I85PREP
⌘ K
UPMSP Vocational Seed Production Technology study materials
UPMSP Vocational Seed Production Technology study resources

UPMSP Vocational Seed Production Technology practice questions

One question at a time. Build your UPMSP Vocational Seed Production Technology understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which part of a seed gives rise to the radicle during germination?

  1. The scutellum
  2. The coleoptile
  3. The embryonic root axis Correct answer.
  4. The aleurone layer

Explanation

The radicle is the embryonic root already present in the seed axis and is the first structure to emerge during germination, anchoring the seedling. The scutellum and coleoptile are structures of the monocot embryo and seedling, and the aleurone is a protein-rich outer endosperm layer.

Question 2Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A seed lot shows 85 percent germination in the laboratory test. What does this figure directly describe?

  1. The genetic purity of the seed lot
  2. The proportion of seeds that produced normal seedlings under the test conditions Correct answer.
  3. The proportion of seeds that remained hard and impermeable
  4. The percentage of seeds lost during cleaning and grading

Explanation

Germination percentage is the proportion of seeds in a tested sample that develop into normal seedlings under specified conditions. It says nothing about genetic purity or mechanical losses, and hard seeds are counted separately as a dormancy feature.

Question 3Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

In seed production, why are isolation distances specified for a crop variety?

  1. To speed up the drying of harvested seed
  2. To ensure uniform seed size after grading
  3. To prevent insect damage to the developing seed
  4. To prevent pollen-mediated contamination from other varieties and to maintain genetic purity Correct answer.

Explanation

Isolation distance is the minimum separation between a seed crop and other pollen sources of the same species to limit cross-pollination and maintain varietal purity. It addresses pollen flow, not pests, seed size, or drying.

Question 4Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which generation of seed multiplication normally produces breeder seed?

  1. The generation sold directly to farmers as certified seed
  2. The generation produced after three field multiplication cycles
  3. The generation directly under the control of the plant breeder Correct answer.
  4. The generation produced by registered growers from foundation seed

Explanation

Breeder seed is produced under the direct supervision of the originating breeder and is the source for all subsequent seed classes. Foundation, registered, and certified seed are produced later in the multiplication chain by other agencies or growers.

Question 5Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

What is the main role of the endosperm in an albuminous seed such as wheat?

  1. Protecting the embryo from mechanical injury
  2. Storing starch and protein reserves used by the germinating embryo Correct answer.
  3. Forming the first photosynthetic leaves
  4. Controlling the entry of water during imbibition

Explanation

In albuminous seeds the endosperm is a persistent storage tissue rich in starch and protein that nourishes the embryo during germination. The seed coat provides mechanical protection, and the first leaves form from the shoot apex after germination.

Question 6Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which practice best reduces mechanical admixture of other varieties during threshing of a seed crop?

  1. Delaying threshing until after rain
  2. Increasing the threshing drum speed
  3. Thorough cleaning of the threshing floor and thresher before use Correct answer.
  4. Mixing seed from adjacent plots to save time

Explanation

Mechanical mixtures arise when equipment and floors carry seed or grain from a previous lot, so cleaning before threshing is the key preventive step. Higher drum speed, delayed threshing, and deliberate mixing all increase risk rather than reduce it.

Question 7Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

What does the term 'hard seed' describe in a legume seed lot?

  1. Seed that has lost viability during storage
  2. Seed that remains impermeable to water because of an intact seed coat Correct answer.
  3. Seed that has been physically cracked during threshing
  4. Seed that has a higher than normal moisture content

Explanation

Hard seeds have an impermeable seed coat that prevents water uptake, so they fail to imbibe and germinate within the test period. This is a form of physical dormancy common in many legumes, not a sign of dead or damaged seed.

Question 8Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which factor is most directly controlled by maintaining the recommended plant population in a seed production plot?

  1. Seed coat colour of the harvested produce
  2. Resistance to storage insects
  3. The oil content of the harvested seed
  4. Uniform flowering and synchronized seed maturity Correct answer.

Explanation

An appropriate plant population gives individual plants adequate space and nutrition so that flowering and maturity are uniform, which improves seed quality and harvest efficiency. It does not confer insect resistance or determine seed coat colour or oil content.

Question 9Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

During germination testing of a cereal, seedlings with a missing primary root but otherwise normal shoots are classified as:

  1. Normal seedlings
  2. Fresh ungerminated seeds
  3. Abnormal seedlings Correct answer.
  4. Hard seeds

Explanation

Seedling evaluation requires all essential structures, including a healthy root system, to be present and well developed for a normal classification. A seedling lacking its primary root is defective and is recorded as abnormal. Hard and fresh ungerminated seeds are separate categories for seeds that did not germinate.

Question 10Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A grower harvests a cross-pollinated seed crop at 20 percent moisture and immediately bags it in airtight containers. What is the most likely consequence?

  1. Spontaneous increase in genetic purity
  2. Heating and rapid loss of viability because respiration continues in the moist mass Correct answer.
  3. Improved germination because moisture is conserved
  4. Complete elimination of seed-borne fungi

Explanation

Moist seed in a sealed container continues to respire, generating heat and encouraging mould growth, which quickly reduces viability. Seed must be dried to a safe moisture level before airtight storage; sealing does not improve germination or purity and cannot eliminate fungi.

Question 11Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Why is roguing of off-types most effective when carried out at flowering and again before harvest?

  1. Seed moisture is lowest at these stages
  2. The soil is easiest to work at these stages
  3. Varietal differences in flower and plant habit are most visible at these stages Correct answer.
  4. Insect populations are lowest at these stages

Explanation

Roguing removes plants that differ from the variety, and such differences in flower colour, plant height, and growth habit are easiest to recognise at flowering and at maturity. Seed moisture, insect activity, and soil condition are not the reasons for timing roguing this way.

Question 12Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which statement correctly distinguishes foundation seed from certified seed?

  1. Foundation seed is produced from breeder seed and is the parent of certified seed Correct answer.
  2. Foundation seed is sold to farmers while certified seed is retained by breeders
  3. Both classes are genetically identical and interchangeable in the multiplication chain
  4. Certified seed is produced directly from breeder seed

Explanation

Foundation seed is multiplied from breeder seed under strict supervision and becomes the source for certified seed production. Certified seed is the later generation sold to farmers, so the two classes occupy different positions in the multiplication chain.

Question 13Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

In a self-pollinated crop such as wheat, what is the main source of genetic contamination in a seed production plot?

  1. Mutation occurring during the current season
  2. Wind-borne pollen from distant fields of the same crop
  3. Volunteer plants and seed of other varieties left from previous crops Correct answer.
  4. Cross-pollination by honeybees

Explanation

Because self-pollinated crops cross-pollinate only rarely, the dominant contamination risk is physical, coming from volunteer plants and leftover seed of other varieties in the field. Wind and insect pollination contribute little, and new mutation in one season is too rare to be the main source.

Question 14Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A seed analyst records 8 percent hard seeds in a freshly harvested legume lot. Which interpretation is most appropriate?

  1. The lot has excessive genetic impurity
  2. The lot has been contaminated by another species
  3. The lot is dead and should be discarded
  4. The lot carries physical dormancy and may need scarification or after-ripening before sowing Correct answer.

Explanation

Hard seeds are viable but dormant because of an impermeable seed coat, a common and often desirable trait in legumes. Such lots can be made to germinate by scarification or by allowing after-ripening, and hard seeds are not evidence of dead seed, admixture, or genetic impurity.

Question 15Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which moisture determination method is standard for routine seed lot testing because it avoids overheating the sample?

  1. Oven drying at low temperature under specified conditions Correct answer.
  2. Microwave drying until constant weight
  3. Air drying at ambient room temperature
  4. Sun drying on an open tray

Explanation

The standard moisture test uses controlled low-temperature oven drying so that water is driven off without thermally damaging the seed or causing loss of volatile matter. Sun, microwave, and ambient air drying are uncontrolled and give unreliable or damaging results.

Question 16Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A seed lot has high germination but poor field emergence under cold, wet soil conditions. Which quality attribute is most likely deficient?

  1. Seed coat colour
  2. Genetic purity
  3. Thousand-seed weight
  4. Seed vigour Correct answer.

Explanation

Vigour describes the ability of seed to emerge and perform well under stressful field conditions, so a lot can germinate well in the laboratory yet emerge poorly in cold, wet soil if vigour is low. Genetic purity, coat colour, and seed weight do not explain this pattern of field failure.

Question 17Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Why should a seed crop be harvested at physiological maturity rather than at complete field drying?

  1. Complete field drying always increases germination above 100 percent
  2. Maximum seed quality is reached at physiological maturity, and later weathering reduces it Correct answer.
  3. Physiological maturity guarantees freedom from seed-borne pathogens
  4. Seed at physiological maturity has the lowest moisture and needs no drying

Explanation

Physiological maturity is the stage of maximum dry matter accumulation and seed quality, and delaying harvest exposes the crop to weathering, shattering, and quality loss. Seed at this stage is still moist and needs drying, and maturity does not by itself eliminate pathogens.

Question 18Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which procedure correctly describes the working sample used in a purity analysis?

  1. A sample taken only from the top layer of the bag
  2. The entire submitted sample weighed and sown directly in the field
  3. A sample collected after cleaning and grading the lot
  4. A subsample of prescribed weight drawn from the submitted sample and separated into pure seed, other seed, and inert matter Correct answer.

Explanation

Purity analysis is performed on a working sample of specified weight drawn from the submitted sample, which is then separated into its components. The submitted sample is not sown whole, sampling must be representative rather than from the top layer, and the test is done on the lot as submitted.

Question 19Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A seed production field of a hybrid vegetable crop is found to contain 2 percent off-types at the flowering inspection. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Harvesting the whole field as breeder seed
  2. Ignoring them because the percentage is below 5 percent
  3. Roguing the off-types promptly so that they do not shed pollen or set seed Correct answer.
  4. Increasing irrigation to mask the off-types

Explanation

Off-types must be removed before they shed pollen or contribute seed, because in a cross-pollinated crop even a few plants can affect the genetic purity of the harvested lot. Ignoring them, upgrading the lot to breeder seed, or masking them with irrigation does not protect purity.

Question 20Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which statement best explains why seed should be stored at low moisture and low temperature?

  1. Low moisture promotes insect multiplication in storage
  2. Low temperature increases seed moisture, which improves germination
  3. Both factors increase the rate of after-ripening in all species
  4. Both factors slow respiration and metabolic deterioration, extending viability Correct answer.

Explanation

Reduced moisture and temperature slow respiration, enzyme activity, and pest development, so seed viability is retained longer. Low temperature does not raise moisture, low moisture suppresses rather than promotes insects, and after-ripening is not universally accelerated by these conditions.

Question 21Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

In a germination test, seeds that have imbibed water but show no visible growth at the end of the test period are recorded as:

  1. Abnormal seedlings
  2. Dead seeds
  3. Fresh ungerminated seeds Correct answer.
  4. Hard seeds

Explanation

Fresh ungerminated seeds are viable seeds that absorbed water but failed to germinate within the test period, often because of dormancy. Hard seeds never imbibe, dead seeds show no viability, and abnormal seedlings have emerged but are defective.

Question 22Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A certified seed lot is tested and found to contain 3 percent seed of another variety that is visually identical. Which conclusion is most defensible?

  1. The lot fails the varietal purity standard even though morphological purity testing may not detect the contaminant Correct answer.
  2. The lot should be reclassified as breeder seed
  3. The lot is acceptable because germination is unaffected
  4. The lot is fully acceptable because the contaminant cannot be seen

Explanation

Varietal purity standards are set independently of what a visual examination can reveal, so a known contaminant makes the lot non-conforming even if it looks identical. Invisibility does not make the lot acceptable, reclassification cannot upgrade a contaminated lot, and germination is a separate quality attribute.

Question 23Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Which combination of events correctly describes the sequence from pollination to a mature orthodox seed?

  1. Imbibition, radicle emergence, and reserve mobilisation
  2. Double fertilization, zygote and endosperm formation, reserve deposition, and desiccation Correct answer.
  3. Scarification, stratification, and after-ripening
  4. Vernalisation, photoperiod induction, and anthesis

Explanation

Seed development begins with double fertilization, producing the zygote and the endosperm, followed by reserve deposition and maturation drying. Imbibition and radicle emergence belong to germination, scarification and stratification are dormancy-breaking treatments, and vernalisation and photoperiod act on flowering.

Question 24Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Two seed lots have identical germination percentages, but lot A has a much narrower range of seedling root lengths in the test. What does this suggest about lot A?

  1. A larger proportion of hard seeds
  2. Greater uniformity of vigour within the lot Correct answer.
  3. Higher genetic purity of the variety
  4. Lower moisture content of the seed

Explanation

Seedling size uniformity in a germination test is used as an indicator of vigour uniformity, so a narrower range of root lengths suggests more even vigour. It does not measure varietal purity, moisture content, or the proportion of hard seeds.

Question 25Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

Why is the number of generations of multiplication limited in a certified seed programme?

  1. Germination capacity is lost after two generations in all crops
  2. Certification rules require a new variety every generation
  3. Seed weight decreases predictably with every generation
  4. Each multiplication cycle allows small genetic changes and contamination to accumulate Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeated multiplication allows minor genetic shifts, off-types, and admixture to build up, so the number of generations from breeder seed is restricted to keep the variety true to type. Seed weight, germination capacity, and the identity of the variety are not inherently lost at a fixed generation number.

Question 26Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

In seed production, which term describes the minimum number of plants required to produce a seed crop that meets certification standards for genetic purity?

  1. Isolation distance
  2. Plant population standard Correct answer.
  3. Field inspection count
  4. Roguing frequency

Explanation

Certification agencies prescribe a minimum plant population standard for each crop so that the seed crop has enough plants to produce a representative, adequately pollinated lot and to allow proper selection. Isolation distance concerns separation from contaminating pollen sources, while roguing and inspection counts are verification activities rather than population requirements.

Question 27Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A breeder supplies 500 g of nucleus seed of a self-pollinated cereal to a state seed agency. Which multiplication chain correctly follows the recognised seed classes in order?

  1. Breeder seed to nucleus seed to certified seed to foundation seed
  2. Nucleus seed to certified seed to foundation seed
  3. Nucleus seed to breeder seed to foundation seed to certified seed Correct answer.
  4. Foundation seed to breeder seed to nucleus seed to certified seed

Explanation

In the standard seed certification chain, nucleus seed is multiplied to breeder seed, breeder seed to foundation seed, and foundation seed to certified seed; each step increases quantity while genetic purity is progressively diluted. Reversing the order would imply multiplying a lower-purity class into a higher one, which the certification system does not permit.

Question 28Seed Biology and Principles of Seed Production

A seed lot of an open-pollinated crop shows 92 percent germination in the laboratory but only 61 percent field emergence in a cold, crusted soil. Which interpretation best fits the seed biology involved?

  1. The seed has lost dormancy and germinated prematurely in storage
  2. The lot is genetically contaminated and the off-types fail to emerge
  3. The lot has adequate viability but low vigour, so stress during emergence limits field performance Correct answer.
  4. The laboratory result is invalid because germination tests overestimate all seed lots

Explanation

A high standard germination result shows that the embryos are viable under favourable conditions, but field emergence under cold, crusted soil also depends on seed vigour, the ability to germinate and emerge under stress. The wide gap between laboratory and field results points to low vigour rather than to a testing error or genetic contamination.

Question 29Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

In a seed production programme, which generation is directly produced from breeder seed and is used to multiply further while maintaining genetic purity?

  1. Certified seed
  2. Foundation seed Correct answer.
  3. Nucleus seed
  4. Truthfully labelled seed

Explanation

Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed and is produced under strict supervision so that genetic identity and purity are preserved; it is the source for certified seed multiplication. Nucleus seed is the initial source maintained by the breeder, and certified seed is a later generation.

Question 30Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

A seed grower wants to slow genetic drift in a self-pollinated variety during repeated multiplication. Which practice best supports varietal maintenance?

  1. Grow the crop in isolation from other varieties of the same species
  2. Rouge off-true plants and harvest only typical plants
  3. Harvest seed from the most vigorous plants in the field
  4. Multiply from a large, representative sample of foundation seed each cycle Correct answer.

Explanation

Starting each multiplication cycle from a large, representative sample of foundation seed keeps the population's genetic constitution stable and limits drift. Selecting only vigorous plants introduces directional change, and isolation prevents contamination but does not by itself address drift.

Question 31Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which isolation distance requirement is applied to prevent cross-pollination in a cross-pollinated seed crop?

  1. A fixed distance of exactly 5 metres for all crops
  2. Any distance, provided the crop is rogued
  3. A distance equal to the width of the field
  4. A distance sufficient to keep foreign pollen below an acceptable level Correct answer.

Explanation

Isolation distance is set so that contaminating pollen from other varieties or fields stays below the tolerance for the seed class being produced. It varies with species, pollinating agent and seed class, so a single fixed distance for all crops is incorrect.

Question 32Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

During field inspection of a foundation seed crop, an inspector finds plants of another variety. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Ignore them if they are more vigorous than the crop
  2. Record them and take no action because foundation seed tolerates off-types
  3. Remove them by roguing and record the observation Correct answer.
  4. Harvest them separately and sell as certified seed

Explanation

Off-type plants must be removed by roguing so that the seed crop meets the purity standard for its class, and the observation is recorded for the inspection report. Foundation seed has very tight tolerances, so leaving off-types is not acceptable.

Question 33Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

What is the primary purpose of growing a seed crop in a region officially recognised as a seed production area?

  1. To shorten the crop duration
  2. To obtain higher market prices for the harvested grain
  3. To minimise the risk of genetic and physical contamination Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the cost of certification fees

Explanation

Seed production areas are chosen where the crop can be grown with low pest, disease and contamination pressure, protecting genetic and physical purity. Cost and grain price are not the agronomic basis for designating such areas.

Question 34Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

A grower maintains a self-pollinated variety by harvesting seed only from a carefully selected, typical plant and its progeny each year. This practice is best described as:

  1. Pureline maintenance Correct answer.
  2. Mass selection
  3. Backcross breeding
  4. Recurrent selection

Explanation

Maintaining a variety through the progeny of a single typical plant in a self-pollinated crop preserves a pure line and is known as pureline maintenance. Mass selection uses many plants, and recurrent selection and backcrossing are breeding methods rather than maintenance of an existing variety.

Question 35Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which record is most important for tracing a seed lot back to its field of production during a certification audit?

  1. The fertiliser purchase invoice
  2. The weather diary of the district
  3. The seed lot number linked to the field inspection report Correct answer.
  4. The retail price list of the seed

Explanation

Traceability depends on linking the seed lot number to the field inspection report and source seed records, allowing auditors to verify origin and purity. Price lists, fertiliser invoices and weather diaries do not establish the chain from field to lot.

Question 36Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

In the generation system for seed multiplication, which sequence is correct from the breeder's source to the farmer's planting material?

  1. Breeder seed, foundation seed, certified seed Correct answer.
  2. Breeder seed, certified seed, foundation seed
  3. Foundation seed, breeder seed, certified seed
  4. Certified seed, foundation seed, breeder seed

Explanation

Breeder seed is the source, its progeny is foundation seed, and foundation seed is multiplied to certified seed for distribution to farmers. Reversing the order breaks the controlled multiplication chain.

Question 37Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Why is a seed crop of a cross-pollinated species often grown in a compact block rather than in long narrow strips?

  1. A compact block reduces the border proportion exposed to foreign pollen Correct answer.
  2. A compact block guarantees a higher germination percentage
  3. A compact block increases the number of plants per hectare
  4. A compact block eliminates the need for roguing

Explanation

A compact block reduces the proportion of the crop near field borders, where foreign pollen and contamination are most likely, so pollen competition favours the intended variety. Plant density and germination are governed by other factors and are not the reason.

Question 38Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which factor most directly determines the number of generations a variety can be multiplied before it must be replenished from breeder seed?

  1. The market demand for the variety
  2. The colour of the seed label
  3. The size of the seed company
  4. The rate of genetic change or contamination in each multiplication Correct answer.

Explanation

Replenishment is needed when accumulated contamination or genetic change threatens the variety's description, so the rate of such change governs how many cycles are safe. Company size, demand and label colour do not determine genetic integrity.

Question 39Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

A seed crop shows a few plants with a distinct leaf marker not described for the variety. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. Improved vigour from good management
  2. A sign that the seed is ready to harvest
  3. Off-types or admixture requiring roguing Correct answer.
  4. Normal variation that should be retained

Explanation

Plants expressing a trait outside the variety's description are off-types or admixture and must be removed to protect varietal purity. Such markers are not normal variation to be retained and do not indicate vigour or maturity.

Question 40Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

In maintaining a synthetic variety, why is it important to use the same parental lines in the same proportions at each multiplication?

  1. To increase the isolation distance needed
  2. To avoid the need for field inspection
  3. To keep the population's genetic composition consistent with its description Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the cost of seed production

Explanation

A synthetic variety is defined by its parental lines and their proportions, so reproducing them consistently keeps the population true to its description. Cost, isolation distance and inspection obligations are separate considerations.

Question 41Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which practice best prevents mechanical admixture of seed during harvesting and threshing of a seed crop?

  1. Harvesting all varieties on the same day
  2. Storing seed in open sheds
  3. Cleaning the harvester and threshing floor before handling each variety Correct answer.
  4. Using the same bags for all varieties

Explanation

Cleaning equipment and threshing surfaces before each variety removes carry-over seed and prevents mechanical mixtures. Reusing uncleaned bags or equipment and open storage increase the risk of admixture.

Question 42Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

A foundation seed field of a self-pollinated crop is inspected and found to have 0.3 percent off-types where the standard permits 0.1 percent. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The field passes if the off-types are rogued after harvest
  2. The field fails the standard and cannot be certified as foundation seed Correct answer.
  3. The field passes because the difference is small
  4. The field passes if the seed is sold as truthfully labelled

Explanation

When off-types exceed the permitted limit for the class, the crop does not meet the foundation seed standard and cannot be certified as such. Roguing after harvest is too late to correct the field, and downgrading does not make the field compliant with the foundation standard.

Question 43Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which statement correctly describes the role of nucleus seed in a varietal maintenance programme?

  1. It is produced by farmers from certified seed
  2. It is the largest class distributed to farmers
  3. It is the same as truthfully labelled seed
  4. It is the breeder-controlled source from which breeder seed is produced Correct answer.

Explanation

Nucleus seed is maintained under the breeder's control as the purest source and is used to produce breeder seed. It is small in quantity and never the class distributed on a large scale to farmers.

Question 44Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Why should a seed grower avoid applying excessive nitrogen to a seed crop?

  1. It prevents pollination entirely
  2. It may cause lodging and uneven maturity, reducing seed quality Correct answer.
  3. It always reduces germination to zero
  4. It increases the isolation distance required

Explanation

Excess nitrogen promotes lush growth, lodging and uneven maturity, which lowers seed quality and complicates roguing and harvesting. It does not eliminate germination or pollination outright, nor does it change isolation requirements.

Question 45Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which of the following best explains why foundation seed is produced under stricter supervision than certified seed?

  1. Foundation seed is grown only in dry regions
  2. Foundation seed is sold at a lower price
  3. Foundation seed has a shorter shelf life
  4. Foundation seed is the parent of all subsequent certified seed, so errors multiply Correct answer.

Explanation

Any contamination in foundation seed is passed on and multiplied in all certified seed derived from it, so supervision is stricter at this stage. Price, shelf life and region are not the reasons for stricter supervision.

Question 46Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

A seed lot is being prepared for certification. Which test result is essential to confirm that the seed meets the prescribed minimum standard before labelling?

  1. The weight of the harvested straw
  2. The moisture content of the soil in the field
  3. The number of irrigation cycles applied
  4. The germination percentage of a representative sample Correct answer.

Explanation

Germination testing of a representative sample establishes whether the lot meets the minimum germination standard required for labelling. Soil moisture, irrigation history and straw weight do not measure seed quality.

Question 47Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

In a cross-pollinated crop, why does the isolation requirement generally exceed that for a self-pollinated crop of similar stature?

  1. Cross-pollinated crops are always grown in smaller fields
  2. Self-pollinated crops cannot be certified
  3. Pollen is dispersed widely by wind or insects, raising contamination risk Correct answer.
  4. Cross-pollinated crops have larger seeds

Explanation

Cross-pollinated crops rely on wind or insect pollen movement over considerable distances, so wider isolation is needed to keep foreign pollen below tolerance. Seed size, certification eligibility and field size are not the basis for the difference.

Question 48Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which action best maintains the genetic identity of a vegetatively propagated variety in a seed (planting material) programme?

  1. Selecting planting material from healthy, typical plants of the true variety Correct answer.
  2. Using the most productive plants regardless of type
  3. Selecting plants with the largest tubers only
  4. Mixing material from several farms to increase diversity

Explanation

Vegetatively propagated varieties are maintained by taking planting material from healthy plants that show the true varietal characters, which preserves identity and health. Selecting only for productivity or size can shift the type, and mixing sources increases the risk of mixture.

Question 49Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

An inspector must decide whether a seed crop has been grown from the correct source seed. Which evidence is most direct?

  1. The seed source tag and purchase record for the planted seed Correct answer.
  2. The colour of the crop at flowering
  3. The number of neighbouring farms
  4. The grower's verbal assurance

Explanation

The seed source tag and purchase record directly document the class and identity of the seed planted. Verbal assurance, crop colour and neighbouring farm counts are indirect and cannot establish the source class.

Question 50Seed Multiplication Systems and Varietal Maintenance

Which situation would most likely require rejection of a seed crop during field inspection?

  1. A delay of one day in the inspection visit
  2. Presence of a few weeds that can be removed
  3. A previous crop of the same species left volunteer plants of another variety that were not removed Correct answer.
  4. Slight variation in plant height within the crop

Explanation

Volunteer plants of another variety from a previous crop are a serious source of contamination and, if not removed, make the crop unfit for certification. Removable weeds, minor height variation and a short inspection delay are not grounds for rejection by themselves.