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Methods of Seed Enhancement

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Advances in Seed Production and Management

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Abstract

Seed is one of the most basic inputs for agriculture. It evolves over time to respond to a variety of environments including human behaviour. The adaptation of seed leads to sustainable crop production and its satisfactory performance over a period of time. Seed enhancement technique further improves seed performance. Agriculture productivity is directly proportional to viability of seeds. Normally only 20–25% of total seeds are able to germinate. In seed enhancement methods, seeds are pretreated physically, physiologically and biologically to overcome germination constraints. Various other techniques have been employed, which are followed by conceptual development of processes for germination rates and seedling vigour. This chapter considers post-harvest treatments that improve germination or seedling growth or facilitate the delivery of seeds and other materials required at the time of sowing. Other considerations are seed hydration, biological seed treatment and seed coatings.

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Acknowledgements

Author AK is funded by Science and Engineering Research Board Govt of India. The author is also thankful to Sr Director Mr. Ajay Pratap Singh and Head of the Dept Ms. Garima Gupta for their keen interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geneticss, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India

    Vartika Sinha

  2. Research Projects Lab, Department of Biotechnology, IILM College of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Abhinav Kumar

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  1. Vartika Sinha
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  2. Abhinav Kumar
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. UP Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Ajay Kumar Tiwari

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Sinha, V., Kumar, A. (2020). Methods of Seed Enhancement. In: Tiwari, A.K. (eds) Advances in Seed Production and Management. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4198-8_23

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