IFSSA entered into a MoU with IARI, New Delhi for promoting the first basmati rice hybrid Pusa RH-10 developed by IARI. As result of the agreement, IFSSA undertook the maintenance breeding, nucleus, breeder and foundation seed multiplication of Pusa RH-10. During Kharif 2007, IFSSA produced and distributed 5.6 tons of Pusa 6A (female parent) and 2.6 tons of PRR 78 (male parent) for the hybrid Pusa RH 10 seed production during Rabi 2007-08. The revenue generated by IARI in the form of royalty is Rs. 20,26,080.0 (Rupees Twenty Lakhs Twenty Six Thousand and Eighty Only) @Rs. 360/- per kg of Pusa 6A, which is an exemplary evidence of successful PPP model in the country.

With the success of IARI-IFSSA agreement, we request and look forward having similar MoUs with various public sector agencies for various crops/kinds/cultivars.

IFSSA is taking-up the maintenance breeding program by paired crosses (AxBxR) of promising public sector hybrid combinations Viz. Pusa RH-10, KRH-2, Ajay, Rajlaxmi and DRRH-3, in order to produce pure quality nucleus and breeder seeds. Selection is based on complete sterility, maintenance and restoration abilities of corresponding A and R lines along with other distinguishing morphological traits. IFSSA also maintaining and multiplying promising CMS lines Viz., IR 68888A, IR 79156 A, IR 68897 A and IR 75596 A developed by IRRI, Philippines along with R lines under isolated conditions.

IFSSA received the Breeder Seed of parents of pearl millet hybrid "HHB 67 Improved" i.e., 843-22A, 843-22B & H 77/833-2-202 from Dr. C Tom Hash, ICRISAT-Patancheru Andhra Pradesh. We would be taking up the Foundation Seed multiplication of male-sterile line 843-22A and restorer line H 77/833-2-202. We would also provide the foundation seed of parental lines (843-22A & H 77/833-2-202) to private seedsmen upon prior indents.

We are also planning to obtain the Breeder Seed of parents of quality protein maize (QPM), pigeon pea and wheat hybrids for making available quality foundation seeds of parental lines to private seedsmen.

Front line demonstration of promising public bred rice hybrids is being conducted at our research farm. Hybrids comprises from following three duration categories:

A Farm Day will be conducted during the month of October. Representatives from public institutes (respective breeder of the hybrids) and IFSSA members will be invited. This will help in assessing the performance of the hybrid as well as helping our members in selecting the hybrids for further multiplication and marketing.

For further information please feel free to contact:

IFSSA is offering quick genetic purity assessment services to its members for assessing purity of their commercial hybrids/CMS seed lots with the help of standardized molecular markers. This will assist  Seedsmen in ensuring that seed quality standards are maintained through maintenance breeding.

With the assistance from Barwale Foundation’s research group, IFSSA has standardized various SSR/STMS/STS/SCAR/CAPS marker for genotyping the hybrid combinations, distinguishing the female from male seeds. The standardized marker was tested across 12 CMSA/B combinations for its efficiency to distinguish seeds of A line from its isogenic/sib B line.

The commercial success of hybrid technology depends to a large extent on the quality of the hybrid seed supplied, especially the genetic purity. Using molecular marker for testing genetic purity substantially reduce the time, space, labour and ultimately the cost involved in testing the genetic purity of hybrid seeds. Using DNA-based markers for analysis of F1 seeds for percent purity, IFSSA determine true hybrids from selfs, identify off types and ensure the highest seed quality. Distribution of genetically pure quality seeds to farmers will facilitate complete heterotic expression of hybrids in rice.

The seed industry has undergone substantial change in recent years with regard to IPR.  Varietal identification and purity testing assumes greater importance in this new era of IPR regulation. Possible application of DNA profiling techniques for plant variety registration and plant breeders’ rights (DUS testing) is being studied worldwide. In recent time Microsatellite DNA markers based on Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) as amplified by PCR have been used successfully as tools for varietal identification. The stability of SSR markers over different environments, no stage specificity and the advent of rapid workable techniques make molecular techniques convenient for testing distinctness of varieties and also for further protection. IFSSA offers such services to the seedsmen for Variety Fingerprinting by identifying the unique DNA fingerprint of their cultivar, which may be used for production of their variety.

We feel privileged to inform you all that we started our services pertaining to utilization of molecular markers for seed purity tests of commercial rice hybrid seed lots and also, screening the advances breeding lines of blight (Xa) genes. We would be taking up similar services for screening breeding lines or parental line for blight.

Dear Seedsmen,

Your cooperation is solicited to enroll yourself and / or your organization as the member of IFSSA. We wish to grow with your proactive association and participation to serve the Indian farmers. Your companionship and feed-back as members help us improve our services and serve you better.

You may enroll as Institutional Members, with payment of entrance fee of Rs. 25,000/- (or) Patron Members with the payment of entrance fee of Rs.1,00,000/- (or) Associate Members with the payment of entrance fee of Rs.5,000/- . Please download the membership proforma here.

We also look forward your indents for the foundation seed of IR 58025A and Pusa 6A atleast a season in advance. This would help us organize the seed multiplication and cater your needs.

We have been bestowed with tremendous support and clientele relationship from various seedsmen from both public and private sectors. For last couple of years, we have been extending the services of foundation seed supply, molecular assisted breeding (MAB), molecular markers for seed purity (genetic purity) tests etc.