TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION 9 – AGRICULTURAL CROP

PRODUCTION

Name of Learner: _______________________________Grade Level: _________________

Section: ________________________________________Date: _______________________

Weekly Home Learning Plan in TLE 9

Grade 9 - ACP
Week 5 Quarter 1
November 2 - 6, 2020

LESSON 1: SUPPORT HORTICULTURAL CROP

LO2: Undertake horticultural production work as directed
LC 2.1. Follow and clarify instructions and directions based on Authority
Requirements and Workplace Procedures.
Code: TLE_AFAC9-12HC-If-j-2
Day & Learning Tasks
Time
Note: All the activities will be answered on the LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
2.1. Always remember to observe health and safety protocols at all times.

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET # 2.1

Task # 1
Now that you are already a teenager, your parents are asking you errands /
household tasks. Whenever they ask you a certain task, what do you do in order that
you assure that the task being asked you to do is accomplished?
Pre-Test
Enumerate what is asked.
Monday Task # 2. Decode Me!
2:30 – 4:30 Decode the letters based on the number of the alphabet to form a word. Refer to the
given legend.

Read Information Sheet 1.1 on Learning Activity Sheet 2.1 on Directions vs.
Instructions.
Task # 3. Fill me up!
If you are going to give directions, what are the tips that you need to
remember so that the task that you are going to give will be clearly
understood? Write your responses on the clouds.
Task # 4
Wednesday Your parents are too busy with their work just to provide for the family despite of
2:30 – 4:30 this pandemic. As a responsible son / daughter, what are the things that you need to
take into consideration so that so you will be able accomplish all the tasks that your
parents asked you to do. Write down your responses.
Task # 5
Using the Venn Diagram, give the similarities and differences of Directions and
Instructions.
Task #6
How are you going to relate the quotation ““The biggest communication problem
is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.” when you are given
directions or instructions? Do you agree with the quotation given? Why or why not?
 Post Test
Enumerate what is being asked.
Reflection
Complete the open-ended statement on what you have understood and what you
realized.
Friday Submission of Accomplished Pre-Test, Learning Tasks and Post Test)
Have the parent hand in the output to the teacher in school or in designated pick-up
point/ distribution center/ barangay hall.

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET # 2.1

LESSON 2.1

Background Information for Learners

Following instructions is important to make tasks simpler, to ensure things are
done effectively, to eliminate confusion and to save time. When instructions are
properly followed, things work well. People who follow instructions show that they are
cooperative, intelligent and dependable, while not following instructions can lead to
life and death situations that may end tragically.

When people do not follow instructions properly, it can cause chaos and great
frustration in any type of environment. In order to follow instructions, a person must
listen well, read carefully and ask questions if necessary. When a person does not
follow instructions, he finds that finishing tasks is much more difficult. If a single
person on a team does not adhere to instructions, then the entire team suffers on
some level. Tasks that are done properly the first time do not have to be redone, so
one saves time and effort by following instructions each time a task is tackled.

Learning Competency with Code

LESSON 1: SUPPORT HORTICULTURAL CROP
LO 2. Undertake horticultural production work as directed.
LC 2.1. Follow and clarify instructions and directions based on Authority
Requirements and Workplace Procedures.
Code: TLE_AFAC9-12HC-If-j-2

Directions/Instructions:
Answer the activities based on your readings of the lesson. Follow each activity’s
instructions before answering. Always observe personal hygiene protocols at all times.

Exercises/Activities

Task # 1

Now that you are already a teenager, your parents are asking you errands /
household tasks. Whenever they ask you a certain task, what do you do in order that
you assure that the task being asked you to do is accomplished?

___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

PRE-TEST
Enumerate the following.

A. Tips of Giving Directions

1. _________________________________ 3. _________________________________
2. _________________________________ 4. _________________________________

B. Tips on taking directions and fulfilling tasks

5. _________________________________ 8. _________________________________
6. _________________________________ 9. _________________________________
7.__________________________________

Task # 2
Decode Me!
Decode the letters based on the number of the alphabet to form a word. Refer to the
legend below.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13
0

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 24 25 26
3

1.
4 9 18 5 3 20 9 15 14 19

2.
9 14 19 20 18 21 3 20 9 15 14 19

3.
3 15 13 13 1 14 4 19

4.
3 15 13 13 21 14 9 3 1 20 9 15 14

5.
1 20 20 9 20 21 4 5

Information Sheet 1.1

Directions vs. Instructions

Directions and instructions are exchanges often used by people in everyday
situations. People communicate information by giving directions and instructions.
Because of their almost identical meanings, the two terms are often used
interchangeably.
Both directions and instructions are used as plurals. They can be delivered both
in an oral and written manner. The differences between directions and instructions
are dependent on the context or usage in a certain situation. Both directions and
instructions act as guidelines and often appear as a series of steps or stages. This
form implies that one step must be done before proceeding to another in order to
complete a task or achieve a desired result.
Directions tend to be associated with places. People often ask for directions when
trying to get to a specific geographical location. The most common directional cues are
north, south, east, west, top, down, left, and right. Combinations of the
abovementioned cues are possible as well. This accomplishes the main goal of getting
from one specified area or location to another.
In a different context, directions can also be considered as orders; both provide
guidance on what to do. In directions, the manner of delivery is less forceful
compared to that of instructions. Directions act as general guidelines with an
indication of authority. Additionally, directions do not provide the doer with the
context and the result of each step or action.
On the other hand, instructions are also commands or steps needed to make a
particular event happen. Instructions are concentrated on how to complete a
particular task. They offer context as well as brief explanations of the steps and the
succeeding results. These characteristics give instructions some educational value
and provide the doer with some understanding of the component’s importance, which
is the process itself to the effect of the instructions with all other implied knowledge.
Instructions, unlike directions, are detailed and hold a tone of authority in their
delivery.
In terms of etymology, “directions” and “instructions” share Latin roots. The
word “directions,” comes from ”direction,” while “instructions” is derived from
“instructio.” “Instruction” has a later etymology from the late Middle English
“instruccio.”
If you’re a boss, supervisor or manager, you’re probably used to giving a lot of
directions at work. But if you’re not, you may be someone who mostly takes
instructions from others. To get a task done properly, there are a few things we can all
do to give and follow directions more effectively.

Tips on giving directions:

 Provide context and be specific: Give all the details. Provide any
background to help that person better understand the task at hand. Try
your best to be as detailed as you can, especially when you have a set idea
about how the task should be done.
 Ask politely rather than barking orders: Tone of voice can change
everything, especially when telling someone what to do. Speak at a
reasonable volume and use kind, respectful words. Try to avoid negative
language and don’t forget to say “please.”
 Offer the other person the opportunity to ask questions: Whenever the
one receiving the task is unsure, it’s important that you allow him time to
ask questions. The better he understands what to do, the greater chance for
a successful outcome.
 Resist any urge to micromanage: If you give directions properly, you
should not feel the need to oversee or micromanage. Instill faith in your
task-doer by letting him do things without you to the best of his ability.
Provide positive feedback and appropriate gratitude: When the task is
complete, be sure to affirm the person. This makes your team member feel
 respected and trusted. And give clear, helpful feedback or constructive
criticism if the task was done improperly.

Tips on taking directions and fulfilling tasks:

 Actively listen: Try to listen intently, not just hear. When you actively
listen, you can better understand what you need to do. Here’s a trick that
may help: pretend that there is going to be a quiz after the conversation.
Visually think about what's being said and maybe even repeat it in your
head.
 Take notes: Instead of trying to remember everything, write it down. There’s
nothing wrong with keeping notes; it shows that you are prepared, organized
and want to do the job correctly.
 Ask questions: If you are even slightly unsure of what you are being asked
to do, don’t be afraid to question. Make sure the other person allows you the
chance to find out all the needed details to move forward.
 Respond with a good attitude: Just as the person giving directions needs
to speak respectfully, it’s important to respond respectfully. If you go into
the conversation with a bad attitude, it’s likely that performing the task will
be much more challenging.
 Before starting the task, make a checklist: Whenever there is a job that
requires multiple steps, try organizing a to-do list. Check things off as you
go to make sure you don’t miss anything. Then when you’re done, be sure to
review your work.

Overall, positive communication and listening are essential when giving and
taking instructions. For some jobs, following step-by-step directions is pertinent, but
in the case of working in an office, warehouse, restaurant, etc., learning how to
provide direction properly and knowing how to take direction make for a smoother and
more productive work environment.

Task # 3. Fill me up!

If you are going to give directions, what are the tips that you need to remember
so that the task that you are going to give will be clearly understood? Write your
responses on the clouds below.

Task # 4
Your parents are too busy with their work just to provide for the family despite of this
pandemic. As a responsible son / daughter, what are the things that you need to take
into consideration so that you will be able accomplish all the tasks that your parents
asked you to do. Write down your responses below.
1. _________________________________________
2. _________________________________________
3. _________________________________________
4. _________________________________________
5. _________________________________________
Task # 5
Using the Venn Diagram, give the similarities and differences of Directions and
Instructions.

Task #6
How are you going to relate the quotation below when you are given directions or
instructions? Do you agree with the quotation below? Why or why not?

“The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.”

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

POST TEST
Enumerate the following.
A. Tips of Giving Directions
1. _________________________________ 3. _________________________________
2. _________________________________ 4. _________________________________

B. Tips on taking directions and fulfilling tasks

5. _________________________________ 8. _________________________________
6. _________________________________ 9. _________________________________
7.__________________________________

Reflection
I understand that __________________________________.

I realize that_______________________________________.

References for Learners

Agricultural Crops and Production LM Agricultural Crops and Production ADM
Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro,
Curriculum Guide
 Weekly Home Learning Plan in TLE 8
Grade 8
Week 5 Quarter 1
November 2 - 6, 2020

LO 2. Interpret farm plans and layouts

CODE: TLE_AFAC9-12MC-0e-5
Day & Time Learning Tasks
Note: All the activities will be answered on a separate sheet of paper
(intermediate paper).
Always remember to observe health and safety protocols at all times.
(PLEASE SEE SELF-LEARNING MODULE IN AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION
G8-GRACE on pages 26 – 32)
Monday
9:30 – 11:30 Task #1
Give your own interpretation of the given plant layout. Give at least 3.
Pre-Test
Answer the following questions below based from the diagram the drawing below:

G8-JUSTICE Task # 2: “Farming is Wonderful!!!”

Tuesday Have you visited a farm? What have you observed? What are the common activities
9:30 – 11:30 can you identify that the farmers do? Give action words that best describe farming
starting with the letter found in the word “FARM”. The first one is done for you.

Task # 3: “Read A Poem”

Read and analyze the content of the poem and be able to answer the questions given.
Read the lesson on PERFORM CALCULATIONS on you Self-Learning Module pages
27 - 30.

Task # 5
G8-GRACE “Match Me Now!”
Wednesday Match the statements from Column A with the words from Column B. Write only the
9:30 – 11:30 letter of your answer.

Task # 6: “Picture Speaks to Themselves”

Name what system of planting are the illustrations given.

Task # 8: “Sorting Out!”

G8-JUSTICE Fill in the appropriate word for to complete each statement.
Thursday
9:30 – 11:30 LEARNING TASKS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED HERE SHOULD NOT BE
ANSWERED.

Post Test
Answer the following questions below based from the diagram.
Friday Submission of Accomplished Pre-Test, Learning Tasks and Post Test)
Have the parent hand in the output to the teacher in school or in designated pick-up
point/ distribution center/ barangay hall.

Prepared by:
GINA Z. PARRA
 Teacher III

Noted:
DANILO M. MUTIA
Principal

TLE 10 – AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION

Name of Learner: ________________________________Grade Level: _________________

Section: _________________________________________Date: _______________________

Weekly Home Learning Plan in TLE 10

Grade 10 - ACP
Week 5 Quarter 1
November 2 - 6, 2020

LESSON 1. SUPPORT HORTICULTURAL WORK

LO 1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for agronomic crop work
Code: TLE_AFAC10CW-Ia-e -1
Day & Learning Tasks
Time
Note: All the activities will be answered on the LEARNING ACTIVITY
SHEET 5
Always remember to observe health and safety protocols at all times.

Task # 1
List down 3 things that you need to consider in land preparation.
PRE-TEST
Answer the 15-item Post Test.
Read the lesson on Information Sheet 1.1 which can be found on your
Monday Learning Activity Sheet
2:30 – 4:30 TASK #2. General Classifications
Enumerate the four general classifications of agricultural seeds according to
their purity and quality and describe each seed using the diagram.
TASK #3. Write the Process!
Plowing is the process of breaking up the soil usually 15 cm. deep to
incorporate and cover inorganic matter. It can be accomplished with a power
tiller or moldboard plow hitched to a carabao. Write the steps to be followed in
preparing the field for plowing.
TASK # 4. Seed Selection!
Wednesday Using high quality seeds of a recommended rice variety will result in a
2:30 – 4:30 considerable increase in the yield. Identify the good characteristics of certified
seeds.
TASK # 5. Seed Testing!
There are two methods of testing the viability of seeds, the rag doll and the
seedbed. This should be done before sowing in seedbed or before directly
seeding in paddy. Describe or define how these methods work.
TASK #6. Agree or Disagree?
Write AGREE if the statement is correct and DISAGREE if the statement is
wrong.
POST TEST
 Answer the 15-item Post Test.
Reflection
Complete the open-ended statement on what you have understood and what
you realized.
Friday Submission of Accomplished Pre-Test, Learning Tasks and Post Test)
Have the parent hand in the output to the teacher in school or in designated
pick-up point/ distribution center/ barangay hall.

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET # 5

LESSON 2

Learning Competency with Code

LESSON 1 SUPPORT CROP WORK
LO 2. Undertake Agronomic Crop Work as Directed
Code: TLE_AFAC10CW-If-j -2

Directions/Instructions:
Answer the activities based on your readings of the lesson. Follow each activity’s
instructions before answering. Always observe personal hygiene protocols at all times.

Exercises/Activities

TASK #1
In land preparation…
Directions: List down 3 things that you need to consider in land preparation.
1. ___________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________

PRE-TEST
Read the following questions/statements. Select the best answer then write the letter
of your choice on the space provided before each number.

______1. The following are characteristics of high yielding rice varieties except one.
a. Early maturing and non-seasonal
b. Resistant to drought
c. Nitrogen responsive
d. Late maturing and seasonal
______2. The capacity of the seed to germinate refers to:
a. viability b. fertility c. vitality d. germ inability
______3. Why is seed testing important?
a. It saves time in planting b. It saves labor
c. It saves cost of inputs d. All of the above
______4. A seed germination test showed that of the 120 seeds used in the test, 98
germinated. The percentage germination of the seed is
a. 68.71% b. 76.18% c. 81.67% d. 87.76%
______5. _____________ is the process of breaking up the soil usually 15 cm. deep to
incorporate and cover inorganic matter.
a. Plowing b. Harrowing c. Cultivating d. Seeding

What are the desirable characteristics of good seeds?

6. ____________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________
 8. ____________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________

Compute for the percentage of germination using the problem below.

11-15. Rudy tested his seeds before planting. He sowed 150 seeds using the rag doll
method. After 5 days he found out that only 120 seeds germinated. What is the
percentage germination?

Information Sheet 1.1

High yield in rice production could be traced back to land preparation. Many
problems in cultural management practices could be prevented with well-puddled and
well-leveled rice paddies. Aside from making the soil soft for easy transplanting, a well
leveled soil prevents the emergence of early weeds. It also facilitates mixing of organic
matter such as rice straw, weeds and stubbles with the soil which promotes
decomposition. Proper soil preparation serves to level the field for uniform distribution
of irrigation water, fertilizers and pesticides. It also aids in the efficient control of some
pests like the golden snail. During dry season planting, it also prevents or minimizes
water seepage from the field thereby resulting to efficient water management.

If land preparation is not uniform, growth of plant is uneven causing variations

of plant development and stage maturity resulting in possible decrease in harvest.
Land preparation should be started at least four weeks before transplanting.

Plowing is the process of breaking up the soil usually 15 cm. deep to incorporate and
cover inorganic matter. It can be accomplished with a power tiller or moldboard plow
hitched to a carabao. To prepare the field for plowing follow these steps:

1. Remove from the field anything that may cause injury to the plowmen and farm
animals or damage to the implements.
2. Cut tall grasses and remove stubbles that may interfere with plowing.
 3. In irrigated fields, flood the field 2 – 7 days before plowing to soften the soil.
Keep the surface of the soil covered with water to prevent the soil from sticking
to the plow. Keep the soil flooded with about one cm depth of water for one
week to soften the clods and allow weeds and stubbles to decompose before
harrowing is done. In rainfed areas, the field is better plowed while it is dry.

Plow under the weeds and stubbles 10 to 15 cm deep, three to four weeks before
transplanting or direct seeding to allow decomposition and to recycle plant nutrients.
If organic materials are not fully decomposed, soil tends to become acidic and some
nutrients become less available. Draining removes toxic substances, allowing organic
matter to decompose and help the plant produce deeper and stronger roots.
Decomposition is faster in moist soil.

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty, College of Agriculture, CLSU

Harrowing. Leveling can best be accomplished by leaving just enough water in the
field, about 2-5 cm to expose the high and low areas. Harrowing is done 2-3 times
depending on the soil condition.

Leveling the field can be done by scraping the mud from high spots moving it to
the low areas. A bamboo pole maybe attached to the base of the harrow teeth to help
in leveling.

To prevent the field from drying and hardening, use enough water. If possible,
wait for 7 to 10 days between two successive harrowing to allow more weed seeds to
germinate before these are turned under the soil giving more time for plowed fresh
organic matter to decompose.

Harrow the field at least twice with one-week interval for irrigated field and at
least one day for rainfed field due to limited supply of water. The first harrowing is
done a week after plowing to break the soil clods and to incorporate the stubbles. This
will allow dropped rice seeds during the previous cropping and weed seeds to
germinate. The second harrowing which is also the first levelling should be done
across the direction of the first harrowing. This further incorporates the volunteer
plants and allowing the remaining dropped seeds and weed seeds to germinate. These
practices help reduce the initial pest host
population and maintain the hardpan which
minimizes water seepage.
 Photo Courtesy of Bersamin Agro-Industrial High School.
A rotavator drawn by a tractor for easier, faster and safer land preparation both for wet or dry method.

Rotavating -This method of land preparation is employed with the use of a rotary
tiller or rotavator drawn by a tractor. A rotary tiller may take the place of a plow and
harrow because it changes the soil into fine tilth having sufficient depth. One or two
rounds of rotavating followed by one harrowing is enough to have a preferably level
field. Prepared land can be planted after 2- 3 days. Chopped rice straw and weeds
maybe fully decomposed but are already in the process of decomposition.
Decomposition produces too much heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) which may cause
the newly transplanted seedlings to exhibit slow growth.

Final leveling of the field using a carabao drawn leveler.

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty, College of Agriculture, CLSU

Cleaning and Repairing Levees of Rice Paddies

Just after plowing, the levees must be repaired to prevent seepage from the
paddy. Look for rat holes, cracks or breaks, and plaster with mud. Levees that are
properly repaired and plastered with mud are unfavorable to rat infestation, growth of
weeds and host plants or insects. During dry season rice production, a canal at the
middle of the paddies should be constructed to facilitate irrigation.

Photo Courtesy of Efrelito Jay M. Guittap, Faculty, College of Agriculture, CLSU

The best time to fix the levee is after the first plowing because the upturned soil near
the levees can be used for plastering in the work. The following are the steps in
repairing levees.

1. Clean the levees. Trim the thick portions of both sides of the levees using a bolo.
Patch all rat holes, breaks, and soft spots.
2. Repair the levees by using soil which has been broken up during the first
plowing for patching soft spots and cracks. Break up and rebuild the portion of
the levees containing rat holes.
3. Patch-up/cover/fill the levee with mud making sure that all cracks are sealed
properly.

Dikes must be cleaned to remove pest, compact to prevent seepage, and

maintain at 15 cm high x 20 cm wide to prevent rat burrowing. Ditches will
ensure even water distribution and drainage.

Fields used solely for year-round rice production must be allowed to rest or
fallow for at least 30 days or more before plowing for the next cropping season. This
will break the life cycle of majority of the insects.

Rain fed rice fields are often prepared during April and May. Plow field after the
first rain then harrow. Leave it for 7 or more days to allow weed seeds to germinate,
after which the field will be plowed and harrowed again to kill the emerging weeds.
Plowing and harrowing maybe done 2-3 times until the field is ready for transplanting.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

 Lowland rice requires well puddled and well-prepared soil. This ensures a soil
surface that is weed-free, soft and leveled to make transplanting of
seedlings/planting of seeds easier. It also facilitates mixing of organic matter
such as rice straw, weeds, and stubbles with the soil to hasten decomposition.
Proper land preparation is undertaken to level the field, for uniform distribution
of irrigation water, fertilizer, and pesticides. It also prevents or minimizes water
seepage from the field.
 In upland rice culture, plowing should be done across the slope.
 Observe safety measures in using tools and equipment.

Seed Selection

Using high quality seeds of a recommended rice variety will result in a considerable
increase in the yield.

The characteristics of certified seeds are the following:

1. pure
2. clean
3. with the same size and shape
4. 85% or higher percentage of germination
5. free from seed borne diseases

Seeds of improved variety should be certified by the National Seed Quality Control
Services (NSQCS). It could be proven through a blue card attached to the sack. Good
quality seeds could be availed from agencies such as the Phil Rice and other
accredited seed producers enumerated below.
Sources of Good Seeds
1. Phil Rice
2. Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
3. Agricultural Productivity Commission (APC)
4. Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB)
5. Seed Grower – cooperators in your locality
6. Reliable dealers of farm supplies

How to avail good seeds

1. Buy seeds from accredited seed growers stated above.
2. If there are no accredited seed growers in the locality, then buy seeds from
reliable sources (i.e. farmers whose fields have uniform crop growth) or produce
your own high-quality seeds. However, make sure to perform a seed germination
test to ensure quality. There should be at least 85% germination.
3. If the variety has not yet been tested in the area, make initial selection based on
recommended environment and cropping season. Then, conduct at least two
seasons of trial in the locality.
4. During wet season, consider the prevalent pests in the area and the shattering
and lodging characteristics of a variety. In the dry season, consider planting
hybrid varieties because these varieties tend to perform better during dry
season.
5. In rain fed areas, farmers tend to use varieties for irrigated lowland areas owing
probably to lack of access to rain fed varieties. It is recommended to first choose
varieties intended for rain fed environment. Consider also traditional or
regionally preferred varieties for rain fed environment knowing that crops can
develop adaptability in an area.
6. Farmers also often prefer new varieties, believing that they yield better.
However, a variety may be released based on reasons other than yield (e.g.
better grain quality and resistance to pests). Thus, it is important to know the
characteristics of the varieties but, more importantly, to conduct adaptability
trials.

Your choice of an appropriate variety is determined by specific conditions in the

farm. The following are the desirable characteristics of high yielding rice varieties:

1. Early maturing and non-seasonal (100 – 130 days from seeding to maturity)
2. Resistant to pest, diseases, drought and lodging
3. Nitrogen-responsive (this means that when you apply nitrogen to the rice plant,
the yield increases)
4. High grain weight (6 – 7 mg)
5. High grain milling quality (whole)
6. High milling recovery (66% -70%)
There are other factors to consider in the selection of good seeds aside from the
desirable characteristics, and these are:
1. Genetic purity. The seed should not be mixed with other rice variety.
2. Physical purity of composition. Seeds should be free from inert matter, chaff, and
weed seeds. They must be clean.
3. Moisture content. The ideal moisture content of rice seeds for sowing is 14%.
4. Capacity of the seed to germinate or viability. The international standards for
viability require a minimum of 80% germination.

The four general classifications of agricultural seeds according to their purity and
quality are as follows:
 1. Breeder seeds. This is the purest seed of rice varieties obtained through
selection, introduction, and hybridization. Hybridization means that a selected
seed is planted and during the reproductive stage, it is crossed with another
plant.
2. Foundation seeds. This type of seed is produced from breeder seeds in the
government seed farm where its varietal purity is maintained.
3. Registered seeds. This seed is produced from the foundation seed.
4. Certified seeds. This type of seed is produced from the registered seed.

Testing the Viability of Seeds

Before sowing it is highly recommended that a test be conducted to determine
the viability of the seeds. Many seeds fail to germinate because they have been kept
too long under bad conditions. That renders them too weak when grown or too
immature when harvested. Every plant grower should determine the germinating
power of seeds by testing them to ensure high percentage of germination, less
expenses, time and effort.
Methods of Seed Testing
There are two methods of testing the viability of seeds, the rag doll and the
seedbed. This should be done before sowing in seedbed or before directly seeding in
paddy.

Rag Doll Method

Courtesy of Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty College of Agriculture, CLSU

The following are the steps in the rag doll method:

 Prepare a clean rag measuring 20.32cm X 30.48cm and a stick 25.4cm long.
 Prepare at least 100 seeds for testing. Do not select.
 Lay the rag on any flat surface and distribute the seeds evenly in rows on the
rag.
 Roll the rag around the stick for support. Moisten the cloth and place it in a
warm –moist place.
 Unroll the rag after 5 days. Determine the germination rate following the
formula.
% germination = seeds germinated/total seeds x 100

Examples:
Regina Mae wants to test the viability of her palay seeds. She sows 100 seeds
and after 7 days only 86 seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination
of the seeds?

Solution: % germination = 86 X 100 = 86%

 100
If the percentage of germination is 80% or above, use the seeds at the required
quantity. If it is below 80% germination, adjust the seed bulk to the seeding
rate. To adjust use the formula:

Adjusted Amount of Seeds = 100% x rate of seeding % germination

You will now compute the adjusted seeding rate of the given.
Seed bulk = 60 kg
Germination = 78%
Seeding rate = 50 kg

How much adjusted amount of seeds will you sow per hectare using the given
bulk, germination percentage and seeding rate. Substitute the values:

Adjusted amount of seeds = 100 X 50 kg

78
= 1.28 x 50 kg.
= 64.10 kg/ha.
Seed Box Method

Courtesy of Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty College of Agriculture, CLSU

If you decide to use the seed box method, do the following steps:

a) Prepare a small seed box and fill it with sterilized soil.

b) Get 100-150 seeds (depending on your choice) at random. Sow the seeds in
rows in the seed box. Cover the seeds lightly with soil. Water the seeds
occasionally.
c) When seeds have germinated, determine the percentage germination as in the
rag doll method.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

To ensure high crop yield and good quality, viable seeds should be selected.
Desirable characteristics such as early maturing, resistance to lodging and nitrogen
responsiveness are not the only factors to consider when buying rice seeds. Other
factors such as purity, physical composition, moisture content, and capacity of the
seed to germinate should be included.
Seed viability is a characteristic of rice essential to profitable rice production
because good quality seeds bring about a maximum yield with minimum expenditure
of time, money and effort.
Seed viability test should be done before the seed is sown in seed beds or
directly seeding in paddies following the rag doll or seed box methods.

TASK #2
General Classifications
Enumerate the four general classifications of agricultural seeds according to their
purity and quality and describe each seed using the diagram below.

___________-

___________-

___________-

___________-

TASK #3
Write the Process!
Plowing is the process of breaking up the soil usually 15 cm. deep to incorporate and
cover inorganic matter. It can be accomplished with a power tiller or moldboard plow
hitched to a carabao. Write the steps to be followed in preparing the field for plowing.

TASK # 4. Seed Selection!

Using high quality seeds of a recommended rice variety will result in a considerable
increase in the yield. Identify the good characteristics of certified seeds.

Characteristics of Certified Seeds

1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________

TASK # 5. Seed Testing!

There are two methods of testing the viability of seeds, the rag doll and the seedbed.
This should be done before sowing in seedbed or before directly seeding in paddy.
Describe or define how these methods work.

SEED BOX METHOD RAG DOLL METHOD

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________
TASK #6. Agree or Disagree?
Write AGREE if the statement is correct and DISAGREE if the statement is wrong.
Write your answers the space provided before each number.

_______1. Well-puddled and well-prepared soil for lowland rice varieties ensures a soil
surface that is free from weeds, soft and leveled to make planting easy.
_______2. Uneven growth of plants is caused by poor land preparation.
_______3. Harrowing can be best accomplished by leaving just enough water in the
field to expose the high and low spots.
_______4. Levees should be covered with mud to render them unfavorable for rats and
insect pests.
_______5. The land should be plowed and harrowed 4-5 times alternately.
POST TEST
A. Read the following questions/statements. Select the best answer then write the
letter of your choice on the space provided before each number.

______1. The following are characteristics of high yielding rice varieties except one.
a. Early maturing and non-seasonal
b. Resistant to drought
c. Nitrogen responsive
d. Late maturing and seasonal
______2. The capacity of the seed to germinate refers to:
a. viability b. fertility c. vitality d. germ inability
______3. Why is seed testing important?
a. It saves time in planting b. It saves labor
c. It saves cost of inputs d. All of the above
______4. A seed germination test showed that of the 120 seeds used in the test, 98
germinated. The percentage germination of the seed is
a. 68.71% b. 76.18% c. 81.67% d. 87.76%
______5. _____________ is the process of breaking up the soil usually 15 cm. deep to
incorporate and cover inorganic matter.
a. Plowing b. Harrowing c. Cultivating d. Seeding

B. Answer the following.

What are the desirable characteristics of good seeds?
6. ____________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________

Compute for the percentage of germination using the problem below.

11-15. Rudy tested his seeds before planting. He sowed 150 seeds using the rag doll
method. After 5 days he found out that only 120 seeds germinated. What is the
percentage germination?
Reflection
I understand that __________________________________.
I realize that_______________________________________.

References for Learners

Agricultural Crops and Production LM Agricultural Crops and Production ADM
Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro,
Curriculum Guide