The development of an improved agriculture is an indispensable step towards better living standards. It depends upon improved inputs of which seed is the most significant. Seed has always been regarded as the most vital, basic and critical input. Sage Parashara  (circa 400 BC) had said, "the origin of plentiful yield is the seed". Today, more than two millennia later, the statement holds true and it will be hold true as long as humans inhabit the earth.

Seed health is a priority area in seed production programme. In recent years, the awareness for seed health has increased among the growers, traders, consumers and policy makers. In post -GATT era and with the emergence of WTO concerns regarding the seed health have acquired high importance. In seed production programme, seed certification standards have been worked out. Several diseases have been designated objectionable at field and seed levels.

The book provides comprehensive and integrated information on 57 seed-borne diseases covering about 40 major field and vegetable crops. The information is supplemented with about 127 photographs, explanation of technical words in glossary and further readings. The book will be of great help to the people engaged in seed production (fields and vegetable crops), seed certification, agricultural extension workers, field workers and seed industry. It will be of immense use for all the teachers, students and researchers of seed science and technology.

Feature: sRole of seed-borne pathogens.   Significance of seed health testing.   Seed health testing for seed-borne fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens. Protocols for some common methods employed in seed health testing.  Integrated management of seed-borne diseases.  Indian seed certification standards for Field and Vegetable crops.  Identification and management of objectionable seed-borne diseases. Information on pathogens, location in seeds, disease-cycle and spread, nature, losses, detection techniques and certification standards of 57 seed-borne diseases, supplemented with 127 black and white photographs. Explanation of about 160 technical words in glossary.