| Author | Swar, Shila Thapa |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AS-08-10 |
| Subject(s) | Radishes--Seeds--Nepal
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture Systems and Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-08-10 |
| Abstract | Maintaining quality of vegetable seeds at production level IS Important issue. Quality in terms of genetic and analytical purity should be maintained right from the production level. This study was conducted to analyze the existing seed production system and associated constraints in relation to quality aspects of vegetable seeds in Nepal. Four VDCs of Surkhet district were covered where farmers are intensively involved in radish seed production. Two varieties of radish were covered to analyze the awareness on biophysical factors, knowledge on quality indicators and pre and post harvest practices adopted. Methods used for study were; household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview and field observation. Laboratory tests were also done to determine quality parameters. In general it was found that farmer's knowledge and their perceptions influenced the adoption of several pre and post harvest activities thereby affecting the quality of seed produced under farmer's management. Labor intensive activities such as methods, weeding, rouging, and post harvest practices were not found affected by the household size, however were dependent on farmer's perception on how these activities affect quality of seed. Fa1111er's knowledge, experience and trainings were found to be influencing factors in the post harvest activities such as drying, grading, seed treatment, use of packaging material which in turn have significant effects on the physical purity, moisture level, ge1111ination and boldness of the seed. Farmers were found to be more focused on analytical quality therefore except the moisture level physical purity; germination and boldness of seed in the laboratory test were found within the recommended standards. Low level of awareness on biophysical factors, use of low quality foundation seed, improper isolation distance and inappropriate varietal selection have raised question mark on the genetic and varietal trueness. Several institutional and technological constrains were found interlinked with one another and most ofthe time technological problems arose due to institutional weaknesses. Awareness on moisture level, varietal and genetic aspects of quality through trainings are needed for the farmers. Beside this, system of supervision on supply of quality of foundation seed and regular inspection and monitoring of seed field by quality control agencies are required to ensure the quality of seed at production level. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AS-08-10 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems (AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thapa, Gopal B.;Jayasuriya, Hemantha |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | - |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |