Seed production | [Produccion de semillas]

During 1990, the Section continued with a very diverse, dynamic and geographically widespread range of activities including research in seed production technology; direct participation and technical collaboration in seed supply development projects; seed multiplication and distribution. Seed supply development projects in Colombia and Peru are now into their third year of operation. While within contrasting economic environments and farming systems, progress has been made in both cases towards; increased participation of the private sector, expanding production of new materials, delivering seed to pasture development projects, and conducting strategic and applied research on seed production technology. Important operational features include, contract and share farming agreements between a project nucleus and graziers and seed enterprises plus a rotating fund for seed production and promotion. Further expansion of seed production is dependent upon achieving more congruency between participants in the complementary seed and pasture projects plus an expansion of overall demand forces from graziers for seeds. An increased priority has been given to seed production of Arachis pintoi. Experiments have been initiated to define the effects of location, fertilizer level and hilling upon seed yield and quality. A rotary screen field separator was constructed for use in seed harvesting and seed conditioning of this unique species. Based upon a grant from The Crawford Fund for Agricultural Research, a Section member undertook a Study Tour to assess the status of research and seed production in Queensland, Australia, with the collaboration of Queensland Department of Primary Industries (Q.D.P.I). Workshops were organized and conducted both in Costa Rica in February in collaboration with MAG, and in Mexico in September in collaboration with INIFAP. In each case, the program content required a high level of pro-active and dynamic participation. An exploratory assessment was made of the product range and quantity of seed marketed for tropical grasses and legumes by countries in Latin America. In addition, countries were in ranked for research, development and overall status, as regards tropical forage seeds. Seed multiplication of promising accessions was continued. Internal activities were reduced but contract activities with third parties were increased. Total seed generated for the Program was 9.5 tons. Seed distribution services were continued.