Department of Seed Science and Technology

Basic Information

Overview

The Department of Seed Science and Technology as such was started in the College of Agriculture, Vellayani from 30/11/2018 as per the Order No. Acad. B2/2018/101/16225(i) dated 23/10/2018. Three Postgraduate seats were also allotted to this department in 2018. Since its initiation, all the seed science related courses, namely the undergraduate courses such as principles of seed technology and Experiential learning on seed analysis, seed production etc., were brought under this department. ICAR 2009 Syllabus was followed till 2021 admission, and the revised syllabus is being followed from 2022 admission onwards.

Historical Background

Established in 2018 at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the Department of Seed Science and Technology in its short tenure, has accomplished in responsive teaching, mentoring and community-oriented research. The department coordinates courses for M.Sc. (Ag) seed science and technology, courses for B.Sc. (Ag) students and diploma in organic agriculture students.

Vision

To be a globally recognized centre of excellence in seed science, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable rural development through transformative teaching, research, and outreach.

Objectives

• To equip students with the knowledge on scientific techniques for seed production, guidelines to maintain the seed certification standards, technical knowledge to check the govt. statutory guidelines of seed standards, Indian minimum seed standards of crops, seed laws and seed registration, seed drying processing and packaging, seed marketing and seed companies etc.
• To give hands on training on seed genetic and physical purity analysis and DNA fingerprinting for genetic purity analysis
• To undertake basic and applied research related to seed production and technology in a multidisciplinary approach.
• To undertake HRD training programmes related to seed science and technology to officials of the Department of Agriculture, registered seed growers etc.
• To organize farmer participatory seed production and awareness programmes.

Accomplishments of Seed Science and Technology M.Sc. (Ag) Programme

Courses offered in Department of Seed Science and Technology

PG Courses

UG Courses

Diploma Course

Infrastructure, Laboratories and Facilities

Infrastructure, Laboratories and Facilities

Salient Research Findings

• Effect of high temperature stress on seed filling and grain quality in rice was elucidated
• Standardisation of hybrid rice seed production for Kerala using three-line system of breeding
• Irradiation and seed coating for enhancing storage life of grain cowpea was studied at various levels of gamma radiation and using organic seed protectants.
• Chemical induction of male sterility in tomato was studied and comprehended.
• Standardisation of seed biopriming with endophytes for seedling establishment, growth, yield and nutritional characters in tomato
• Seed priming with SiO2 and KNO3 for inducing stress tolerance in chilli under water stress condition.
• Nanoparticulate seed invigoration in cowpea done using nano Zn and nano Mg was conducted