Seeds of Success: Choosing and Caring for Quality Seeds

Introduction

In the dynamic world of farming, the foundation of a successful harvest lies in the careful selection and nurturing of quality seeds. Farmers and agronomists alike must understand that the right seeds can make all the difference in crop yield, resilience, and overall farm prosperity. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of seed selection and care, guiding you through the essential steps to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Quality seed is the most important input for enhancing crop production. The use of high-quality seed, along with the appropriate practices, enhances the crop yield by 15–20% or more¹. In contrast, low seed quality can potentially decrease the rate of germination and seedling emergence, leading to poor stand establishment in the field and consequently yield loss in many crops such as rice, corn, wheat, cotton, and barley. Successful seed production requires establishing variety identity, adherence to maintaining variety purity, and the application of good farming practices along with careful management of crops, following widely accepted production technologies, and quality standards².

Understanding seed quality

Embarking on the journey to success in agriculture indeed requires a profound understanding of seed quality. It is the cornerstone of a successful harvest and the first step towards a bountiful yield. There are several factors that determine seeds quality:

Genetic Purity: The intricacies of genetic purity are fundamental to seed quality. Genetic purity ensures that the seeds are true to type, meaning they will grow into the expected variety of plants. This is crucial for maintaining the consistency and predictability of crop characteristics such as yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to environmental conditions³.

 Germination Rates: Scrutinizing germination rates is another key aspect of assessing seed quality. A high germination rate indicates that a large proportion of seeds will successfully sprout, leading to a dense and healthy crop stand. Low germination rates, on the other hand, can lead to patchy crop establishment and reduced yield⁴.

Seed Vigor: Seed vigor refers to the inherent strength and viability of a seed. It is a measure of the seed’s ability to germinate and produce a healthy and vigorous seedling under a range of environmental conditions. Seed vigor is a critical factor in determining the potential success of a crop, as it influences the uniformity and speed of germination, seedling emergence, and early seedling growth⁵.

Several factors contribute to seed vigor, including genetic factors, seed size, physiological condition, and environmental conditions during seed development and storage. High seed vigor is desirable because it increases the likelihood of successful establishment and early growth of the crop. Seed vigor is often assessed through various laboratory and field tests, such as the cold test, accelerated aging test, and electrical conductivity test. These tests help to evaluate the physiological and biochemical attributes of seeds, providing insights into their overall health and potential for successful germination and establishment⁵.

Farmers and agronomists must pay close attention to seed vigor when selecting and handling seeds to ensure optimal crop performance and yield. High seed vigor is especially crucial in challenging environmental conditions or when seeds are subjected to stress factors such as drought, disease, or poor soil quality.

Certified Seeds: Opting for certified seeds, which undergo stringent testing processes to meet exacting standards, is a wise choice for farmers. These seeds have been carefully selected for their superior genetic purity, germination rates, and seed vigor. They also come with the assurance that they are free from seed-borne diseases and have been produced following the best seed production practices⁶.

The assurance of superior performance in the field indeed begins with recognizing and prioritizing these essential characteristics of seed quality. By doing so, farmers can make informed decisions that will ultimately lead to successful and productive farming operations. Remember, the journey to a successful harvest begins with a single, quality seed.

 How to choose the right seeds?

Choosing the right seeds for your field is a crucial decision that can significantly impact crop performance and yield⁷. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting seeds:

1.Climate and Growing Conditions:

• Consider the climate of your region, including temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations.
• Choose seeds that are well-suited to the specific growing conditions of your area.

2.Soil Type and Quality:

• Assess the soil type (sandy, loamy, clay) and its fertility.
• Different crops and varieties thrive in different soil types, so choose seeds that are adapted to your soil conditions.

3.Crop Rotation and Diversity:

• Choose seeds that fit well into your crop rotation plan, promoting diversity and reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases.
• Practice crop rotation to maintain soil health and prevent pest and disease build-up.

4.Pest and Disease Resistance:

• Select seeds that have resistance to common pests and diseases in your area.
• This can reduce the need for chemical interventions and contribute to sustainable farming practices.

5.Yield Potential:

• Consider the expected yield of the crop and choose seeds that offer a balance between high yield and other desirable traits.
• Look for varieties with good performance under local conditions.

6.Adaptation and Maturity Period:

• Choose seeds that have an appropriate maturity period for your growing season.
• Some crops may have short, medium, or long maturity periods, so select seeds that align with your region’s growing season.

7.Quality and Certification:

• Ensure that the seeds meet quality standards and are certified by relevant agricultural authorities.
• High-quality seeds contribute to better germination rates and overall crop performance.

8.Market Demand:

• Consider the market demand for the seed varieties you are planting.
• Choosing seed varieties that are in demand can increase the economic viability of your farming operation.

9.Consult with Experts:

• Seek advice from local agricultural extension services, agronomists, or experienced farmers.
• Local experts can provide insights into the best seed varieties based on their experience and knowledge of the region.

10.Trial and Observation:

• Conduct small-scale trials before committing to a large planting.
• Observe how different varieties perform under your specific conditions before making a larger investment.

Seed Treatment and Pre-Planting Care

Once you have acquired a collection of high-quality seeds, the subsequent crucial step involves their meticulous care. This phase is pivotal as it establishes the foundation for a robust and resilient growing season.

Optimal Storage Conditions: It is imperative to establish ideal storage conditions to preserve seed viability. Seeds should be stored in cool, dry environments to minimize moisture absorption and prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria. A simple rule for success is that the sum of temperature (in °F) and percent relative humidity should be less than 100. While most refrigerators maintain a temperature of about 40°F, they often have high relative humidity. Therefore, seeds stored in a refrigerator should be placed in tightly sealed containers to maintain low humidity levels⁸.

Effective Pest Management Strategies: Protecting seeds from pests requires the implementation of effective management strategies. These encompass annual crop rotation, adopting no-till or low-till practices, adjusting growing periods, regular crop monitoring, timely identification of pests, and risk assessment⁸.

Seed Treatments: Enhance the quality of your seeds through treatments like priming, coating, and pelleting. These treatments fortify seeds against diseases and boost their germination potential⁸.

Priming: Seed priming is a process that involves the controlled manipulation of temperature and moisture content during the germination process, facilitating the initial biochemical reactions in seeds. This method fine-tunes the seed’s conditions, bringing it closer to the germination threshold. Priming serves as a strategy to overcome various abiotic stresses like salinity, drought, cold, and heavy metal pressures. Additionally, it promotes the growth of crop plants by invigorating germinating seedlings, enabling them to flourish in challenging agro-climatic conditions. The technique contributes to uniformity in harvesting efficiency, robust plant development, and enhances the overall potential yield⁸.

Coating: Coating seeds with various materials, such as insecticides and nutrient coatings, has proven to result in uniform seed germination and the development of a consistent crop stand in many crops, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and good seed quality attributes⁸.

Pelleting: Seed pelleting is a process that involves coating seeds with adhesive and filler material to improve their shape, size, and weight. This process can make the seeds easier to handle and sow. Typically used for irregularly shaped or extremely small seeds, pelleting achieves uniform shape, making sowing efficient and consistent⁸.

These pre-planting measures not only safeguard the seeds but also elevate their performance, paving the way for a successful and productive growing season. Remember, the journey to a successful harvest commences with a single, quality seed.

Sowing Techniques

Precision in Seeding: Achieving precision in seeding involves utilizing specialized seeding machines to carefully place seeds into the seedbed. This ensures accurate sowing volume, uniform seed depth, and consistent spacing between grains. The outcome is a flush, solid, and uniform crop stand, leading to increased yields and reduced costs. Mistakes, such as double planting holes or missing planting holes, are minimized, preserving the quality indices⁹.

Optimal Seeding Depth and Spacing: The ideal seeding depths for different plant species depend on factors such as soil type, rainfall, and soil conditions during sowing. A general guideline is that the seeding depth should be approximately five times the size of the seed. For precise planting, seeds should be placed at a depth around twice their size. The distance between rows also impacts crop performance⁹.

Seedbed Preparation: The preparation of a seedbed involves creating an environment conducive to seedling germination, establishment, and growth. Tasks include leveling the surface, breaking up clods and lumps, determining soil aggregate size distribution, ensuring long-term structural soil stability, and tilling the soil to a consistent depth. Various techniques, such as conventional, minimal tillage, shallow tillage, ultra-shallow tillage, direct drilling, and mouldboard ploughing with rapid drilling, can be employed to create a seedbed. These techniques set the stage for robust germination and establish the groundwork for healthy and vigorous early growth. By maximizing the potential of each seed through proper spacing and resources, these practices contribute to optimizing your seed investment⁹.

Monitoring Germination and Early Growth

Monitoring germination and early growth stages of crops is crucial for agricultural success, serving as a pivotal indicator of seedling health and vitality. This meticulous observation allows farmers to identify potential issues, optimize cultivation practices, and ensure the establishment of a strong foundation for robust plant development, ultimately influencing the overall crop yield¹⁰. This step include:

Assessing Crops for Germination and Vigor: Regularly evaluating crops for signs of germination and seedling vigor is essential. Seed testing determines viability, vigor, and seed lot purity. These assessments aid producers in crucial management decisions, including seeding rates and weed prevention¹⁰.

Understanding Germination Rates: Comprehensive comprehension of germination rates is vital for successful crop growth. The rate of germination reflects seed vigor. Swift seed germination enhances establishment in the field. Germination rate denotes the average number of seeds that sprout over 5 and 10 day periods. For instance, if 86 seeds sprout from 100 in 10 days, the germination rate is 86%.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges: Timely troubleshooting is crucial. Each vegetable and fruit seed has an optimal temperature range for germination. Deviations from this range can hinder or prevent germination. Adequate humidity is also vital for seedling survival. In contrast, Insufficient humidity can rapidly desiccate seedlings.

Early intervention lays the groundwork for robust plant development, ensuring a thriving and productive crop. These practices and insights aim to optimize seed investment, providing each seed with the necessary space and resources for optimal growth.

Post-planting practices

Post-planting practices play a crucial role in enhancing seed performance and increasing overall crop productivity. Effective irrigation, including techniques like leveling fields and drip irrigation, ensures optimal water distribution. Nutrient management strategies, such as adopting Best Nutrient Management Practices (BMPs) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), contribute to efficient nutrient use and higher stability in crop production. Weed control measures, involving various cultivation and herbicide methods, create a conducive environment for optimal crop growth. These practices collectively contribute to the health and resilience of the crop, maximizing seed investment and fostering increased seed productivity¹¹.

For further reading, you can visit:

Plant propagation

How to Transplant Seedlings Successfully – A Plant Transplanting Guide

Seed collection

References

(1)  Kumar, S.; Sripathy, K. V.; Udaya Bhaskar, K.; Vinesh, B. Principles of Quality Seed Production. In Seed Science and Technology: Biology, Production, Quality; Dadlani, M., Yadava, D. K., Eds.; Springer Nature: Singapore, 2023; pp 109–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5888-5_6.

(2)  Sundareswaran, S.; Ray Choudhury, P.; Vanitha, C.; Yadava, D. K. Seed Quality: Variety Development to Planting—An Overview. In Seed Science and Technology: Biology, Production, Quality; Dadlani, M., Yadava, D. K., Eds.; Springer Nature: Singapore, 2023; pp 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5888-5_1.

(3)  Smith, J. S. C.; Iii, J. C. R. Genetic Purity and Testing Technologies for Seed Quality: A Company Perspective. Seed Sci. Res. 1998, 8 (2), 285–294. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258500004189.

(4)  Wimalasekera, R. Role of Seed Quality in Improving Crop Yields. In Crop Production and Global Environmental Issues; Hakeem, K. R., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, 2015; pp 153–168. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23162-4_6.

(5)  Finch-Savage, W. E.; Bassel, G. W. Seed Vigour and Crop Establishment: Extending Performance beyond Adaptation. J. Exp. Bot. 2016, 67 (3), 567–591. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erv490.

(6)  Farmers – Top 10 Reasons to Use Certified Seed. https://seedgrowers.ca/farmers/top-10-reasons-to-use-certified-seed/ (accessed 2023-12-21).

(7)  Cacho, O. J.; Moss, J.; Thornton, P. K.; Herrero, M.; Henderson, B.; Bodirsky, B. L.; Humpenöder, F.; Popp, A.; Lipper, L. The Value of Climate-Resilient Seeds for Smallholder Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clim. Change 2020, 162 (3), 1213–1229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02817-z.

(8)  Ave, B. Seed Storage Guide. 2021.

(9)  Yang, W.; He, J.; Lu, C.; Lin, H.; Yang, H.; Li, H. Current Situation and Future Development Direction of Soil Covering and Compacting Technology under Precision Seeding Conditions in China. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13 (11), 6586. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116586.

(10)  Samiei, S.; Rasti, P.; Ly Vu, J.; Buitink, J.; Rousseau, D. Deep Learning-Based Detection of Seedling Development. Plant Methods 2020, 16 (1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-020-00647-9.

(11)  Sustainable agriculture | Definition, Practices, Methods, Examples, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/sustainable-agriculture (accessed 2023-12-21).