Farmers' Practices in the Storage of Soybean (Glycine max) Seeds and Their Effects on Viability and Vigour of Seeds

A study was conducted to evaluate farmers’ storage methods on the viability and vigour of soybean seeds in Northern Region of Ghana. Soybean seeds were obtained from certified seed producers in the Tamale Metropolis and farmers’ seed lots from four districts (Kumbungu, Savelugu, Tolon and Yendi) in the Northern Region of Ghana. The work was carried out in three phases: a questionnaire survey using Snowball sampling method to identify farmers and ascertain how they store their seeds for planting; a field work to determine the viability and vigour of seeds obtained from farmers and finally a laboratory experiment in the regional ultra-modern seed laboratory of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Tamale, to confirm the results from the field experiment. The field experiment was conducted using Nested design. For the field and laboratory experiments, data were collected on the following parameters: germination percentages, plant/shoot height, number of leaves, root length and seedling dry weights. Results from the survey shows that farmers store their soybean seeds mainly in sacks placed on materials (wood and stones). Again, it was also revealed that farmers in Northern Region stored seeds from their previous harvest and use for planting rather than patronizing certified seeds. Farmers reported diseases and pests as the most important production constraint in the production of soybean in Northern Region. Results from the field and laboratory studies indicate that certified seeds are significantly (P < 0.05) better than farmers saved seeds in terms of vigour. Seed sources have an effect on viability and vigour.