Classes of improved seed

A) Nucleus seed:

• It is the initial seed of an improved variety which is always limited in

  quantity

•  It is produced by the originating plant breeder

• Purity – It is genetically and physically cent percent pure

•  Certification – exempted from certification by seed certifying agency but

  should be certified by the breeder

•  Use – for breeder seed production. It is not meant for general distribution

B) Breeder seed:

• It is the progeny of nucleus seed or breeder seed

• It is produced under strict supervision of original or sponsoring plant

  breeder at the research farm of the concerned crop research institute or

  agricultural university

•  Production – produced in isolation from other varieties.

•  Purity – genetically and physically cent percent pure

•  Certification – No certification

•  Use- For foundation seed production. Not meant for distribution

•  Tagging – Gold coloured tag signed by the breeder.

C) Foundation seed:

• It is the progeny by breeder seed

•  Production – produced by National Seeds Corporation under the strict

   supervision of research scientists and experts from NSC at Govt. Seed

   multiplication farms. It is produced in isolation

• Purity –genetically 100% pure. Physical purity – 98%

• Certification – undertaken by seed certification agency

• Use – For production of registered seed or certified seed production. Not

  for general distribution

• Tagging – White Tag signed by the certifying agency

D) Registered seed:

• Progeny of either foundation seed or registered seed

• In India, registered seed is generally omitted and certified seed is produced

  directly from the foundation seed

• Production – By progressive cultivators at the farms under strict

  supervision of NSC.

• Purity – genetic purity-100%, Physical purity- 98%

• Certification – It is done by the SSCA

• Use – For production of certified or registered seed

• Tagging – Purple colour

E) Certified seed:

• Progeny of either foundation or registered or certified seed

• Production – produced on the fields of progressive farmers under the

  strict supervision of SSCA

• Purity – genetic purity-100%, Physical purity- 98%

• Certification – Done By SSCA

• Use – available for general distribution to the farmers for commercial production

• Tagging – Blue colour Tag.