There are good practices that must be followeed to get the results you want. Here are the main guidelines.
Guide of good practices to producing your own seeds
Growing conditions:
Keep your crops clean to make sorting easier by controlling weeds such as wild oats which are difficult to separate from the good grain.
Harvesting :
Harvest your seeds when they are fully mature to ensure a good germination.
- Avoid harvesting in the rain or when the seeds are damp.
- Isolate the cleanest, most promising plots in storage. This will improve your selection and final quality.
- Clean your tools and the threshing machine to avoid mixing varieties. You can start by going over a plot of the same variety but for which you are not keeping the seed, in order to limit the risk.
Cleaning :
- Remove any debris and malformed or diseased seeds. This can be done with the help of an external company (custom sorter) that comes to your farm or, at the very least, use a blower when emptying the skips into the transfer screw to remove any dirt or contaminants. A sorter will also remove the heavier foreign seeds and large debris.
- Clean the containers to prevent insects and dust from accumulating in the nooks and crannies.
Storage :
- Store your seed away from moisture by using raised hoppers or silos.
- Ensure your containers are clean, dry and free from cracks before storing.
- Close your storage to prevent access by pests such as mice, rats or birds.
Drying :
- Dry your seed promptly after harvest to prevent mould.
- Use open air-drying methods in a dry, ventilated area using hoppers or small silos.
- Check the seed humidity, which should be low for storage (generally from 8 to 12%). This will avoid insect proliferation and mould.
Prevention et monitoring :
- Implement pest prevention measures, such as insect traps and physical barriers.
- Carry out regular inspections to detect any signs of pests or rodents.
Treatment :
- Use treatments such as diatomaceous earth to protect your seeds from insects.
- In the event of an infestation, treat your seeds with approved pesticides in the recommended doses.
Preparing for sowing :
- Test germination before sowing to ensure your seed’s viability.
- Germinate a sample of your seed to check the germination rate.
- Treat your seeds for disease and pests if necessary.
Find out more
The importance of mass selection: mass selection involves taking seeds from a group of plants with the desired characteristics. This technique makes it possible to gradually improve the qualities of the seeds over the generations.
The benefits of testing seeds on your own land: varieties are often selected to be adapted to certain climate and soil conditions, but it is also crucial to consider criteria such as taste and nutritional qualities, especially for those who process their own seeds. This doesn’t just apply to tomatoes, but also to wheat for bakers and brewers.
Seed storage life: storage life varies according to plant species, but in general, seeds can be kept for several years if stored in suitable conditions.
The need for training: producing quality seeds requires a certain amount of know-how. It is important to learn from other farmers, farmers’ seed organisations or agricultural institutions.
By applying these good storage practices for large volumes, you can ensure the quality and longevity of your seeds, thereby contributing to the success of your future harvests and improving your income
