Quality seed production

To remedy this situation, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is working closely with national programs and seed companies to increase the quantity and quality of seed, and is also organizing training courses and producing reference books to increase knowledge and communication among seed specialists. This manual is part of that process. The papers contained in it were presented during a seed technology course held in March 1986 in Cairo. The course dealt intensively with seed production in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and was intended primarily for scientists and technicians, such as seed analysts and seed inspectors, who work with seed production on a practical level in these countries. The present volume, which includes only a selection of the papers presented during the course, is intended to meet specific needs. The first sections deal with seed production technology, and treat issues not covered in a complementary publication, "Seed Production Technology" (PN-AAW-797). The papers in the last sections provide an overview of seed production activities in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The papers deal with seed production of specific crops and with the history of, and constraints to, seed production in these countries. (Author abstract, modified)