Quality Seed Production

Abstract

Improved varieties can help farmers increase yields, but only if seed is readily available. Yet in many parts of the ICARDA Region, seed production has not kept pace with the development of new varieties. To remedy this situation, ICARDA is working hand-in-hand with national programs and seed companies to increase the quantity and quality of seed that is available to farmers. The center, in addition to its other seed-production activities, organizes training courses, produces reference books, and works to increase communication among seed specialists in the Region. This book is part of that process. The papers in this manual were presented during the Seed Technology Course, held March 15-30, 1986 in Cairo, Egypt. The course dealt intensively with seed production in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and was intended primarily for scientists and technicians, such as seed analysts and seed inspectors, who are working with seed production on a practical level in these countries. This volume, which includes only a selection of the papers presented during the course, is intended to meet specific needs. The first sections of the book deal with seed-production technology, and are intended to supplement another ICARDA publication, "Seed Production Technology," edited by J.P. Srivastava and L.T. Simarski. This volume covers topics that were not dealt with in that book. The two books, taken together, provide a general introduction to seed production. The papers in the last sections of this book provide an overview of seed-production activities in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The papers deal with seed production of specific crops and with the history of, progress of, and constraints to seed production in these countries.