AGROFORESTRY
UNIT CODE: AGR/CU/EXT/CR/08/6/B
NOTES
ELEMENT 2: Manage tree seeds
A tree seed is a mature fertilized ovule produced by a tree that contains a living embryo
capable of developing into a new tree under suitable conditions.
It serves as the starting point for tree growth and regeneration in both natural forests and
planted woodlots.
🌱 Key Features of a Tree Seed
1. Embryo – The young tree plant that will germinate and grow.
2. Food Reserve (Endosperm or Cotyledons) – Provides nourishment to the embryo
during germination.
3. Seed Coat (Testa) – A hard outer covering that protects the embryo from mechanical
injury, pests, and harsh environmental conditions.
🌾 Importance of Tree Seeds in Agroforestry
Used for raising seedlings in tree nurseries.
Enable reforestation, afforestation, and agroforestry establishment.
Help in preserving desirable tree species and genetic diversity.
Allow for mass propagation and large-scale planting programs.
Serve as a means of natural regeneration in forests.
1. Types of Seeds
Seeds in agroforestry are categorized based on their origin and storage behavior.
a) Based on Origin
1. Breeder Seeds – Produced and maintained by plant breeders; genetically pure.
2. Foundation Seeds – Derived from breeder seeds and used to produce certified seeds.
3. Certified Seeds – Produced under supervision and approved for planting by farmers.
4. Farm-saved Seeds – Retained by farmers from previous harvests for replanting.
5. Wild/Natural Seeds – Collected from natural forests or wild stands.
b) Based on Storage Behavior
1. Orthodox Seeds – Can be dried to low moisture content (5–7%) and stored for long
periods, e.g., Grevillea, Leucaena, Eucalyptus.
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2. Recalcitrant Seeds – Cannot withstand drying or low temperatures; short-lived, e.g.,
Mango, Avocado, Cocoa.
3. Intermediate Seeds – Tolerate moderate drying but not freezing, e.g., Coffee, Neem.
🌿 2. Seed Dormancy
Meaning
Seed dormancy is the temporary failure of a viable seed to germinate even under favorable
environmental conditions.
Types of Dormancy
1. Physical Dormancy – Caused by a hard or impermeable seed coat (e.g., Acacia,
Leucaena).
2. Physiological Dormancy – Due to internal chemical inhibitors.
3. Morphological Dormancy – Occurs when the embryo is immature at seed dispersal.
4. Combinational Dormancy – Combination of physical and physiological dormancy.
Importance
Prevents germination under unfavorable conditions.
Ensures seed survival in the wild.
Aids in spreading germination over time.
🌾 3. Sources of Seeds
a) Natural Sources
Natural forests and woodlands
Farmer fields and community tree stands
Home gardens and windrows
b) Institutional Sources
Forestry and agricultural research centers (e.g., KEFRI, KALRO)
Certified seed companies
NGOs and government seed programs
c) On-farm Sources
Seed orchards and selected mother trees
Farmer-saved or community seed banks
Note: Always collect seeds from healthy, high-yielding, and disease-free parent trees.
🌳 4. Seed Selection
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Meaning
Seed selection is the process of choosing the best quality seeds for propagation to ensure high
germination, vigor, and productivity.
Selection Criteria
Healthy and mature seeds
Free from pests and diseases
Uniform in size, shape, and color
True to the desired species or variety
High viability and germination rate
Collected from superior mother trees with good form and growth
🌲 5. Methods of Seed Collection and Handling
a) Collection Methods
1. From the tree: Pick mature fruits/cones directly from branches.
2. From the ground: Collect freshly fallen mature fruits (avoid rotten ones).
3. From felled trees: Collect from freshly cut mature trees.
4. From seed orchards: Controlled collection for high-quality genetic material.
Sources of Agroforestry Seeds
Source Description Advantages Disadvantages
Natural Forests Wild populations High diversity Variable quality
of trees
Plantations Managed stands Known species, Limited diversity
easy access
Seed Production Managed for seed Good quality, Needs
Areas output uniform management
Seed Orchards Improved genetic Superior seeds Costly to
stands establish
Research/Seed Certified and Reliable and Limited local
Centers tested seeds traceable access
Community/NGO Local seed groups Affordable, May lack
Sources accessible certification
Private Suppliers Commercial seed Variety available Risk of poor
sellers quality
b) Handling Practices
Use clean, labeled containers (baskets, sacks, or tins).
Keep species separate to avoid mixing.
Avoid collecting immature, damaged, or diseased fruits.
Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat during handling.
Record date, location, and source for traceability.
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🌾 6. Seed Longevity
Meaning
Seed longevity is the period a seed remains viable (alive and able to germinate) under given
storage conditions.
Factors Affecting Longevity
Moisture content: Lower moisture increases longevity.
Temperature: Cooler temperatures extend viability.
Seed type: Orthodox seeds last longer than recalcitrant seeds.
Storage conditions: Clean, dry, pest-free environment enhances lifespan.
Genetic and physiological quality: Healthy seeds store longer.
🏭 7. Processing of Seeds
Meaning
Seed processing includes all post-collection operations that prepare seeds for planting or
storage.
Main Objectives
Improve seed quality and purity
Enhance germination and viability
Facilitate easy storage and handling
⚙️8. Extraction
Meaning
Extraction is the removal of seeds from fruits, pods, or cones.
Methods
Manual extraction: Hand shelling, rubbing, or crushing.
Mechanical extraction: Using machines for large quantities.
Fermentation: For fleshy fruits like Tamarind, Neem.
Drying and shaking: For cones or pods (Pine, Eucalyptus).
🌞 9. Drying
Purpose
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Reduces seed moisture to safe levels to prevent mold growth and loss of viability.
Methods
Sun or shade drying: Spread seeds thinly on mats or trays.
Air drying: In a well-ventilated room.
Controlled drying: Using drying rooms or ovens for large-scale seeds.
Note: Avoid excessive heat which can kill embryos.
🧹 10. Cleaning
Meaning
Cleaning involves removing unwanted materials such as stones, dust, chaff, and empty seeds.
Methods
Winnowing and sieving
Air blowing
Washing for fleshy fruits
Mechanical cleaning machines for large batches
🔍 11. Sorting
Purpose
Sorting improves uniformity and quality by separating seeds based on size, color, and weight.
Methods
Manual hand-picking
Flotation test (good seeds sink, bad seeds float)
Mechanical grading or screening
🌾 12. Pretreatment
Meaning
Pretreatment involves treating seeds before sowing to break dormancy or speed up germination.
Common Methods
1. Scarification – Scratching hard seed coats (e.g., Leucaena, Acacia).
2. Hot water treatment – Soaking in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes.
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3. Cold stratification – Storing in moist, cool conditions to simulate winter.
4. Soaking in water – 12–24 hours to soften the seed coat.
5. Chemical treatment – Using acid or growth regulators (done carefully).
💊 13. Seed Dressing
Meaning
Seed dressing is the application of protective substances (chemical or biological) to seeds
before planting.
Purpose
Protect seeds from pests and diseases.
Improve germination and early seedling growth.
Types
Fungicidal dressing – Protects against fungal infections.
Insecticidal dressing – Prevents insect attack.
Bio-inoculants – Adds beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Rhizobium for legumes).
Safety: Always wear protective gear and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
🏠 14. Storage of Seeds
Meaning
Seed storage is the process of keeping seeds under controlled conditions to maintain viability
until planting.
Storage Requirements
Temperature: Cool environment (below 15°C).
Moisture: Low (5–10% for orthodox seeds).
Containers: Airtight tins, glass jars, or sealed polythene bags.
Environment: Clean, dry, dark, and pest-free.
Monitoring: Regular inspection for pests, molds, and moisture buildup.
Storage Duration
Orthodox seeds: Long-term storage possible.
Recalcitrant seeds: Should be sown immediately after collection.
✅ Summary Table
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Process Purpose Example / Remark
Extraction Remove seeds from fruits/pods Manual, mechanical, or fermentation
Drying Reduce moisture content Sun, shade, or air drying
Cleaning Remove impurities Sieving or winnowing
Sorting Grade seeds by quality Manual or flotation
Pretreatment Break dormancy Hot water, scarification
Seed Dressing Protect from pests & diseases Fungicide, insecticide
Storage Maintain viability Cool, dry, pest-free area
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