South Africa
April 28, 2023
Although seed comprise about 12% of a grain farmer’s total input costs, it still remains a critical part of the input package and will to a great extent determine the yield obtained at the end of the season.
Seed quality is a fundamental element in production and helps to ensure uniform stand and maturity and disease resistance. In contrast, poor quality seed will lack in yield even if it was planted in the best soil with the best available machinery and technology. To compromise on quality seed is to compromise on yield, quality and income.
The quality of seed is determined by many factors during the entire process from stretching from the research phase through to the delivery of the grain. Some of the aspects that determine quality is in the hands of the seed supplier including research, seed production, processing including seed treatments, packaging, storage in warehouses, and transport. Farmers also have an impact after the seed was delivered on farm. These include storage and other production practices.
Without high quality seed, other inputs and better technologies remain worthless. At adverse field conditions, good quality seeds along with recommended doses of other inputs provide uniform and rapid germination, healthy crop establishment and subsequently good crop harvest.
The yield potential of a variety or hybrid, regardless of the environmental conditions or cultivation practices, is dependent on the chosen variety’s characteristics and adaptability to the environment. Varietal purity also plays a crucial role in yield realisation.
High quality seed enables farmers to grow crops that have the most economical planting rate, a higher rate of germination and emergence in the field, reduces the need for re-planting and a uniform plant stand. Healthier plants also have the ability to show better tolerance and even resistance to stress and diseases.
Seed certification is a testimony that the seed has been checked by an independent organisation for purity and quality and that the seed comply to the minimum high-quality standards. When farmers purchase certified seed, they can be assured of the following:
- The quality was confirmed by an independent party.
- The seed is of high quality as it goes through more than 90 check points.
- The varietal identity and varietal purity are guaranteed.
-
Topics
Species
