The ‘Technical’ Context for Seed Supply Systems Development Anne Mbora Training Workshop on Improving Strategies for Germplasm Supply Nairobi, 29 th Oct. to 2 nd Nov.2007

Introduction Most of the information in all chapters of the technical guidelines is not new but a brief summary in simple, clear language The success of germplasm supply strategies depends on quality of sources of the reproductive material, the way germplasm is collected, handled and distributed These technical guidelines were thus developed to improve germplasm supply

Seed Source Germplasm sources are important for seed strategies as the genetic quality of seed is determined by the quality of the seed source Site matching reduces adaptability concerns

Seed Collection This chapter was developed to avail simple basic principals of seed collection This ensures the physical, physiological & genetic quality of seed is maintained

Seed Processing Seed processing is carried out to safeguard physiological and physical quality of the seed Seed processing involves; sorting fruit, removing seed from fruit (extraction), cleaning and grading seed and drying

Seed Storage This chapter describes good ways of keeping seed viable and proper seed storage, both modern and traditional methods are covered Farmers could store seed ( orthodox) in gourds or clay pots for more then two years (with good aeration)

Seed Dormancy and Pre-sowing Treatments Poor germination is experienced by various organization in tree production This chapter was developed to speed up seed germination and ensure efficient use of the available seeds. Pre-sowing treatments are often applied to overcome seed dormancy and accelerate uniform germination of seed

Seed Quality - Physiological and Genetic Seed quality refers to the value of the seed; The quality of seed is therefore important to all actors involved in the tree seed systems This chapter was thus developed to help in evaluating seed quality and promote the use of quality germplasm

Seed Distribution Germplasm supply can be improved with an efficient flow of seed/seedlings and information on availability of these species and varieties Seed packaging and documentation are very important factors in seed distribution process

Seed Documentation Documentation is important in germpasm supply strategies since it gives seed or plant material an identity Documentation provide quality assurance for the client and removes the burden of memorizing details during all the stages of seed production and distribution

Additional materials Video clips on seed handling DANIDA guide to handling of tropical and subtropical seed (511 pages!) LONGMAN tropical trees: propagation and planting manuals (Volumes 1-4) Tree Seed Management (Winrock, ICRAF and IFSP) 8 IFSP demo room posters (collection, cleaning, storage, extraction, drying, testing, …) IFSP flip-over (visual extension material) ICRAF nursery and vegetative propagation manuals, seed collection, ordering and production guidelines, Agroforestry Seed database and scaling-up document Robbins materials (images) and resource (lecture notes) for tree seeds CIAT handbook on business approaches for small-scale seed producers Flora Bank guideline series for seed collection and storage (10 guidelines)