Seed Collection and Storage

Seed Collection

The quality of seed collection depends on the timing and method of seed collection. The following points need to be kept in mind during seed collection.

Seeds should be collected only from plants showing the following characteristic:

1. Vigorous growth:

Growth is not uniform in a plot. We observe some plants growing more vigorously than others do. Locate all such plants growing in the plot and mark them. Collect seeds from these marked plants after they mature on the plant.

2. Resisitance to pests and diseases:

Even is pest and diseases ravage the entire plat, we do find a few plants. Seeds collected from such plants may also exhibit this trait.

3. Good quality fruit:

Size, taste and storage generally determine quality of fruit. Good quality fruit fetch a better price in the market. Seeds collected from mature well-formed, sweet-tasting fruit would produce similar kind of fruit in the next generation. Some friuts have a longer shelf life than others do. It is possible that seeds collected from these friuts would so have the same quality.

4. Yields:

All plants in a particular plot do not yield the same way. Some plants yield better tan others do. Collecting seeds from such well yielding plants ensures the farmer of good yields in subsequent generations.

Seed Storage

Only well dried seed should be stored. Seeds with moisture in them become damp, mouldy and vulnerable to insect attacks. For drying, lay the seeds in the sun on a mat or plastic sheet and spread them thinly. Mix and turn the seeds 4-5 times in a day. Repeat the process for about 4-5 days.

After drying the seeds well, clean tem to remove all stones, malformed, broken, undersized, diseased seeds, weed seeds, other crop seeds, chaff and other rubbish. Keep the good and well-formed seeds. These seeds most now be stored properly. To store seeds use containers that are airtight and moisture – proof. Glass or tin containers are ideal for seed storage purposes. Avoid using plastic bags for seed storage because, even in the presence of slight moisture the seeds begin to rot. The containers should be labelled giiving the following information:

1. name of plant
2. place of collection
3. time of collection

Storing seeds in a cool dry environment keeps them viable for longer. Seeds have a tendency to absorb moisture. To maintain dryness the storage containers could be filled to a quarter capacity with either dry wood ash or dry charcoal. If the seeds are to be put directly into the container then cover the dry ash with a layer of paper. In case the container is opened frequently, change the wood ash or charcoal every time it is opened.

The viable and quality of seeds depend on how well they are protected from insects and pests. There are simple ways of protecting seeds from insects. Farmers have been using various indigenous methods of seed storage for ages. However, with the introduction of chemicals most farmers are going in for chemical treatment of seeds for storage purposes.

The farmers spend money to buy them but does not know how to use it and what precautions to follow. Unfortunately most of the chemicals used are harmful and result in health and environment problems. It is time we realised the worth and efficiency of our traditional practices and returned to them before it is too late.

Listed below are a few indigenous methods of seed storage that have been tested and proven to be as efficient (if not more) as chemical method but without their harmful side effects.

1. Wood ash: For every kilogram of seed to be stored, add 500 gms of fresh dry wood ash that has cooled. After the seeds have been put in the container in which the seeds will be stored.
2. Lime: Lime also has insect repelling properties. For every kilogram of seed, use 50 gms of lime. The mixing can be done in the same container in which the seeds will be stored.
3. Coconut oil or any other vegetable oil: This method is especially for bean seeds. For one kilogram of bean seed add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Mix the oil with 250 gms of seed and out it into a clean container. Add the remaining seeds and mix till all the seeds are coated with oil. When coated well with oil the seeds appear shiny.

The above three methods are generally used for vegetable seeds.

Storing grains:

The leaves, kernal and oil of neem (Azadirachta indica) have been found to be very effective against a wide variety of storage pests. Neem leaves are dried in shade and powdered. This powder is added to the bags or containers in (which the grain is stored). Using neem oil is easier and more efficient as the seeds have the maximum concentration of the active ingredients (azadirahtin, salanin, malandriol). The quantity of oil depends on the quality of seeds used. The quantity of neem oil should be one percent by weight of seed. Grain stored for seed purposes can be treated with two percent by weight of seed.

Grains are usually stored in clay vessels or gunnysacks. These containers are coated with a paste of neem leaf or dry neem cake powder. The floor and room in which the seeds are stored is plastered with cow dung to keep pests away. These are just a few, very commonly used traditional seed storage practices.