9. Malavika Dadlani_1.pdf
The document discusses new dimensions in seed quality assurance. It explains that quality assurance ensures seeds meet minimum quality standards and provides uniformity. Key parameters for quality include variety, purity, physiological status, and health. Quality control tests seeds using standard procedures in accredited labs. Newer dimensions include more precise tests to differentiate similar varieties, reliable GM tests, automation to reduce errors, and guidelines for seed enhancement protocols. Molecular markers can help verify identities, test purity and traits, and detect GM presence. Automation shows potential to improve accuracy by eliminating human error in tests like germination and purity analysis using machine vision and AI. Seed coating, pelleting and new priming technologies can also enhance seed quality but require standardized protocols and rules.
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9. Malavika Dadlani_1.pdf
- 1. New Dimensions to SeedQuality Assurance Malavika Dadlani Former Joint Director (Research),ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Former President, Ind. Soc. Seed Technology 1
- 2. Seed Quality Assurance Quality Assurance is a series of processes and activities from seed multiplication to marketing undertaken to ensure that the seeds that reach the end users (farmers) conform to minimum quality standards as prescribed under the law. QA also provides a uniform and reliable marketing tool to the seed producing agency. It is a combined responsibility of the seed producer as well as the law enforcing agency. However, liability in case of marketing sub- standard seed lies only with the producer. 2
- 3. Key Parameters ofSeed Quality Variety Purity Physical Purity Physiological Status Seed Health Quality 3
- 4. Seed Quality Control In simplest terms, seed quality control mechanism ensures that all seeds in the market have been tested during crop production and through post-harvest operations, and found to meet the quality standards set for the given crop, and containers are correctly labelled. It is a combined responsibility of the seed producer as well as the law enforcing agency. It provides for actions against selling spurious or sub-standard seeds. 4
- 5. Critical Stages ofSeed Quality Assurance 5
- 6. Seed Certification Seedcertification is the legally sanctioned system of quality control, consisting of field and bin inspections, pre- and post-control tests and seed quality testing (FAO, 1969). Every country has its own set of regulations for controlling seed quality. As per Indian Seeds Act, 1966, labeling is compulsory for all seeds, but certification is voluntary and applicable only to notified varieties. Variety registration/notification is not compulsory. Variety Purity is ascertained through field inspections at critical growth stages, whereas seed quality is tested in a notified STL, using an officially drawn sample . 6
- 7. Criteria for SeedQuality Assurance QA must cover all critical parameters of seed quality. All parameters must be tested precisely, using standard procedures. All procedures must be validated by the concerned authority. Tests must be performed by the trained & authorised/licensed personnel/analysts in notified/accredited laboratories. 7
- 8. Newer Dimensions inQuality Assurance Highly competitive plant breeding results in large number of varieties in seed chain Need to develop more precise tests and tools to differentiate varieties derived from similar genetic background Reliable tests for identification and seed purity of GM and GE crop varieties Automation to reduce time and eliminate human errors in seed analysis to the extent possible and Guidelines for Seed Enhancement protocols Maintainance of large databases 8
- 9. Use of Proteinmarkers : in use for over 3 decades. Still many questions A comparison of genetic purity and uniformity of maize hybrid lot, based on morphological, UPOV markers and the UTLIEF (Ultrathin-layer isoelectric focusing) method was made. Tested hybrid samples expressed uniform protein markers profiles, but unsatisfactory uniformity of morphological markers in the field. Though the UTLIEF method of ISTA, provided accurate distinction between F1 and self-pollinated maternal seed, a "clean" isozyme/protein profile did not necessarily correlate with morphological homogeneity. (Babic, 2022) 9
- 10. Application of MolecularMarkers in QA Being Abundant, Specific and Reliable Molecular Markers can be useful in seed Quality Assurance in many ways, viz., Verifying the identity of varieties/ parental lines Testing seed purity Testing trait purity of GM varieties Testing adventitious presence of GM seed 10
- 11. Selection of MolecularMarkers (UPOV, 2022) Criteria for selecting Molecular markers (a) Repeatability, reproducibility and robustness within and between laboratories in terms of scoring (b) Possible sources of molecular markers - derived from public resources - derived from non-public resources - screening and selection of commercially available species-specific chips & arrays - molecular markers selected from newly generated sequence data; and (c) Avoidance, of markers with “null” alleles (0 marker) 11
- 12. DNA Fingerprinting forvariety release All identified varieties must be fingerprinted to check the pilferage of the test-genotypes (IVT or AVT?) The fingerprinting should be done by a common set of crop specific markers (RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSR, SNPs, GBS) using a common platform Fingerprinting should be carried out by designated/ specified centers for each crop, so that the data generated are comparable A robust set of markers can distinguish varieties most reliably. 12
- 13. 25 Rice varietiesclearly distinguished using SSR markers Anand et al, 2012 Pl. Biochem. Biotechnol., 21(2): 173-179. 13
- 14. The PPVFRA, 2001allows registration of varieties as EDV The breeder applies the variety as EDV, providing the details of the initial variety (IV) EDV must retain the expression of the essential characteristics of the IV At the same time, it must be clearly distinguishable from the IV by at least 1 or 2 morphological characters 14
- 15. An Essentially DerivedVariety (EDV) can be developed in various ways Spontaneous/induced mutagenesis Selection within a variety Backcrossing/MABB Transgenesis Somaclonal variation Essentially derived variety (EDV) Genome Editing: CRISPR-Cas-9 (Courtesy: A.K. Singh, Seed Seminar, 2017) 15
- 16. Guidelines for TestingEDV/NILs in Rice ➢ Two years of testing of EDVs as against three years for new varieties ➢ NILs should have at least two phenotypic characters different from recurrent parent (IV) to facilitate seed certification ➢ List of markers used for selection to be provided by the breeder ➢ Sufficient number of markers (usually 96) spread across all the chromosomes are to be used to establish EDV status. v (Adapted from A. K. Singh, 2017) 16
- 17. Use of Markersfor Testing Seed Purity STMS marker RM-258 linked to the fertility restorer gene used to verify purity of commercial seed of PRH 10. 1 out of 50 was found to be an off-type. 17
- 18. Automation in QualityAssurance Automation can improve accuracy of seed testing by eliminating human error. Development of AI-based technologies has a great potential. Purity and Germination testing, key parameters of seed quality, can be automated, combining machine vision technology with artificial intelligence for testing large number of samples. New vigour tests can be integrated with machine-based technology. 18
- 19. Image Analysis (MachineVision) Identification of inert matter, other crop seeds and weed seeds in purity analysis can be made more precise and time-efficient by using image analysis and developing large-scale databases for various crop species. It can also be used for DUS testing of varieties, and to detect off types in purity analysis of seeds. 19
- 20. Automation in Germination GerminationScanalyzer (LemnaTec) is a fast digital seed germination and seedling testing tool. It saves time and labour by automatically analysing seed germination percentage seedling growth. The digital metrics give an advantage compared to counting and visual scoring of seed germination assays. Scanalyzer software can be used for germination of many different seed types. 20
- 21. Other Developments An automaticmonitoring system for germination, based on deep learning, has recently been designed (Peng et al, 2022), which includes a germination thermostat connected with a 3D movable camera bin with built-in camera; a multifunctional software system capable of online, offline mode of monitoring; & a dense distributed small target detection algorithm (DDST-CenterNet). This is cheaper than Scanalyser and its algorithm has better computational efficiency. 21
- 22. System software interfacein Real-time online monitoring mode (Peng et al, 2022) 22
- 23. New Technologies for QualityEnhancement 23
- 24. Seed Coating/Pelleting/Encrusting are commonpractices these days 24
- 25. Multiple Advantages ofSeed Coating Coating / Pelleting not only improves physical attributes of seed, but also acts as an effective carrier for other stimulants and protectants. Also used with Priming. 25
- 26. Coating for SeedQuality Improvement Effect of Polymer Coating on Ridge gourd seed (Umarani, 2022) 26
- 27. Coating Reduces Pesticideload By applying directly on the seed, use of pesticides can be reduced by 80-90% as compared to granular or spray applications Use of polymers further reduces the dust-off Several inputs (biological or chemical) can be incorporated simultaneously Seed Granules Spray 27
- 28. Limited Use ofCoating/Pelleting Commercial application of coating, pelleting, encrusting technology is limited only to TL seed of vegetables, flowers and hybrids of a few field crops. IMSCS and Seed Testing Rules under the Seeds Act, 1966 do not provide specifications and protocols for sampling and testing of coated seed. However, this may be considered for inclusion in the revision of Seeds Act after the New Seed Bill is accepted. 28
- 29. New Priming Technologies Seedpriming is an established technology for enhancing seed quality. A range of new technologies are emerging which either use new priming agents or new technology, eg., Bio stimulants Nano Priming Slow priming at low temperatures However, no guidelines are available for commercial application of Priming Technology. 29
- 30. Biostimulants • Though PBScan be both chemical or biological in nature, there is a focussed approach to identify such molecules which are required in very small quantities, biodegradable and environment-friendly. • However, in order to make their large scale application, a regulatory mechanism must be in place. • Indian Guidelines have been prepared. Awaited for final acceptance and quality control norms. 30
- 31. Biostimulants are veryEffective in Improving Germination & Seedling Growth • 13 different biostimulants, including Seaweed-based ones, obtained from 11 species improved germination (88% tests) in 15 crops (Courtsey: Pawel Wiatrak, Cytozyme; ISC, 2019)
- 32. It is amplyclear that new technologies, protocols, guidelines and necessary rules are needed to meet the requirements of Variety identity with the rapid advancements in precision breeding Growing need for seed quality enhancement for maximising the value of each seed and meeting the challenges of CC. 32
- 33.