Seed for vegetable crops in the Mediterranean area
1988
La Malfa, G. (Universita degli Studi die Catania (Italy). Ist. di Orticoltura e Floricoltura)
The paper analyzes the specific problems (biological, agronomical, commercial and legal) of horticultural crops in relation to the production and use of certified seed. Biological problems include the high number of species in the group of horticultural crops that differ in reproduction systems and, consequently, in techniques for varietal maintenance and seed production. Another characteristic of horticultural crops is the variability in the genetic structure of the large number of varieties. As for agronomic problems, the Mediterranean climate is favourable for seed production of horticultural crops because of moderately low rainfall, low relative humidity and sufficiently high temperatures. However, a seed-production activity depends heavily on the expertise of farmers, the presence of seed companies, and the availability of new varieties and the right to multiply them. Obviously important is the role of research in assessing the most suitable seed-production techniques. Finally, commercial and legal aspects are discussed in relation to the trade and utilization of seed
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