Course Title: Advanced Plant and Soil Science (13002100)

Lesson Title: Recognizing Characteristics of Quality Seeds

TEKS Addressed in Lesson: 130.21(c) (13) (B) http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter130/index.html

Lesson Objectives

1. Categorize seed according to certification.

2. List and describe seed quality indicators.

3. Interpret a seed label.

Tools and Equipment

· seed collected from a flower or fruit

· packaged seed for a flower or fruit

· PowerPoint Presentation titled “Evaluating Seed Quality”

· Power Point Presentation titled “Common Crop Seeds”

· Activity Sheet titled “Seed Label Interpretation Activity”

Key Terms / Vocabulary

breeders seed

certified seed

contamination

foundation seed

percent germination

purity

registered seed

uniformity

Interest Approach/Anticipatory Set

Collect seed from a flower or fruit. As a class, compare packaged seed from the same variety to those seeds collected. Ask students to note differences and tell which they would be more comfortable planting and why. Explain that seed certification considers seed quality indicators and gives a person greater confidence in the seed they plant.

Teaching Plan and Strategy / Presentation of New Material

1. Present new material using PowerPoint Presentation titled “Examining Seed Quality”.

Activity/Application/ Student Engagement /Laboratory

1. Put students into small groups, or allow them to work individually, to complete the Seed Label Interpretation Activity using the questions and seed label provided on the activity sheet.

Evaluation / Summary

1. After collecting the Seed Label Interpretation Activity Sheets, review answers as a class. Discuss quality indicators noted on the seed label, certification, and how seed quality would impact productivity in the operation.

2. Time permitting, review the material using the following review questions:

· What is the highest seed certification?

· Which seed certification is most widely available to the public?

· Which seed certification is used for the most pure seed?

· List examples of contaminants you might find in seed.

· What are some outside factors that might impact percent germination and how do you think these are controlled in trials for seed certification purposes?

· Finding pebbles mixed in with seed would impact which seed quality indicator?

· Finding zucchini seeds mixed in with yellow squash seeds would impact which seed quality indicator?

· Seeds that are tinted abnormally pink would be an example of what?

· Seeds that have a cracked seed coat would impact which seed quality indicator?

· Finding a small shriveled seed would impact which seed quality indicator?

References/Additional Materials / Extended Learning Opportunities/ Enrichment

Lee, Jasper S., and Diana L. Turner. Agriscience. 3rd ed. Danville, Illinois: Interstate Publishers, Inc., 2003.

Schroeder, Charles E., et al. Introduction to Horticulture. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Interstate, 2004.

Smith, Wayne. Class Notes for SCSC 610-600. Chapter 8. Retrieved March 21, 2012 from http://cwaynesmith.tamu.edu/agro610-600/materials/chapter%208.pdf

Texas Foundation Seed Service Website. Accessed March 28, 2012 from http://tfss.tamu.edu/for_buyers/index.php

College & Career Readiness Standard