Principles and Techniques of Vegetable Seed Production provides a comprehensive and practically oriented treatment of vegetable seed science and production. Beginning with seed identification, seed structure, nursery management and crop establishment, the book progresses to floral biology, pollination, emasculation, roguing and seed-extraction techniques. It explains the principles and practices of varietal and hybrid seed production in solanaceous, cucurbitaceous, cole, root, leguminous, leafy, bulb and tuber vegetable crops. Field visits, seed-industry exposure and vegetative multiplication are also incorporated to connect theoretical knowledge with commercial practice. Multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions and descriptive questions make the book particularly useful for classroom instruction, practical courses, revision and competitive examinations. It is intended for students of agriculture and horticulture, seed technologists, researchers, extension professionals, seed entrepreneurs and individuals engaged in producing and maintaining quality vegetable seed.

Chapter 1: Identification of Vegetable Seeds and Study of Seed Structure

Chapter 2: Study on Sowing and Nursery Management

Chapter 3: Nursery Management, Transplant Production and Crop Establishment

Chapter 4: Floral Biology and Pollination Mechanisms in Vegetable Crops

Chapter 5: Study of the Floral Biology of Other Vegetable Crops

Chapter 6: Modification of Sex Ratio in Cucurbits

Chapter 7: Practising Emasculation and Pollination Methods

Chapter 8: Practising Roguing Operations – Identification of Off-types – Selfed Fruits

Chapter 9: Practicing Seed Extraction Methods – Wet Methods

Chapter 10: Seed Extraction – Dry Methods (Chillies, Bhendi and Cucurbits)

Chapter 11: Visit to Seed Production Fields

Chapter 12: Visit to a Private Seed Industry

Chapter 13: Importance and Present Status of Vegetable Seed Industry – Factors Influencing Vegetable Seed Production

Chapter 14: Varietal and Hybrid Seed Production in Solanaceous Vegetable Crops

Chapter 15: Varietal and Hybrid Seed Production in Cucurbitaceous Vegetables and Bhendi – Gourds and Melons

Chapter 16: Varietal and Hybrid Seed Production in Cole Crops – Cauliflower and Cabbage

Chapter 17: Varietal and Hybrid Seed Production in Root Vegetables – Carrot and Radish

Chapter 18: Varietal Seed Production Techniques in Major Leguminous Vegetables – Peas and Beans

Chapter 19: Varietal Seed Production Techniques in Leafy Vegetables

Chapter 20: Seed Production Techniques in Bulb Crops – Onion and Garlic

Chapter 21: Seed Production Techniques in Tuber Crops – Potato and TPS Production

Chapter 22: Seed Production Techniques in Tuber Crops – Sweet Potato, Colocasia, Tapioca and Yam

Chapter 23: Vegetative and Clonal Multiplication – Methods, Merits and Demerits