Question

In some of the following crops, the viability of the seeds is very poor, and hence minimum germination of seeds required for certification is 70% only. The crops are-
A. Rice
B. Hybrid maize
C. Soybean
D. Groundnut
E. Sunflower
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, and B only
• B. B, and C only
• C. C, and D only
• D. D, and E only

Hint:

Oil-rich seeds like soybean and groundnut have fragile seed coats and high unsaturated fat content, making them prone to rapid physiological aging. This is why their certification standards are relaxed to 70% germination.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Different crops have varying seed compositions (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids), which directly affect their storage potential and viability.
Oilseed crops containing high levels of unsaturated fatty acids undergo rapid lipid peroxidation, leading to rapid loss of seed viability.
Therefore, seed certification standards set lower minimum germination limits for these poor-viability crops.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the minimum germination standards set by the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) for these crops:
- A. Rice (Oryza sativa): A starchy cereal crop with good storage potential. The minimum germination standard is set high, at 80%.
- B. Hybrid maize (Zea mays): Exhibits high hybrid vigor. The minimum germination standard is set at 90%.
- C. Soybean (Glycine max): Contains high protein (40%) and oil (20%) content. Its seeds are highly fragile, sensitive to mechanical damage, and lose viability rapidly. Thus, the minimum germination standard is set at 70%.
- D. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea): A high-oil-content seed (45-50%) that is highly susceptible to rancidity and rapid physiological deterioration. Thus, the minimum germination standard is set at 70%.
- E. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Although an oilseed, its standard minimum germination required for certification is 70% in some standards but is often grouped differently, and the primary pair representing the poorest viability among major field crops are Soybean and Groundnut.
Therefore, Soybean (C) and Groundnut (D) are the key crops with poor viability requiring a 70% minimum germination standard.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The crops with poor seed viability and a 70% minimum germination standard are Soybean and Groundnut.
Therefore, the correct option is (C).