Module 11 : General introduction to organic seed quality & health
Training, self-paced, seed production, health, quality
Welcome to this new training module, “General introduction to organic seed quality & health"
Hello !
My name is Stephanie Klaedtke. I work at ITAB, the French Organic Food and Farming Institute. I’m an agronomist by training and my current activity at ITAB is focussed on the management of organic seed quality, especially in farmer’s seed systems and community seed banks.
Today, I will give you a general introduction into seed health and quality. We will address the different aspects of seed and quality health, and the main driving factors. This will be useful either to just get a general overview of the topic, or as an introduction to other modules offered by the Liveseeding project.
Seed health and quality : why it is important ?
Seed germination and seedling establishment are the main factors for a successful start of a crop, determining crop health, weed suppression and overall crop performance. They are critical, but sensitive phases in crop production. Also, some plant pathogens can be transmitted by seeds to the next generation, affecting crop health. Therefore, providing organic seeds that are vigorous and healthy is an important contribution to organic cropping systems. This is ensured by adequate seed production practices, seed storage and testing.
After completing this module, you will be able to
- describe the different aspects of seed quality
- list the main factors driving seed quality and health
- explain the scope and importance of managing seed quality and health throughout the plant breeding and seed propagation cycle.
Take the training module
11.1_Video Unit
Seed quality : what is it & why is it important ?
11.2_Video Unit
Seed quality : driving factors and scope
11.3_Reading Unit
Plant health right from the start
11.4_Quiz
Fill out the quiz
Download the powerpoint files
11.1_Powerpoint file
Seed quality : what is it & why is it important ?
11.2_Powerpoint file
Seed quality : driving factors and scope
Recommendations for completing the module
Time needed to complete the module : Completing this e-learning module will take approximately 75 minutes.
To complete this e-learning activity, you will need a good internet connection for video content and and to take the quiz.
Optional :
- pencil and paper if you like to take notes
- a printer to print the article of unit 11.3, if you prefer to read on paper rather than on the computer screen.
Further resources
Article describing and discussing a seed health strategy for organic seed
A peer-reviewed opinion paper describing and discussing a seed health strategy for organic seed : Klaedtke SM, Rey F, Groot SPC. Designing a Seed Health Strategy for Organic Cropping Systems, Based on a Dynamic Perspective on Seed and Plant Health. Sustainability. 2022; 14(17):10903. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710903
You want to see the learning path linked with this training module ?
[Learning Path #1]
Ensuring seed quality when propagating and storing seed
[Learning Path #2]
Ensuring organic seed health : tools to understand and manage