Effective Seed Collection and Storage Techniques for Agroforestry Nurseries
Learn essential methods for collecting, treating, and storing seeds in agroforestry nurseries to ensure optimal growth and survival of seedlings. Discover the importance of selecting quality seeds, soil preparation, and proper seedbed management. Explore factors like testing for germination and ideal seed storage conditions to enhance seed viability. Master the art of seed collection from genetic plus trees and ensure successful agroforestry practices in dry land environments.
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Presentation Transcript
Seeds Seed storage Pre-treatment of seeds Methods of pre-treatment of seeds Soil preparation in nursery beds Preparation of seedbeds Sowing in nursery
Seeds Seeds should always be collected from genetic plus trees and should have the following characteristics: 1- Good seeds from Ripened Pods alone need to be collected 2- Seeds should not have any Pest and Disease attack 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 2
3- Mother trees selected for collection should be Tall, Straight and Bell Shaped 4- Seeds from Deformed, Dead, Dying and Decayed trees also from Very Old Trees or Young Trees should be Avoided as they produce Poor Quality Seedlings 5- Collected seeds should be Large, Plump and Well Filled (as light seeds germinate poorly and produce weak seedlings) 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 3
6- Seeds have to be collected during the Middle of the Maturity period (Early and Late Maturing seeds will Not be Good as compared to the middle period) 7- Seeds have to be collected from the source called as Genetic Plus Trees (which exhibit extra ordinary growth, vigour and stand) 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 4
8- Seeds should Not Collected from Isolated trees as they produce Less Productive self pollinated seeds 9- Collected seeds should be Tested for Germination 10- Quantity of seed collection depends on nursery requirement, probable germination percentage, losses etc. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 5
Seed storage Seeds collected should be Dried and Stored in Airtight containers. In case seeds are to be used immediately after harvest, then storage may not be necessary. It is always desirable to have permanent seed storage structures with facilities for ventilation. Wire Nets can be provided for protection against rodents and insects. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 6
For maintaining seed viability basic needs will be proper Temperature, Humidity and Aeration. Cold Storage usually lengthens viability of seeds collected. Seeds should be sown within viability period, which varies from species to species. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 7
Pre-treatment of seeds Most of tree crop seeds have hard seed coat and such tree seeds require pre- treatment for Enhancing of Germination. Various methods of pre-treatment are recommended for Breaking of Dormancy and Scarifying seeds. Seeds with soft seed coat do not need pre-treatment. Germination of most of tree seeds can be improved by Soaking seeds in Water for 24Hours. Type of pre-treatment of seeds depends on Hardiness of the Coat. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 8
Methods of pre-treatment of seeds - Physical method - Chemical method - Biochemical method 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 9
Soil preparation in nursery beds Nursery soil for mother bed should have a mixture of Soil, Sand and Manure in ratio of 6:3:1 respectively. Clean Organic Manure has to be applied for purpose of preventing Weed growth. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 10
Preparation of seedbeds Beds meant for germination of seeds are called as seed or germination or mother beds or seed flats. They help to maintain Germinated Seeds for certain period. Germinated seedlings are to be transferred to another bed or containers for further growth, Rooting Medium should facilitate easy Lifting (without any damage to roots). 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 11
Seedbeds can either be Raised or Sunken type depending upon species to be raised. Desirable size of nursery bed may be 1 X 10 m. During Initial Formation, nursery site should be Leveled and thoroughly Ploughed to a depth of 30 to 45 cm. All unwanted materials like stones, weeds, stumps etc. must be removed. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 12
Optimum time of bed preparation will be at the End of Rainy Season (November to December). Nursery site can be Fenced all around with locally available materials to Prevent Damage by Cattle. Agroforestry in Dry Land 11/24/2024 13
Sowing in nursery Seeds can be sown in prepared beds after necessary seed Treatment and Drying in shade. Germination beds have to be moderately watered and seeds are sown either Broadcasted or in Lines or Drills formed across width of the bed. Seeds sown should be covered to a proper depth with fine earth. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 14
Seedbed should be soaked well before sowing, if sowing is done in hot weather. Surface soil should be kept moist till germination with fine spray of water from rose can: - Twice a day (for first 15 days). - Once in a day (for next 30 days). Time of sowing in different tree species varies and most of them are coinciding with the period January to March. 11/24/2024 Agroforestry in Dry Land 15
