Making sure farmers get top-notch seeds is a big part of what the South African Seed Organisation (SANSOR) does. But what exactly makes a seed “quality”? Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at Sansor, breaks it down for us.
Farmers invest a lot of time and resources in soil preparation, fertilisation, and various farming practices. While many factors in farming are beyond their control, the choice of seeds is one aspect they can manage. This is why selecting high-quality seeds is vital for farmers to achieve their farm’s full potential.
According to Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at the South African Seed Organisation (SANSOR), seed quality is not only the cornerstone of successful farming but also clearly implies that the foundation of a bountiful harvest is laid with high-quality seeds.
Van Huyssteen emphasises the importance of selecting the right seed variety for several reasons.
“It’s important that when buying seed, farmers make an informed choice to get the right variety that will manage environmental stresses the best or that has resistance to diseases,” Van Huyssteen says.
Choosing the appropriate seed variety helps farmers cope with challenges such as drought, extreme temperatures, and pest infestations, ultimately leading to more resilient crops and better yields. This decision is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and profitability of farming operations.
When it comes to seeds, decision-making goes beyond selecting the right variety. It also involves ensuring the seed’s physical and genetic quality.
Key factors in seed selection
The seed needs to be of high quality in several aspects: its physical condition, the production process, genetic purity, and viability, Van Huyssteen adds.
In addition, seed quality also encompasses practical factors such as germination rates and moisture content, which influence both the seed’s storability and the uniformity of the resulting crop stands.
“Healthy seeds give rise to a uniform crop. Factors such as seed size, shape, and the absence of physical damage are pivotal in ensuring optimal performance in the field.”
Understanding the key characteristics that determine seed quality is essential for both farmers and seed companies. Van Huyssteen highlights several critical aspects, including varietal identity, genetic purity, viability, seed vigour, germination rate, and moisture content.
“Seed companies go through a lot of lengths to ensure that they put seed out there with good viability and vigour,” he explains.
This meticulous attention to detail ensures that seeds not only germinate well but also thrive under field conditions.
For small-scale farmers, the adoption of precision agriculture and conservation farming techniques has significant implications for seed quality. Van Huyssteen acknowledges the role of data-driven decision-making in this context.
“You need good data to make good decisions. Site-specific management is very important for seed companies to make recommendations for specific areas,” he says.
This approach enhances soil health, optimises resource management, and ultimately contributes to better yields.
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Consumer preferences and seed quality
Consumer preferences significantly influence variety development, Van Huyssteen points out. This demand drives seed companies to focus on producing crops with superior taste, texture, and nutritional value.
In response to the growing interest in diverse and novel varieties, seed companies are employing advanced breeding techniques to meet these evolving preferences and ensure high-quality seed production.
Access to quality seed is crucial in the South African context for several reasons. Van Huyssteen rates this access as a nine out of ten, reflecting a high level of availability for farmers.
“Every year, our farmers have access to good quality seed,” he notes. “While there may be occasional shortages in specific varieties or volumes, there are always alternative options available.”
Looking ahead, Van Huyssteen emphasises several key focus areas to ensure that South Africa remains at the forefront of seed quality. These include continued investment in research and development, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
“Development of adapted varieties and promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the need for chemicals,” he advocates.
Farmers themselves play a crucial role in this process, he says and encourages them to participate in field trials, adopt sustainable farming practices, stay informed about technological advancements, and collaborate with local organisations.
“Participating in field trials and providing feedback to the seed company regarding your local conditions is very important,” he advises.
For more information on seed quality and SANSOR’s initiatives, visit www.sansor.org.
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