Archive Article: 1998/06/19

19 June 1998

Quality or thrift?

Farm-saved seed typically knocks just £1/t off the cost of growing each tonne of wheat, but could cost you far more in lost yield and quality, according to the new campaign launched by the British Society of Plant Breeders and the United Kingdom Supply Trades Association at Cereals 98. "We are not knocking farm-saved seed, but we do think farmers needs to be honest with themselves and check they really are producing a quality product, rather than simply cutting costs," says BSPB chairman, Tony Guthrie. Demands from buyers and assurance schemes for assured seed quality add to the pressure to use certified, he notes.

If you do save, be sure to:

&#8226 Grow from the best basic seed.

&#8226 Use the best, weed free fields.

&#8226 Walk and rogue regularly.

&#8226 Pay for disease as well as germination testing.

&#8226 Ensure the highest possible standards are imposed on dressing, cleaning and separation of varieties.