1. INFLUENCE OF SEED SOURCE AND PRODUCTION PRACTICES ON QUALITY OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max) SEED
Ochran, M. K., Narla, R. D., Muthomi, J. W. and Ochuodho, J. O.

2. INTRODUCTION
Soybean is a multipurpose crop utilized for food, livestock feed, industrial raw material and bio-energy (Myaka et al., 2005).
All seed dealers handle maize, 82% for cowpea and 82% for vegetables compared to 27% for soybean (Adetumbi et al., 2010).
This has led to over 70% of the farmers recycling and using seed from informal sources whose quality is poor or unknown beside lacking knowledge on appropriate production practices.
Therefore the study aimed at determining how seed source and production practices influenced soybean seed quality.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Purposeful survey was conducted to obtain information on seed source and production practices of soybeans
Seed samples were collected from farmers, local markets and Agro- dealers
The seeds were evaluated for purity, seed coat damage germination and seedling vigour

4. RESULTS Majority of the farmers saved their own seed (Fig. 1).
None of the farmers sourced seeds from formal seed source
Fig.1: Percentage of farmers obtaining seeds from different sources

5. RESULTS….
Most of the farmers planted soybean in pure stands
The crop was harvested at harvest maturity

6. RESULTS….
Over 90% of the farmers threshed soybeans by beating with sticks on the tarpaulin (Fig. 2).
Fig.2: Methods of threshing soybeans used by farmers (%)

7. THRESHING BY BEATING WITH STICKS

8. RESULTS…. Over 60% of the farmers sold their soybean to local markets
Fig. 3: Market choices preferred by farmers for their produce

9. RESULTS… Agro-dealers seed quality Purity below standard (98%)
Seed coat damage affected germination
Germination standard (75%)
Fig. 4: Influence of seed source on seed quality

10. CONCLUSION
Informal seed source supplies over 70% of seeds used by farmers
Production and post-harvest practices affect the quality of soybean seeds
There is limited production of certified soybean seeds
There is limited market for soybean produce

11. RECOMMENDATION Advice farmers on the value of quality seed
Encourage farmers to use certified seeds
Educate farmers on appropriate production and handling techniques of sensitive crops like soybean
Seed industries to increase production of more certified seeds of soybean
KEPHIS to improve surveillance at our porous borders

12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

13. THANK YOU