Stages of Seed Multiplications
1. Nucleus Seed
• Definition: This is the initial seed produced by a plant breeder in a research
institute or university.
• Produced by: Plant breeders.
• Characteristics:
o Purest form of seed.
o Maintains 100% genetic and physical purity.
o Very limited quantity.
• Purpose: Acts as the basic source for further seed multiplication.
• Use: Used to produce Breeder Seed.
2. Breeder Seed
• Definition: The progeny of nucleus seed, which is again produced under the
supervision of the plant breeder or an authorized agency.
• Produced by: Research institutes, SAUs, ICAR institutions.
• Certified by: Breeder’s certificate (yellow tag).
• Characteristics:
o High genetic purity (nearly 100%).
o Maintained under strict supervision.
• Use: Used to produce Foundation Seed.
3. Foundation Seed
• Definition: The progeny of breeder seed that is multiplied under controlled
and monitored conditions.
• Produced by: National/state seed corporations or private licensed seed
companies.
• Certified by: Seed certification agencies (white tag).
• Characteristics:
o High genetic and physical purity (≥99.5%).
o Subject to field and lab inspections.
• Use: Used to produce Certified Seed or Registered Seed (in some systems).
4. Registered Seed (Optional/Intermediate Stage)
• Definition: An optional intermediate stage between foundation and
certified seed.
• Used in: Some countries like the USA; rarely used in India.
• Certified by: Seed certification agencies (purple tag).
• Purpose: To bridge the gap if more certified seed is needed.
• Use: Used to produce Certified Seed.
5. Certified Seed
• Definition: The progeny of foundation seed (or registered seed, where
applicable), intended for commercial crop production by farmers.
• Produced by: Seed producers under government/private seed corporations.
• Certified by: Seed certification agency (blue tag).
• Characteristics:
o High germination percentage (minimum 80%).
o Genetic purity of ≥99%.
o Must meet quality standards (purity, moisture, disease-free).
• Use: Distributed to farmers for general cultivation.
6. Farmer Saved Seed / Truthfully Labeled (TL) Seed
• Definition: Seed saved by farmers from previous crops or seeds sold under
TL certification.
• Produced by: Farmers or private companies (without formal certification
but with self-declaration).
• Tag: TL Seed has an opal green tag.
• Characteristics:
o Varies in quality depending on source and storage.
o TL seed must meet minimum seed standards.
• Use: Used for own cultivation or local sale.
Information Provided on a Seed Tag
• Seed Class (e.g., Breeder / Foundation / Certified / TL)
• Crop Name
• Variety Name
• Lot Number
• Date of Test
• Germination Percentage
• Physical Purity Percentage
• Genetic Purity (for breeder/foundation)
• Net Weight
• Name & Address of Producer
• Tag Number (Certification Number)
• Crop Year / Production Year
• MRP (Maximum Retail Price)
• Moisture Content
• Storage Instructions
• Expiry / Validity Date
Stage Produced Tag Tag Size Genetic Physica Used By
From Color (cm) Purity l Purity
Nucleus Seed Original No tag Not 100% 100% Breeders
breeder line applicab
le
Breeder Seed Nucleus Golden 12 × 6 99.9– 99.9– Foundation
Seed Yellow 100% 100% seed
producers
Foundation Breeder White 15 × 7.5 99.5– 99.5– Certified seed
Seed Seed 99.9% 99.9% producers
Registered Foundation Purple 15 × 7.5 ≥99% ≥98% Certified seed
Seed Seed producers
Certified Foundation/ Blue 15 × 7.5 ≥99% ≥98% Farmers
Seed Registered
Truthfully Certified/Far Opal 15 × 10 ≥98% ≥98% Farmers /
Labeled (TL) mer-saved Green (varies) Private
Seed companies
