Agroforestry Tree Domestication Course

1. Agroforestry Tree Domestication Course Seed Procurement and Documentation By Anne Mbora ICRAF November 2003

2. General principles of procurement • Definition of procurement • Supplier identification • Product quality • Capacity of the supplier • Lead time • Customer service • Pricing

3. Species selection • Intended purpose of the activity • Locality of the activity site • biophysical issues • rainfall • soils • temperature • other consideration

4. Species (provenance) selection • give preference to local (indigenous species) • peruse literature • set up a small trial • use available research results • availability of propagules

5. Seed quantities required • Planting area • Design • extent • initial spacing • seed purity • expected germination level • nursery/(other) mortality • seed per kg • gapping up

6. Safety of seed movement • Quarantine regulations • Weediness issues • IPR issues • Plant diseases and pests

7. After procurement • Keep in touch with the supplier • Carry out simple seed tests • purity • viability • Moisture content

8. Why should I document seeds? • Seeds should be documented to give them an identity. You may for instance want to plant more seeds of a similar identity at a later stage, or want to conduct an impact assessment of seed distribution activities • Documentation allows verification of seed quality by the client and by the producer. Quality seed = seed + documentation • Documentation removes the burden of memorizing detail during all stages in seed production and distribution. It also allows for continuity of activities after changes of staff.

9. Which are the common documents? • Seed source documents • Seed collection and handling documents • Seed quality test results documents • Seed storage documents • Seed dispatch documents • Seed stand establishment records

10. Which other documentation could be important in seed production? • Cost of operations • List of seed sources or seed catalogue • Research records and publications