Aims:
The primary objective of the project is to examine how weather conditions during the growth and harvesting periods influence seed quality by analysing existing germination data of the Finnish Food Authority and the results of the green house tests conducted by the Natural Resources Institute Finland Luke. Variation of seed quality is a significant problem which this project aims to solve.
Weather conditions during the growth and harvesting periods as well as drying and storage conditions are factors influencing the germination of seeds. Other aspects of seed quality include dormancy, seed viability vigor and maintenance of vigor. In addition to these, there is data that suggests that growth conditions may influence seed quality in more ways than just through germination. Extreme and stressful growth conditions may be stored in seed memory, and this might impair the growth and yield capacity of the subsequent generation or even generations. If this is the case, germination rate alone may not be enough to define and demonstrate seed vigor and yield capacity.
The project also examines the variation of ergot and ergot alkaloid contents in rye and the associated factors. The indirect objective of the project is to increase the understanding of risks affecting seed production and, consequently, improve risk management.
Keywords:
seeds, germination, vigor, seed memory, ergot, ergot alkaloids
Responsible project leader:
Ari Rajala, leading researcher, PhD (agriculture and forestry), Natural Resources Institute Finland
Person at the Finnish Food Authority responsible for the project:
Hanna Ranta, Head of Department, PhD, Seed Laboratory Section
In cooperation with:
Natural Resources Institute Finland Luke;
The Finnish Seed Growers’ Association;
the National Emergency Supply Agency;
Seed sellers' association (Siemenkauppiaitten yhdistys);
Fazer Mills
Project status:
In progress
Year of commencement:
2020
Year of completion:
2023
Project is financed by:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (379/03.01.02/2019);
Natural Resources Institute Finland;
the Finnish Food Authority;
the Finnish Seed Growers’ Association;
the National Emergency Supply Agency;
Seed sellers' association (Siemenkauppiaitten yhdistys)