Quality improvement in lentil (Lens Culinaris Medic)) seed through mechanical seed processing

An experiment was conducted at IARI Regional Station Karnal considering two popular varieties L-4076 and L-4147 of lentil seed corps viz. to study and evaluate the improvement in seed quality through mechanical seed processing. The seed processing line was comprised of pre-cleaner (PC), screen grader (SG) and specific gravity separator (SGS). The Performance indices e.g. cleaning efficiency (Cη), separation efficiency (Sη) and process efficiency (Pη) for these machines were evaluated and the effect of seed processing machines in improving the quality parameters of seed was studied. In pre-cleaner and screen grader, scalping screen of size 5.50 mm (round) and 5.40 mm (round) respectively was selected and a grading screen of size 3.20 mm (slotted) was same for both the machines. X-ray radiography of seed samples was done through seed X-ray machine at different stages in the processing line. The germination and physical purity of the seed lot improved to 94.25% and 98.39% from the initial level of 86.0 and 93.47% respectively against the minimum standards of 75% and 98% respectively (IMSCS). The pure live seed of processed seed in all the varieties was more than 90%. The air screen machines (pre cleaner cum grader and screen grader) and specific gravity separation improved the germination percent, vigour index and reduced abnormal seeds & dead seeds from the lots. Also, the most desirable seed quality parameters like germination value, physical purity and pure live seed value were enhanced significantly. The X-ray imaging technology proved a non destructive test for instant on-line seed quality assessment seed lots/varieties.