. 4.6 Downy mildew
68
iv. Striga or witch weed (parasite) It is a root There are four cultivated species in cotton as
parasite and locally known as Agya or talap. stated below.
With the help of special penetrating organ 1. Gossypium arboreum - Known as deshi or
known as ‘haustoria’, it makes connection old world cotton.
with Jowar xylem and gets water, minerals and 2. Gossypium herbaceum - It is also known
manufactures its own food. as deshi or old world cotton.
Control measures Spraying the crop with 3. Gossypium hirsutum - Referred as
dicotox @ 720 g to 1 kg in 500 Lit water American or New world cotton.
2-3 times at an interval of 15 days has been 4. Gossypium barbadense - Called as
recommended. Egyptian or New world cotton.
f. Harvesting : Initially male rows are Family : Malvaceae
harvested any time after flowering to avoid Origin :
admixture and later on after maturity the There are two different centers of origin
female rows are harvested to collect hybrid
1. Old world - India, Indochina, Tropical
seed. The ear-heads are then sorted out to
Africa
remove diseased, unwanted ear-heads from
2. New world - Maxico or Central America
the heap. The normal ear- heads are then dried
for a week and threshed by using threshing 4.3.1 Economic importance / uses :
machine. The seed is dried up to 10 per cent Cotton is the most important fibre as well
moisture content and stored. as cash crop in the world. Cotton is mainly
grown for manufacturing cloth. Cotton seed
Seed yield The average seed yield is 4 to 6
contains considerable amount of oil, protein,
q/ha. However, it may be much higher under
carbohydrates and certain vitamins as well
favourable conditions.
as minerals. Cotton seed cake is used as
4.3 HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION OF concentrates for cattle. Cotton oil is used for
COTTON preparing vegetable ghee, soaps, explosives,
Botanical name Gossypium species. cosmetics, etc. Cotton linters have many
uses such as dressing or obsorbent cotton,
automobile and furniture padding, etc.
4.3.2 Method (principle) : Hybrid seed
production in cotton is done by individual bud
emasculation of female parent and pollination
of same by dusting pollen from desired male
parent manually. The technique and cultural
practices are described below.
4.3.3 Climate : Cotton is a tropical region crop,
Fig. 4.7 Cotton bolls
but can be grown in subtropical region. Cotton
favours warm climate. Optimum temperature
for germination is 32°C to 34°C. Vegetative
growth is well at temperature range 21-27°C
temperature. For fruiting and boll development
slightly higher temperature ranging from
27°C to 31°C is required. Deshi cotton can
tolerate higher temperature. It does not tolerate
continuous rain or long dry spell. Rainfed
Fig. 4.8 Cotton green bolls cotton can be grown in regions receiving

69
500-1200 mm rainfall. Well distributed rain fall 4.3.11 Seed rate : The seed rate may be 3.75
of 900-1000 mm particularly during vegetative kg / ha. for female parent and 2.5 kg / ha. for
growth is beneficial. Cloudy and frosty weather male parent.
conditions are harmful. 4.3.12 Seed treatment :
i. Delinting is the procedure of removing
Remember this fuzz portion from the seed. It is done by
rubbing the seed with mud or paste of
• Cotton is known as king of fibres. soil with fresh cow-dung or by using
• The word cotton is derived from Arabic concentrated sulphuric acid.
word qutun or kutun. ii. Seed of deshi and American varieties are
• India is the third largest cotton producer soaked in water for 2-3 hours and 4 to 6
in the world hours, respectively, for enhancing the
4.3.4 Land requirement : The land to be germination.
used for hybrid seed production should be iii. Cotton seed is treated with 1% organo-
medium deep to deep black, fertile and well mercurial compounds for preventing
drained. It should be free from volunteer plants. attack of fungal diseases.
The sub-surface should not be hard, free from iv. Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride
layer of carbonates. @ 4 g along with thirum @ 3g/kg seed can
4.3.5 Isolation : Cotton is often cross pollinated be given to reduce the attack of wilt.
crop. Average cross pollination is 5 to 25%. 4.3.13 Crossing programme : It includes
However in some species it may be upto emasculation and pollination as stated - below.
50%. In hybrid cotton seed production under 1. Emasculation : It is the process of
controlled emasculation and pollination the artificial removal of male reproductive
isolation distance of 5 m is provided all around organ (Androecium) from bisexual flower
the seed plot to avoid mechanical mixture. without disturbing female reproductive organ
4.3.6 Time of sowing : The cotton crop is sown (Gynoecium). Initially with the thumbnail
about one week or more earlier than the usual whole corolla and androecium are removed.
date of on set of monsoon. Irrigated crop can be This procedure is started one week after flower
sown in the month of April. bud initiation. It is done each day from 2.00
4.3.7 Land preparation : Land is prepared by to 6.00 P.M. or early in the morning before
giving one deep ploughing, 2 to 3 harrowings 7.30 AM. on the same day of pollination. The
and levelling. emasculated bud is then covered by butter
4.3.8 Planting ratio : The area under female and paper bag or straw tube.
male parent should be 4:1 or 5:1. Approximately
first 4/5th of the total rows are used for sowing
female parent and remaining 1/5th rows for male
parent. The sowing of male parent is done in 2
to 3 installments so that pollens are available for
staggered period of time.
4.3.9 Spacing : Row to Row distance for both
male and female should be 150 cm. The plant
to plant distance may be 100 cm in female rows
and 50 cm in male rows. This may vary with
the growth habit of parents used for crossing.
4.3.10 Seed source : Foundation seed of male
and female parents should be obtained from the
source approved by seed certification agency.
Fig. 4.9a. Emasculation in cotton
70
2. Pollination : It is the procedure of artificial 4.3.14 Fertilization : At the time of land
transfer of pollen grains from desired protected preparation 15-25 tones/ha. of FYM should
flower of male parent to the stigma of added before last harrowing. Apply 50 kg
emasculated female flower. It is done in the nitrogen, 50 kg phosphorus and 50 kg potash
morning between 9.00 A.M.to 1.00 P.M. After per hectare as a basal dose. Top dress twice at
pollination the female flower bud is covered the rate of 25 kg nitrogen per hectare after sixty
by different coloured butter paper bag or straw days and again at ninety days from planting.
tube. For easy identification a thread is tied Foliar sprays at the rate of 20 g of urea or 15 g
to the pedicel of pollinated bud. The crossing of DAP per litre of spray may be given during
programme is closed after eleventh week. the boll development period, at an interval of
Emasculation and pollination of all the 10 days.
buds appearing in the first seven weeks of 4.3.15 Irrigation : As per soil condition and
reproductive phase is essential for better climate, irrigate the crop once in 15-20 days.
development of bolls and good seed setting. Heavy irrigation during flowering period
should be avoided. For irrigation system of
furrow irrigation should be adopted. Square
initiation to peak flowering stage is considered
most critical for irrigation. In rainy season crop
should be irrigated during the periods of long
dry spell.
4.3.16 Roguing :
All off-types, diseased plants from seed
field area should be removed at seedling stage,
square initiation stage and flowering stage

Remember this

•• Topping of plant is done to prevent

abnormal plant growth and to enhance
fruiting branches.
•• Light irrigation is given during crossing
programme as per requirement.

4.3.17 Harvesting (picking) :

Mature bolls are picked after their full
opening and collected in the baskets. Middle
pickings are good quality for seed production
In second sorting they are again verified and
dried for one to two days, and supplied to the
authorized ginning unit. Precautions need to
be taken to avoid mechanical mixtures during
picking and further handling till it is handed
over to processing plant.
[Seed yield: Average yield of hybrid seed
cotton crop is 1000-1500 kg/ha.]
Fig. 4.9b. Pollination in cotton

71
 Hybrids and their parents
Hybrids A (Female parent) X R (Male parent)
1. H4 G-67 X Americal nectariless
2. Varlaxmi Laxmi X SB 289-E
3. Savitri Koparaon-203 X SB 1085-6
4. Godavari Buri nectariless X MCU-5
5. NHH-44 BN-1 X AC-738
6. DCS-32 DS-28 X SB -425
7. PKV DH.1 GAK-423 X HD-110-151
8. PKV Hy.2 AK-32 X DHY-286-1
9. PKV HY.4 CAK – 23 A X AKH-7 R
10. PKV Hy.5 CAK – 53 A X AKH-2 R
4.3.18 Plant protection 2. Insects-pest affecting crop after it has
I. Insects-pests commenced producing buds, flowers and
Insects-pest affecting cotton crop are bolls.
classified as follows: The important examples of this group
1. Insects-pest affecting crop before flowering are pink bollworm, spotted boll worm and
Aphids, jassids, thrips and white flies are American boll worm.
common in this group. All these are sucking i. The nature of damage caused by spotted
pest which suck the sap from leaves causing boll worm includes shedding of squares
yellowing, curling or crinkling resulting in to and bolls, holes on bolls and rotting of
stunted plant growth. bolls.
Control measures ii. The pink-boll worm cause shedding of
Sl. Name of pest Control measures fruiting sqneres, discolouration of lint,
No. holes on bolls etc.
iii. American boll worm (Heliothis) cause
Spray Immidacloprid damage to squares, flowers and bolls.
Aphids/ 2 ml /litre of water, Holes appear on bolls.
1.
Jassids acephate 2 g/litre of iv. Red cotton bug- Nymphs and adults suck
water the sap from the buds, flowers and bolls
and tinge the lint.
v. Dusky cotton bug- Nymphs and adults
Spray Fipronil 3 ml/
feed on the sap of premature and tinge the
litre of water or
2. Thrips lint.
thiomethoxon 0.5 g/litre
Control measures
of water
i. All the bollworms can be controlled by
using insecticides like acephate 75 SP,
Spraying of
thiodecarb 75 WP, chloropyriphos 20 EC,
Acetoamiprid 1 g/litre
spray spinocide @ 3.5 ml/10 lit of water
3. White fly of water.
etc
Spray 5% Neem Seed
ii. Both the bugs can be controlled by
kernel extract (NSKE)
spraying the crop with monochrotophos or
quinolphos.

72
 Control measures :
Try this Seed treatment with 1% organo mercurial
compounds and spraying the crop with copper
Collect important insects-pest and specimens compound are the recommended control
of disesase affecting cotton crop, label them measures.
along with their control measures. 4. Dahiya :
II. Diseases Symptoms :
1.Wilt i. This is common on deshi varieties.
Symptoms : ii. The older leaves show whitish fungal
i. It is soil and seed borne fungal disease. growth on their lower side.
ii. It consist of yellowing of leaves and gradual iii. here is premature shedding of affected
drooping and withering of a particular branch leaves.
or entire plant. Control measures :
iii. Vascular tissues turn brown. The recommended control measures
Control measures : are growing of resistant varieties and dusting
i. Use of resistant varieties and proper crop the crop with sulphur.
rotation practices are the preventive
measures.
ii. Seed treatment with organo mercurial
fungicides like thirum along with
trichoderma viride formulation is also
effective.
2. Root rot :
Symptoms :
characteristic symptoms are sudden wilting of Fig. 4.11 Dahiya
5. Black arm :
plant, rotting of roots and shredding of bark.
Symptoms :
Control measures :
i. This is soil, seed and air borne serious
i. Seed treatment with benomyl or carbendazim
bacterial disease of American types.
@ 2.5 g/kg seed.
ii. Bacteria attack all aerial plant parts.
ii. Intercropping with moth bean (matki) is
iii. Angular water soaked spots which are later
also effective against root rot.
on turn brown appear on leaves.
3. Anthracnose :
iv. It also causes rotting of bolls and seedling
Symptoms :
blight.
i. It is a fungal disease.
ii. Symptoms are characterized by rotting of
bolls and seedling blight.

Fig. 4.10 Anthracnose Fig. 4.12 Black arm

73
Control measures : Control measures :
Treat the seed with streptomycin or Spray the crop with zinbeb, copper
vitavax, keep the campaign clean and practice oxychloride, etc.
proper crop rotation.
6. Leaf spots :
Symptoms :
i. Helminthosporium spots are light brown,
circular with holes at the centre at later
stage.
ii. Alternaria spots are papery, rusty brown of
irregualr shape and size.
iii. Cercospora leaf spots are small, irregular
with purple border and white centre. Fig. 4.13 Leaf spots

Exercise
Q. 1 Answer the following questions. B. Make the pairs.
A. Select appropriate alternative and Group ‘A’ Group ‘B’
complete the following statements. 1. CSH-7R a. CK-60A×IS-84
1. General principles of seed production are 2. CSH-8R b. CAK-23A×AKH-7R
broadly classified as genetic and ---------- 3. PKVHy.4 c. laxmi× SB-289-E
principles.
4. Varlaxni d. MS-36A×CS-168
a. agronomic b. physical
e. MS-36A×PD-3-1-11
c. chemical d. biological
C. Find the odd one out.
2. The parents of H4 are --------
1. Vishal, Varlaxmi, Savitri, Godavari.
a. G-67 and American nectariless
2. Stemborer, Shoot Fly, Midge Fly, Downey
b. BN-1 and AC-738 mildew.
c. AK-32 and CS-2 3. Shoot fly, Aphid, Army worm, Striga.
d. laxmi and BN-1 4. Processing, Gapfilling, Weeding, Hoeing.
3. Hybrid Jowar seed is produced by using D. Write true and false.
-------- male sterility.
1. Cleaning of seed drill before sowing is the
a. genetic b. cytoplasmic remedy for avoiding mechanical mixture
c. cytoplasmic-genetic of seed.
d. none of these 2. While buying the seed it should be seen
4. Sorghum bicolor is the botanical name of that tag and seals of bag are intact.
-------- crop. 3. Hybrid jowar seed is produced by crossing
a. Jowar b. bajra male sterile line (Line A) with restorer line
c. wheat d. cotton (Line R).
5. Zonal sowing of crop is recommended to 4. Shoot fly is the major pest of cotton.
control -------- pest of jowar. 5. The seed to be used for seed production
a. midge fly b. shoot fly should be of appropriate class.
c. aphid d. jassid
74
Q.2 Answer in brief. 3. Write the parents of savitri and NHH-44.
1. Give two reasons causing mechanical 4. What is the principle of hybrid seed
mixture of seed. production of jowar?
2. Why isolation of seed crop is necessary? 5. What are the critical stages of jowar
3. What is supplimentory pollination? growth for irrigation?
4. What are the uses of cotton? 6. Which treatments are given to cotton seed
5. Write the parents of godavari. before sowing hybrid crop?
6. What is the nature of damage of stem Q. 5 Answer the following questions in detail.
borer affecting jowar? 1. What are the reasons for mechanical
7. What are the control measures of cotton mixture of seed.
wilt? 2. What are the measures for maintenance of
Q.3 Answer the following questions. genetic purity during seed production.
1. Draw and label the sowing plan for hybrid Q. 6 Answer the following questions in detail
seed production of jowar. 1. Describe maintenance of male-sterile line
2. Complete the following chart. in jowar seed production (Line ‘A’) on
following points
Sr. Hybrid Female Male
a. land requirement
No. parent parent
1 CSH-5 --------- --------- b. land preparation
2 ---------Buri MCU-5 c. spacing
nectariless d. seed rate
3 PKVHY.5 --------- --------- 2. Elucidate hybrid seed production of cotton
4 CSH-16 MS-27A --------- on following points.
3. Describe the isolation requirements for a. Time of sowing
maintenance of male sterile line (line A)
b. Land preparation
4. List the pest affecting jowar crop.
c. Planting ratio
5. Explain the symptoms and give control
d. Spacing
measures of cotton wilt and anthracnose.
6. Describe the economic importance of
jowar crop. Activity
7. List out the cotton species.
Q. 4 Answer the following questions. Collect the seed of different hybrids of
Jowar and Cotton; label them and mention
1. Write in brief about minor genetic their parents.
variations.
2. What is the procedure of emasculation in
cotton?

75