To introduce the criteria used in selecting quality seeds. To describe the purpose of seed certification and discuss the importance in using certified seed. Obtain a label of certified seed as an example. Discuss how crop emergence impacts yield. Seed certification is a state and federally regulated program whose purpose is to develop and monitor the quality of commercial seed.
Genetic purity is established under strict guidelines and isolation techniques.
Four generations of progeny are breed and off-types culled out before the seed is sold to farmers. There are four classes of seed in the certification process- breeder, foundation, registered and certified. Each class represents advancing generations of seed production. Breeder seed is produced by the breeder and is the first source of the cultivar. Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed and is produced under strict purity and isolation guidelines.