Extension training sourcebook (Module 8,9,10)

MODULE 8

Seed Supply

Nursery Management

Tree Planting, Protection and Management

TRAINING Q SEED

MODULE O SUPPLY

INTRODUCTION

The material in this Module will help trainees

obtain and correctly handle seed of appropriate

agroforestry tree species. Specifically, trainees

will learn how to identify good seed sources,

how to effectively store seed, how to test it for

viability and how to treat it before sowing to

increase chances for germination. Trainees will

also learn how to plan for seed collection as a

part of seasonal and annual activities.

CONTENTS

This Module contains the following lessons:

/ INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT SEED SUPPLY STRATEGY This lesson

provides an overview of your project’s seed supply strategy and what is required of field staff to

implement it

% e 6 4 w iji to o ls FOR IMPLEMENTING PROJECT SEED SUPPLY STRATEGY

This lesson consists of an extended series of exercises that provide trainees practical experience with

agroforestry tree seed.

Lesson 1 requires about an hour to conduct, plus preparation time. Lesson 2 takes four to five days

depending on the amount of time you spend identifying seed sources.

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CO /VM s i INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT

J seed SUppLY s tra te g y

OBJECTIVE

Trainees will be able to describe their project’s strategy for obtaining appropriate agroforestry tree seed

and factors involved in effective seed procurement and handling. They will also be able to describe

Extension Staff roles in seed collection and handling.

METHOD

The lesson consists of a facilitated discussion. Use newsprint to record notes and discussion points.

EXAMPLE

Prepare

Review the LEARNING NOTES, Project Seed Supply Strategy. Adapt the notes according to plans for

your own project Prepare a presentation based on the NOTES.

Present the material using a question and answer approach. Encourage trainees to consider benefits of

local seed collection and factors affecting quality seed supply for the project

Summarize

Now that we know what is needed to ensure a good supply of quality tree seed for the project our

challenge is to learn to obtain and use tree seed effectively.

Facilitate

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LEARNING NOTES Module 8

Lesson 1

PROJECT SEED SUPPLY STRATEGY

Our project strategy emphasizes the importance of seed collected locally. By locally, we mean within the

project area and nearby environments. This strategy has the following advantages:

QUALITY CONTROL

SECURITY OF SUPPLY

There is a better chance of having seed

available when seed is needed by the project

There is a better opportunity to obtain fresh

seed. This way we reduce chances that the

seed will lose its viability during its time in

storage.

This factor is particularly important for seed

which does not store well, such as Grevillea

robusta. Azadirachta indica. Gliricidia sepium

and many fruit trees, including citrus species.

It is important to know local sources of good

quality seed. Tree specimens that have

characteristics you want in your project trees

are the best to collect seed from. These

preferred seed-producing specimens are

called mother trees. Your project should identify

mother trees as regular sources of good quality

seed.

LOCAL ADAPTABILITY

There is a better chance that trees from local

seed will adapt better to environmental

conditions in your project area.

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LESS EXPENSIVE

Generally, it is less expensive to obtain seed

locally than from outside sources.

LOCAL SELF-RELIANCE

Collection of seed locally promotes reliance on local resources. Farmers can make better use of locally

available seed. They will also learn ways to make sure that local seed produces the best possible results.

The biggest disadvantage of relying on local seed supply is that certain agroforestry species may not be

available. In addition, your project will need to plan carefully to ensure an adequate supply of local seed

to meet local demands. This may mean spending additional time building up knowledge about tree

species and seed availability in your project area.

Your project strategy for local seed supply should include the following:

Learn as much as possible about local tree species and the seeding time of each appropriate

species.

Learn about the location of good quality seed trees. Certain trees produce more regularly and

produce higher quality seed than others.

Organize and supervise seed collection activities on a timely basis.

Apply appropriate techniques for extracting, cleaning, drying, storing, viability testing and

pre-treatment of seed.

Ensure that seed distribution to local farmers in the project area is efficient Emphasize

distribution to farmers who are relatively close to the collection sites.

Record seed sources. Label seed packages or containers with the date of collection, the type of

seed collected and the source of the seed.

Assign someone on the project staff to be in charge of coordinating all seed supply operations.