FIELD COUNTS
The
very purpose of field inspection is to find out the field standards of various
factors in the seed farm. It is
impossible to examine all the plants in the seed farm.
Besides, all the characters of the plant may not exhibit in a
particular time. Hence, to assess
the field standards of various factors an internationally accepted method of
evaluation has been arrived at viz., 'Random counting'.
The observations are made on the representative sample in the following
lines.
The
number of counts taken and the method employed in taking counts vary from crop
to crop. Five counts are taken
for an area of up to 5 acres (2ha) and an additional count is taken for every
additional 5 acres (2 ha) or part there of as given below.
Area
of the field
in
acres
Number
of counts to be taken
Up
to 5 acres
5
Above
5, upto 10 acres
6
Above
10, upto 15 acres
7
Above
15, upto 20 acres
8
Above
20, upto 25 acres
9
In
any inspection, if the first set of counts shows that the seed crop does not
confirm to the prescribed standard for any factor, a second set of counts
should be taken for that factor. However,
when the first set of counts shows a factor more than twice the maximum
permitted it is not necessary to take a second count.
Two sets of counts made are called Double Count.
Taking
double count for a factor is necessary.
1.
If in the first set of counts, occurrence of a factor is more than the maximum
permitted but not more than twice the maximum permitted.
2. If in the first set of counts, occurrence of a factor is equal
to twice the maximum permissible level.
Taking
double count for a factor is not necessary:
1.
If in the first set of counts, occurrence of a factor is less than or equal to
the maximum permitted.
2. If in the first set of counts, occurrence of a factor is more than twice the maximum permitted.
On
completion of double count assess the average for the two counts.
It should not exceed the maximum permissible limit.
Number of plants for a count: Some plants tiller, other may not do so, some are planted at a narrow or wide spacing. Thus the number of plants or heads comprising a single count differs from crop to crop as given below.
NUMBER OF PLANTS / HEADS PER COUNT:
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Sl.No.
Crop
No.
Plants/
heads per count
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1
Bajra, barely, oats, paddy, Sorghum,
wheat,
ragi and minor millets
1000 Heads
2
Berseem, Jute, Lucerne, Mesta, Soyabean
1000 Plants
3.
Beans, Dolicas beans, Cluster beans, Cowpea,
Pea,
Green gram, Black gram, Horsegram,
Bengal
gram, Mustard, Sesamum, Niger,
Safflower,
Green leafy vegetables, French beans
500 Plants.
4.
Bhendi, Brinjal, Bulb crops, Capsicum,
Chilli,
Cole crops, Cucurbits, Potato, Cotton,
Maize,
Castor, Groundnut, Sunflower, Redgram,
Root
crops, Tomato,
100 Plants
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Points to be
observed before counting:
1. All plants or heads falling in each count must be examined for
each factor mentioned already to the extent appropriate.
2. If the seed field is planted with two different parents (as in
hybrid seed production of Cumbu, Cholam, Maize, Cotton etc.) the prescribed
number of counts in each parent must to taken separately.
3. Before starting to count and after forming an idea of the size
of the seed farm, and density of the crop in row crop, randomly arbitrarily
decide the number of rows to cross over at the end of counting row.
When counting in one parallel line, if the row after making the cross
over of the predetermined number of the row happens to be the other parental
line, again cross over, in the same direction till a row of the first parental
line under counting is obtained.
In
broadcast crops and the crops not raised in rows, randomly and arbitrarily
decide the number of steps, to move over at the end of counting in a location.
Thought,
it is advisable to cross over the same predetermined number rows (in the case
of row crops) or to move over the same predetermined number of steps (in the
case of crops not raised in rows), during an inspection of field, if local
conditions such as plant population, number of rows, size of field etc.,
demand, this number can be modified in the process of inspection.
But, such contingency should, as far as possible, be avoided by
correctly arriving at the number of rows or steps to be moved over, for
ensuring proper distribution of counts.
When
counting the male parent, include the border rows of male parent. In general wherever the plant population is lesser than the
actual number to be counted take entire population for observation and arrive
for the purity of the field.
Whenever, the counting procedure could not be adopted take entire population for observation and arrive for the purity of the field.
The procedure of counting should be noted in the field inspection report.
PROCEDURE FOR TAKING COUNTS
1. PROCEDURE
FOR COUNTING IN MAIZE INBRED LINE, COMPOSITES, OPEN POLLINATED VARIETY AND
TEOSINTE.
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 6 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 6 COUNTS / PARENT
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 100 PLANTS
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COVERED 600 PLANTS
NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED PER ROW 10 PLANTS
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 2 ROWS
1.Enter
the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and start moving in
the direction of the row.
2.
Start counting from any plant selected at random in any row, and count ten
plants consecutively in that row.
3.
Count the number of plants, which have one or more ears with receptive silks
among these ten plants.
4.
Count the number of off-type plants with tassels, which are shedding or have
shed pollen among the ten consecutive plants counted.
5.
Cross over the pre-determined number of rows and again start counting ten
consecutive plants in that row from a point nearly parallel to the last point
of the previous ten plants inspected. Count
the number of off-types with tassels that are shedding or have shed pollen and
the number of plants with one or more ears with receptive silks.
6.
Repeat the entire process to count a total of one hundred plants, noting off
types, shedding tassel and receptive silks on plants among the one hundred
plants counted. This completes
one count.
7.And
repeat the entire process, described above, untill the number of counts
required for the size of the field are completed.
II.
PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN MAIZE, SUNFLOWER, TOMATO, REDGRAM & CASTOR
CROSSES
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 8 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED IN EACH PARENT 6 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 100 PLANTS
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COVERED IN EACH PARENT 600 PLANTS IN EACH
NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED PER ROW 10 PLANTS
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 1 ROW (MALE)
4 ROW (FEMALE)
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and start
moving in the direction of the rows.
2.
Start counting from any randomly selected plant in the female parent rows
first by examining ten consecutive plants in a randomly selected row.
3.
Count the number of plants having ears with receptive silks and plants with
tassels, which are shedding or have shed pollen in Maize, off-type, pollen
shedder, objectionable weed plants and designated diseases in the case of
sunflower, off types, pollen shedders and designated diseases in Tomato, off
types and pollen shedders in Red gram, off types, and male/female variants in
Castor within the ten plants.
4.
Cross over to a female parent row according to the pre-determined number of
rows and again start counting ten consecutive plants from a point
approximately parallel to the last plant counted in the previous row.
5.
Repeat this process until one hundred female parent plants have been counted,
and note the factors already mentioned in para 3. This completes one count.
6.
Repeat the entire process as many times as required for the field size.
7.
Then, enter a male parent row from any side of the field and start counting in
the same manner as described above. Make the same number of counts as made in
the female parent rows.
III. PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN BAJRA AND SORGHUM LINE INCREASE OF MALE
PARENT AND IN OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES.
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 5 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 5 COUNTS
NO. OF HEADS PER COUNT 1000
TOTAL NO. OF HEADS TO BE COUNTED 5000
NO. OF HEADS PER STEP 20
NO. OF STEPS TO BE MADE PER ROW 5 or enough to include 100 heads
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 4
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and start
moving in the direction of the rows.
2.
Take one fullstep along a row and Count the number of heads within the step;
repeat this in atleast four other randomly selected locations in the field;
determine the total number of heads in the five steps and the average number
of heads per step, determine the number of steps required to get 1000 heads (i.e)
if the total number of heads in the five steps is 100, the average number of
heads per step is 20; on this basis to count 1000 heads fifty steps should be
taken.
3.
After calculating the average number of heads per step, start from any plant
in any row and make enough consecutive steps in that row to get 100 heads or
make 10 consecutive steps in that row.
4.
Count the number of off-type heads, which are shedding or have shed pollen
within these steps. Also count
the number of heads affected by ergot or grain smut and number of stools
infected by downy mildew / green ear in bajra.
Count the number of heads affected by head smut or kernel smut in
sorghum. Count for designated diseases should be taken at prescribed
stages.
5.
Then, cross over the pre-determined number of rows and again make the same
number of consecutive steps in that row from a point approximately parallel to
the last step made in the previous row, and count the factors mentioned above.
6.
Repeat the above process as many times as required to examine 1000 heads, thus
completes one count.
7.
Repeat the entire process as many times as required for the field size.
IV. PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN BAJRA AND SORGHUM LINE INCREASE OF FEMALE
PARENT AND HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION.
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 4 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 5 COUNTS in each parent
NO. OF HEADS PER COUNT 1000
TOTAL NO. OF HEADS TO BE COUNTED 5000 in each parent.
NO. OF HEADS PER STEP 20 in both the parents
NO. OF STEPS TO BE MADE PER ROW 5 or enough to include 100 heads
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 2 for Female, 1 for Male
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and move in the
direction of the rows.
2.
Start counting in the female parent rows first, determine the average number
of heads per row-step in the female parent as described above and determine
the number of steps required to include 1000 heads.
3.
Take any female parent row and from any plant in the row, take enough
consecutive steps to include 100 heads or make ten consecutive steps in that
row.
4.
Count the number of heads of pollen shedders that are shedding or have shed
pollen, the number of off-type head which are shedding or have shed pollen and
the number of heads affected by designated diseases.
5.
Cross over to a female parent row according to the pre-determined number and
make the same number of consecutive steps in that row from a point nearly
parallel to the last step made in the previous row. Again, count the factors
mentioned above. Repeat the
process until 1000 heads are examined. This
completes one count.
6. Repeat the entire process until the number of counts required
for the field is made.
7.
Then enter the male parent row, and determine the average number of heads per
step in the same way as done in female parent, determine
the number of steps required to include 1000heads.
8.
Select at random any male row and any plant in that row, take enough
consecutive steps to include 100 heads or make ten consecutive steps in that
row.
9.
Count the number of off-type heads, which are shedding or have shed pollen and
the number of heads affected by designated diseases.
10.
Cross over to a male parent row according to the pre-determined number and
make the same number of consecutive steps in that row from a point
approximately parallel to that last step made in the previous row, count the
factors mentioned above. Repeat
this process until 1000 heads are counted.
This completes one count.
11.
Repeat the entire process as may be required to make the number of counts for
the field size.
V. PROCEDURE
FOR COUNTING IN THICKLY SOWN ROW CROP
(PADDY, JUTE, SOYABEAN, WHEAT, BARLY, RAGI )
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 14 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 7 COUNTS
NO. OF HEADS/PLANTS PER COUNT 1000
TOTAL NO. OF HEADS/PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 7000
NO. OF HEADS/PLANTS PER STEP 20( It varies crop to crop)
NO. OF STEPS REQUIRED FOR 7 COUNTS 350
NO. OF STEPS TO BE MADE PER ROW 5 or enough to include 100 plants/heads
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 5
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and determine
the average number of heads or plants in a row per step as described early,
determine the number of steps required to include 1000 heads or plants.
2. Select at random any row and from any point in that row, make
enough consecutive steps to include 100plants/heads or ten consecutive steps
in that row.
3.
Count the number of off-type heads / plants, Inseparable other crop plants,
Objectionable weeds and Heads/plants affected by designated diseases for
Paddy, off -types, inseparable other crop plants, designated diseases in
Barley and Wheat, off types and plants affected by designated diseases in
Jute, off types in Ragi and Soybeans within these steps.
4.
Cross over the pre-determined number of rows and make the same number of
consecutive steps in that row from a point approximately parallel to the last
step counted in the previous row. Count
the factors mentioned above within the steps made in the new row.
5.
Repeat this process as many times as required to include 1000 heads / plants.
This completes one count.
6.
Repeat the entire process until the number of counts required for the field
size is completed.
VI. PROCEDURE
FOR COUNTING IN MEDIUM SPACED ROW CROPS (BEANS, COWPEA, GRAM, LEAF CROPS,
MOONG, MUSTARD, PEAS, SESAMUM, SAFFLOWER, CLUSTER BEANS AND BLACK GRAM.)
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 18 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 8 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 500
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 4000
NO. OF PLANTS PER STEP 10
NO. OF STEPS REQUIRED PER COUNT 50
NO. OF STEPS REQUIRED FOR 8 COUNT 400
NO. OF STEPS TO BE MADE PER ROW 5 or enough to Include 50 plants
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 4
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and start
moving in the direction of rows.
2.
Determine the average number of plants per step in the manner prescribed
earlier.
3.
Determine the number of steps required to count 500 plants.
4.
Select at random any row and from any point in that row take enough
consecutive steps to include 50 plants or make ten consecutive steps and count
the number of off-types, inseparable other crop plants, objectionable weeds
and plants affected by designated diseases within these steps.
5.
Cross over the pre-determined number of rows and make the same number of
consecutive steps in that row from a point approximately parallel to the last
steps counted in the previous row. Count
the factors mentioned above.
6.
Repeat this process as many time as required to include 500 plants.
This completes one count.
7.
Repeat the entire process as many times as required to make the number of
counts prescribed for the field size.
II. PROCEDURE
FOR COUNTING IN WIDE SPACED ROW CROPS.
(BHENDI,
BRINJAL, BULB CROPS, GROUNDNUT, COTTON, CUCURBITS, CASTOR, CHILLIES, COLE
CROPS, POTATO, RED GRAM, ROOT CROPS, SUNFLOWER, TOMATO.)
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 23 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 9 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 100
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 900
NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED PER ROW 10
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF ROWS TO CROSS OVER 5
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and start
moving in the direction of the rows.
2. Start at random from any point in any row and count ten
consecutive plants in that row. Count
the number of off-types, inseparable other crop plants, objectionable weeds
and plants affected by designated disease within these ten plants.
3.
In case of hybrid cotton in female parent take counts for off-types.
In addition observe selfed bolls (selfed bolls, open flowers,
non-bagging before pollination and improperly emasculated flowers) in every 50th,
100th plants of each count. Count
the total number of bolls (crossed bolls, selfed bolls, open flowers,
non-bagging before pollination and improperly emasculated flowers) from the
aforesaid plants and arrive percentage.
4.
Follow similar procedure for off-types in male rows of hybrid cotton
separately.
5.
Cross over the pre-determined number of rows and again start counting ten
consecutive plants from a point nearly parallel to the last plant counted in
the previous row. Count the
factors mentioned above.
6.
Repeat the process until a total of 100 plants are examined and the factors
counted. This completes one count.
7.
Repeat the process as many times required to make the number of counts for the
field size.
VIII-A.
PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN BROAD CAST SEED CROPS NOT PLANTED IN ROWS (PADDY,
RAGI, BERSEEM, LUCERNE, VARIETY MILLETS,
ETC.)
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 7 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 6 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 1000
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 6000
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF STEPS TO MOVE 4 (both horizontally & vertically)
NO. OF PLANTS PER SQ.METER 50
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER COUNT 20
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER 6 COUNTS 120
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and move ahead.
2.
Estimate the average number of plant/head population per square meter or per
arm stretch after assessing in 5 different locations (arm stretch
means-stretching the arms apart and closing at finger tips)
3.
In the location selected stretch your arms or in square meter space count the
number of off-type plants / heads, objectionable inseparable other crop plants
and heads/plants affected by designated diseases.
4.
Move over to another location according to the predetermined number of steps
both horizontally and vertically, stretch the arms or in square meter space
determine the factors mentioned above.
5.
Repeat this process until the prescribed number of plants / heads per count
have been examined and factors counted. This
completes one count.
6.
Repeat the entire process until the number of counts required for the field
size is completed.
N.B.
With regard to paddy and
ragi, field counts may be taken as per the arm stretch procedure as outlined
above.
VIII-B.
PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN BROAD CAST SEED CROPS NOT PLANTED IN ROWS (BEANS,
CLUSTER BEANS, COWPEA, GREEN GRAM, MUSTARD, PEAS, SESAMUM, HORSE GRAM, BLACK
GRAM, BENGAL GRAM , NIGER, SAFFLOWER )
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 7 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 6 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 500
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 3000
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF STEPS TO MOVE 4 (both horizontally & vertically)
NO. OF PLANTS PER SQ.METER 25
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER COUNT 20
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER 6 COUNTS 120
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and move ahead.
2.
Estimate the average number of plant population per square meter after
assessing in 5 different locations.
3.
In the location selected in square meter space count the number of off-type
plants, and plants affected by designated diseases.
4.
Move over to another location according to the predetermined number of steps
both horizontally and vertically, determine the factors mentioned above.
5.
Repeat this process until the prescribed number of plants per count have been
examined and factors counted. This
completes one count.
6.
Repeat the entire process until the number of counts required for the field
size is completed.
VIII-C.
PROCEDURE FOR COUNTING IN BROAD CAST SEED CROPS NOT PLANTED IN ROWS (COTTON,
GROUNDNUT, CASTOR, SUNFLOWER, REDGRAM, TOMATO, BHENDI, BRINJAL, BULB CROPS,
CUCURBITS, CHILLIES, COLE CROPS, POTATO &ROOT CROPS.)
AREA OF THE SEED FIELD 7 ACRES
NO.OF COUNTS REQUIRED 6 COUNTS
NO. OF PLANTS PER COUNT 100
TOTAL NO. OF PLANTS TO BE COUNTED 600
PRE DETERMINED NO. OF STEPS TO MOVE 4 (both horizontally & vertically)
NO. OF PLANTS PER SQ.METER 20 ( It will vary from crop to crop)
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER COUNT 5
NO. OF ONE SQ. METER LOCATIONS PER 6 COUNTS 30
1.
Enter the seed field at a randomly selected site from any side and move ahead.
2.
Estimate the average number of plant population per square meter after
assessing in 5 different locations.
3.
In the location selected in square meter space count the number of off-type
plants and plants affected by designated diseases. In case of Bhendi and
Cucurbits count for objectionable weed plants also.
4.
Move over to another location according to the predetermined number of steps
both horizontally and vertically, determine the factors mentioned above.
5.
Repeat this process until the prescribed number of plants per count have been
examined and factors counted. This
completes one count.
6.
Repeat the entire process until the number of counts required for the field
size is completed.
PROCEDURE FOR
DETERMINING PLANTS / HEADS PER SQUARE METER IN BROADCAST SEED CROPS OR ROW
PLANTED CROPS
| 56 | 39 | |||
| 42 |
|
|||
| 47 | 58 | |||
EACH IS ONE
SQUARE METER MADE BY A WOODEN FRAME ( 1 M X 1 M ) OR ROPE OR STEPS. DETERMINE
THE NUMBER OF PLANTS WITHIN EACH SQUARE METER.
Plant
population in five one square meter areas in five different locations has been
determined. Estimate the population per square meter being the average of five
locations.
Example:
1
47 plants
2
56 plants
3
42 plants
4
58 plants
5
39 plants
TOTAL
242 PLANTS
AVERAGE 48 PLANTS PER SQ. METER (SAY 50)