Seed Technology Programme

The Seed Technology Programme of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, was established in 2012 and is the newest addition to the Institute. The Programme was established as a platform for the production of high-quality seeds and planting materials for root and tuber crops.

Seed technology plays an important role in agricultural production, as the availability and distribution of quality seeds and high-yielding varieties with desirable characteristics are essential to crop production. In the context of root and tuber crops, the term seed refers to botanical seed, tubers, roots, or other plant parts used as planting materials. Quality planting materials imply freedom from diseases, insects, and pests, as well as desirable physiological qualities.

The Programme covers key aspects of seed technology, including production, processing, certification, testing, storage, entomology, pathology, and marketing. It is also responsible for consolidating and supporting the availability of improved root and tuber crop planting materials to end users.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the Seed Technology Programme are to:

• Develop an effective seed programme for the production of quality seed in root and tuber crops.
• Collaborate with breeders in the commodity crop programmes within the Institute and the National Agricultural Seeds Council to produce breeder, certified, and foundation seed in root and tuber crops.
• Develop effective agronomic and cultural practices for the production of quality seed in root and tuber crops.
• Develop appropriate management and control measures for diseases and pests affecting root and tuber crop seed production.
• Apply modern agricultural biotechnology and other techniques for the rapid cleaning and multiplication of seed in root and tuber crops.
• Develop effective post-harvest management practices for seed in root and tuber crops.
  
  

Research and Development Activities

The Seed Technology Programme is a multidisciplinary platform that requires collaboration among scientists across the Institute’s Commodity Crop Programmes.

Its activities include seed production and multiplication, seed certification, seed testing and evaluation, seed storage and processing, and the application of appropriate technologies for maintaining and improving the quality of root and tuber crop planting materials.

The Programme has also undertaken the establishment of pilot plots for certified foundation seeds across the agro-ecological zones for supply to out-growers.

Key Achievements

The Seed Technology Programme has recorded achievements in several areas of seed production and technology development, including:

• Planting of improved cassava varieties on 0.5-hectare plots at Igbariam, Anambra State, Umudike, Abia State, and Otobi, Benue State.
• Establishment of pilot plots for certified foundation seeds in the agro-ecological zones for supply to out-growers.
• Capacity development in key areas of seed technology, including seed certification, seed storage, processing, seed testing, and evaluation for research staff of the Programme.
• Identification of seed companies involved in improved seed yam production.
• Making improved root and tuber crop seeds available to seed companies, village seed entrepreneurs, and farmers.
• Collaboration with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Abuja, with the South-East regional office located within the Institute to support compliance with the production of certified quality seeds.
• Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) through molecular methods, reinforcing the need for technologies that aid the elimination or mitigation of disease spread.
• Breeding and release of new varieties.
• Production of root and tuber crop seeds in the Tissue Culture Laboratory.
• Maintenance of stocks of root and tuber crop varieties in the Tissue Culture Laboratory.
  
  

Present Research Interest

The Programme’s stated areas of present research interest include:

• Establishment of pilot plots for certified foundation seeds in all agro-ecological zones for supply to out-growers.
• Capacity development in key areas of seed technology, including seed certification and seed storage, for research staff of the Programme.
  
  

Collaboration

The Seed Technology Programme collaborates with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Abuja. The presence of the South-East regional office of NASC within the Institute supports compliance with the production of certified quality seeds.