National Seed Science Technology Research Centre

Introduction

Seed science technology research took its origin as first seed testing laboratory in 1962 in Agronomy Division under the Department of Agricultural Development (DoAD). In early seventies, the use of improved seeds increased and the seed testing laboratory moved to Agriculture Botany Division (ABD) to work in close with the breeders. Seed Technology and Improvement Program (STIP), Central Seed Science and Technology Division (CSSTD) were the upgraded modalities and given the divisional status in due course with pivotal role bridging between research, extensions and end users of seed through seed certification, field inspection, seed testing, seed technology research and planning and monitoring of source seed production. It is therefore been the mother organization of the present seed network established under National Seed Board (NSB). On inception of Nepal Agricultural research Council (NARC), Seed Technology Research as a Unit merged again in Agriculture Botany Division (ABD) and is entitled to conduct seed research on practical problems related to seed quality and support in strengthening national seed programs in use and distribution of quality seed. National Seed Science and Technology Research Centre has now again been approved as an independent disciplinary division under National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) by the 41st NARC Council meeting. It is effective as central division of seed in Khumaltar from 2010/11 fiscal year. It acts as focal point for seed component in NARC assisting the use and production of quality seed through research for agricultural development and work on seed in close association and coordination with stakeholders of seeds under NSB.

Objectives

  • To carry out the seed technology research on problems associated with quality seed on seed production, harvesting, post harvest handlings and storage; seed morphology; seed physiology and seed quality testing protocol
  • To develop and standardize seed testing techniques through research supporting the seed certification system.
  • To establish and coordinate the sources seed production in NARC farm/stations and its supply
  • To provide seed testing services to seed producers, seed companies, I/N/GOs with seed component, research entities, farmers etc.
  • To work in close with the stakeholders of seed quality and central seed testing laboratory on regional and national problems on seed through quick researches as and when needed.

Work Plan Activities

Seed Research

Based on agricultural research priorities and practical problems on use and production of quality seeds following basic and adaptive four research areas with practical implications have been identified:

  • Seed production technology
  • Seed testing technology and seed physiology
  • Seed morphology and taxonomy
  • Seed post harvest, handling and storage technolog

Seed Quality Testing

The seed testing laboratory in centre has ever since been working in close association with the crop breeding and national seed programs. Following quality testing services are provided to seed producers, seed companies, researchers following the rules for testing seeds by ISTA and guidelines and norms developed by Central Seed Testing Laboratory of Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC).

  • Seed moisture content, analytical purity, number count test, germination test (general testing)
  • Tetrazolium test, accelerated ageing test, cold test, field plot and biochemical test for varietal identification, molecular marker testing (special testing on request)
  • Undertaking of proficiency seed sample testing (conducted by SQCC)

Major Achievements

  • Descriptors of improved varieties based on agro-morphological traits were developed to assist the seed inspectors, seed producers and support variety release process
  • SSR based DNA finger printing of 37 rice genotypes (national listed varieties, landraces and wild types) were established
  • Various seed quality testing techniques for forage species: Stylosanthes, Euchleana, white clover, rye grass,
  • Desmodium species were developed.
  • Seed pretreatment techniques for rice, finger millet, Sesbania sps etc were established
  • Isolation distance, right timing of harvest, no of field inspections, density of plant population in a seed crop on cereals were established as per production environment of the country.
  • Genetics and physiology of seed dormancy in improved rice varieties using SSR markers achieved.
    Biochemical test for varietal identification of vegetable species carried for genuineness of cultivars

Researchers

Contact

National Seed Science Technology Research Centre
Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
Khumaltar, Lalitpur
PO Box: 5415, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-5523040 Fax: 977-1-5526939
Email: seedtech@narc.gov.np, seedtech@wlink.com.np,
Website: www.narc.gov.np