Recommended Methods for Improving Pasture Seed Quality in Yunnan Province, South-West China,

Pasture seed is needed for the development of improved pasture in the province of Yunnan, south-west China, but the annual production in the province is only 15-30 t, the shortfall being made up by imported seed. Problems are often encountered with seed quality. The tests outlined in this paper were undertaken to overcome some of these. Results showed that the problem of seed quality was quite serious in the province and to rectify this the following procedures are recommended: ( 1) formulation of precise rules for testing and standards for purity and germination of all pasture seed lines in the province; (2) improving the seed testing system; (3) improving pasture seed production and post-harvest technology, in particular seed harvesting, cleaning and storage.