Organic seed production and seed regulation

Organic farmers must use organic seed material if such seed are available. If not available, conventional seeds can be used. This request exists in all accredited standards for organic farming. In the EU-regulation on organic production methods, the derogation from the use of organic seed material will only exist until the end of 2003. After this date only organic seed material may be used according to the present formulation. Only a few countries in the EU have an organic seed production able to supply the market for organic seed material. It takes many years to develop a well functioning market for organic seeds. It is therefore unlikely that the derogation for the use of organic seed material will not be extended, since a majority of countries in the EU will still have a need for conventional propagated seeds. However, it will be needed to have standards and control procedures ensuring that organic seeds will be used if available. This includes definitions of “availability”. There is a need in both EU and in accession countries to develop criteria for seeds health in organic seeds and other seeds not treated with fungicides, and to implement inspection procedures to control that conventional seeds are only used when organic seeds are not available

Comparative Economics of Maize Grain and Seed Production in Okhaldhunga District, Nepal

Maize cultivation is the one the major farm activities among Nepalese farmers. Basically, in the rural hills of Nepal like Okhaldhunga, it dominates any other crop production. The study was conducted for comparative assessment of economics, marketing and identification of major problems of maize seed and grain production in the hilly eastern district, Okhaldhunga during June of 2017. The data were obtained through the interview of 66 producers (33 each of maize grain and seed producers) with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests (-test, t-test) were applied. Both the grain and the seed producers were similar in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, marketing accessibilities but the seed producers were significantly benefited from the training, the extension services, credit facilities despite having 0.14 ha lesser landholding than grain producers. The inputs (manures, fertilizers and the seed) contributed 48% and 50% of the total cost incurred for grain and seed production respectively and the pre-sowing and sowing activities contributed more than 77% of cost in both cases. Despite higher cost for seed production (NRs. 24,969 more than grain production), the benefit-cost ratio of seed production was found higher (1.31) than grain production (1.05). Only 24% of the total harvest was processed and marketed as seed and using optimum quantity (66% middle portion of the cob) for seed production could further increase the income by 23.35%, the improved B:C ratio being 1.51 . The major production problems were scarce farm labor followed by lack of infrastructures while low seasonal price followed by low volume of production ranked the first and second most important marketing related problems

Epidemiology of dark leaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicicola in organic seed production of cauliflower

Dark leaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicicola is a seed-borne disease of Brassicae. Production of healthy seed is essential for the organic vegetable production. Literature on the epidemiology of the disease in organic seed production of Brassica was reviewed and an epidemiological field experiments was carried out. External and internal contamination of seeds with A. brassicicola increased steadily during their development. Colonisation of pod tissues as quantified by TaqMan-PCR increased exponentially. The developed knowledge can be used for optimizing cropping systems for organic seed production with lower risks for seed contamination by Alternaria spp. and to develop critical control points for disease management

Seed Yield Prediction Models of Four Common Moist-Soil Plant Species in Texas

Seed production by moist-soil plant species often varies within and among managed wetlands and on larger landscapes. Quantifying seed production of moist-soil plants can be used to evaluate wetland management strategies and estimate wetland energetic carrying capacity, specifically for waterfowl. In the past, direct estimation techniques were used, but due to excessive personnel and time costs, other indirect methods have been developed. Because indirect seed yield models do not exist for moist-soil plant species in east-central or coastal Texas, we developed direct and indirect methods to model seed production on regional managed wetlands. In September 2004 and 2005, we collected Echinochloa crusgalli (barnyard grass), E. walterii (wild millet), E. colona (jungle rice), and Oryza sativa (cultivated rice) for phytomorphological measurements and seed yield modeling. Initial simple linear and point of origin regression analyses demonstrate strong relationships (P \u3c 0.001) among phytomorphological and dot grid methods in predicting seed production for all four species. These models should help regional wetland managers evaluate moist-soil management success and create models for seed production for other moist-soil plants in this region

Production of organic seed for the organic sector (OF0154)

This is the final report of Defra project OF0154. Under the European Union Regulation on the organic production of agricultural products (2092/91), crops raised in organic systems should be grown from organically produced seed or vegetative material. However, the supply of organic seed is limited in the UK and in Europe as a whole, and so by way of derogation, the EU Regulation permits the use of untreated, conventional seed on organic farms only when an appropriate organic variety cannot be sourced. At the start of this project, the derogation period was due to end on 31 December 2000; however, it was extended in June 1999 to 31 December 2003, after which the use of conventional seed will not be permitted on organic farms. To evaluate the current situation regarding organic seed availability, future demand for seed, and the problems restricting the development of an active organic seed production industry in the UK, the following tasks were undertaken with the aim of helping to facilitate the commercial use of organic seed and contributing to the ending of the use of conventional seed on organic farming systems. Objectives 1. Assess the current and potential availability of organic seed, in the UK, elsewhere in Europe and further afield. 2. Develop a forecast of demand for organic seed in the UK over the next 5-10 years. 3. Determine the obstacles that need to be overcome and whether or not they can be dealt with through UK or European co-operation. 4. Highlight problems that need further research input. 5. Produce a report covering the availability of organically produced seed for commercial organic use, including details of species and varieties where further work is needed and recommendations for future actions. Results • There are 251 different varieties of organic seed commercially available to UK organic farmers and growers, 98% of which are vegetable varieties and 1% are cereal varieties. There are no grasses or herbage legumes available. Of the major crops, only 4% of the varieties most commonly used by UK organic producers are currently available as organic seed. • A survey (with only an 11% reply rate) indicated a general European view that organic seed was in short supply in Europe. • Based on 1997 data, demand for organic cereal seed is likely to double, demand for vegetable seed will triple, and demand for grassland seed will increase 7 or 8 times. With the current trend in organic seed production, these demands will not be met at the end of the derogation period unless a massive increase in production takes place. • The problems associated with organic seed production expressed by fourteen seed companies in the UK could be broadly placed within three categories: 1) Marketing, 2) Technical and 3) Standards. Many were only perceived problems (not actual ones) that could be overcome through education, training and discussion. • This study has shown that organic seed production must go ahead and that there are no real obstacles to cause delay. Comments and recommendations for future actions 1. Press ahead with organic seed production. 2. More rigorous policing of the current derogation is required. 3. Make a rapid commitment not to extend the current derogation. 4. Major improvements are required in organic variety testing to identify which varieties should be produced as organic seed. 5. Further work is required on pest, disease and weed problems specifically related to organic seed production. 6. Research is required on the standards of other European countries and third countries. 7. MAFF census data should include organic agriculture and horticulture information

Improving the Availability of Organic Forage Seed in Wales

The EU regulation requiring organic farmers to use 100% organic herbage seed is looming closer. Currently they are ‘enjoying’ a derogation from this because suitable seed is not available. For 2004 seeds mixtures had to contain at least 50% organic seed. This breathing space before full 100% organic seed is required is giving the organic industry time to improve the availability of suitable species and varieties. Historically there was a viable herbage seed production industry in the lowland and southern areas of Wales. This area turned to livestock production during its more profitable periods, with specialist arable and herbage seed production switching largely to south east England. The agronomic potential remains in Wales but now needs to be developed to meet specific organic needs. A recent survey of organic farmers in Wales (see Gwlad issue 26) identifiedpersistence, total annual yield and early spring growth as the most important characters in a seeds mix. Sourcing organic seed of such forage varieties is essential for the continued development of the organic sector. Following a series of farmer discussion group meetings where these concerns were highlighted a feasibility project funded by Farming Connect, is looking at the potential of producing organic forage seed in Wales. Experimental plot work at IGER has been addressing some of the challenges in organic forage seed production. Four farmers from organic discussion groups, with a range of farm types and systems are involved in developing this work by hosting field scale demonstration plots. Field plots, designed with farmer involvement, have focused on the feasibility of different approaches to forage grass seed production (plans are in Appendix A). Initially the emphasis has been on weed control, crop nutrition and integration of forage seed production into the farming systems using seed crops of perennial ryegrass, hybrid ryegrass and timothy. Harvesting, drying and cleaning of seed have also been addressed. The first demonstration area of the hybrid ryegrass variety AberLinnet was successfully harvested in 2003, with further areas harvested in 2004. To involve all stakeholders, the project included Organic and Seed Certification bodies, as well as seed companies to progress organic forage seed production in Wales and to develop a better understanding of the challenges involved. Achievements to date: • Successful farmer participation and development of this as a route to developing organic herbage seed production agronomy and harvesting techniques. • Inclusion of other stakeholders in meetings • Herbage seed yields at potentially commercially viable levels on most sites • Identification of areas for further work • Publication of results and project progress at a range of levels from Gwlad and organic e- bulletin to scientific and farmer conferences in Wales, UK, Europe and Australia. (Details in Appendix B) • Dissemination of results obtained at farmer group meetings in England and Wales. • An overview factsheet is in progress Identification of the gaps: • Lack of farmer confidence to proceed to commercial enterprise. • A need to address further technical issues highlighted as a result of the initial work (eg clover variety, weed control). • Designing sound rotations that meet with certification standards (organic and seed) needs to be addressed. • Integration of seed production into a range of arable and or livestock systems is important to the viability and practicality of organic herbage seed production. • The expertise and confidence of the organic growers needs to be developed. • Developing farm scale harvesting, drying, distribution and marketing with farmers, and other stakeholders. • Lack of active organic seed processor and marketing presence in the area The next Phase This should be viewed in two parts; in the short term we need to ensure continuity of cropping on the farm sites and dissemination of information, building on the successes of the initial project; the longer term aims are the development of infrastructure, cooperation of interested stakeholders (eg seed companies, machinery rings, certification bodies) and scaling up to a commercially viable level from the farm

Sticky Exudates on the Inflorescences of \u3ci\u3eCirsium Discolor\u3c/i\u3e (Asteraceae) and \u3ci\u3ePenstemon Digitalis\u3c/i\u3e (Scrophulariaceae) as Possible Defense Against Seed Predators

From 1982 through 1987, I investigated whether sticky exudates released by Cirsium discolor and Penstemon digitalis in their inflorescences provide defense against seed predators. I tested two hypotheses: 1: Exudates directly deter seed predators, and 2: Insects struggling in exudates attract predatory arthropods that remain and defend the inflorescences against seed predators. These hypotheses predict that neutralizing the stickiness will increase seed predation (by allowing access to more seed predators, or by decreasing the number of predatory arthropods attracted), and therefore decrease successful seed production. Results did not support either hypothesis, with no increase in seed predators (nor decrease in predatory arthropods), and no decrease in seed production, when traps were neutralized

Relationship Between Knowledge Level and Characteristics of Pulses Seed Growers

The study was undertaken to study the relationship between knowledge level and profile characteristics of pulses seed growers. A sample of 90 pulses seed growing farmers was selected from 3 blocks of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. The blocks were Kinathukadavu, Thondamuthur and Karamadai. For the study 30 farmers from each of the three blocks, where the highest number of farmers cultivating pulses for seed production were selected by employing simple random sampling technique in each block. Collection of data was done with the help of semi structured interview schedule. The study revealed that experience in seed production, social participation, urban contact and information seeking behaviour would increase the knowledge level of seed growers. The variables experience in seed production was contributing more than 75 per cent of the variation inthe knowledge level.

The need for a supply of high quality organic vegetable seeds

Production of high quality organic vegetable seeds encounters several challenges. Research is performed to support seed companies in producing vigorous and healthy organic vegetable seeds. Examples are provided with respect to research on seed vigour, determining critical control points to avoid disease transmission to the seeds, seed treatments with natu-ral compounds, new seed sorting techniques and enhancement of the natural plant defence. It is noticed that the restrictions in EU regulation 2092/91 on organic production are at present blocking the use of promising natural and sustainable components for seed treatments

Production of organic seeds: Status, Challenges and Prospects

General article on the requirements of organic agriculture for seed production. Beside this the organic agricultural system has other demands for organic seed since it does not use chemical control measures and uses natural fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers. Research can offer an important contribution in the production of seed without diseases