Methods to Maintain Genetic Purity of Seed Stocks

Abstract

Production and distribution of high-quality seeds is fundamental to modern agricul- tural systems. The majority of annual crops are established each season from seeds, and seed quality can have a major impact on potential crop yield. Seeds carry the genetic traits incorporated by years of breeding and selection to create varieties that are adapted to specific production environments and will produce high yields and product quality. The genetic purity of seeds (i.e., the percentage of contamination by seeds or genetic material of other varieties or species), their physiological quality (or vigor), and the presence of weed seeds, seedborne diseases, or other materials (dirt or plant residues) contribute to overall seed quality.