The right choice of seed material in horticulture and gardening is the key to a good crop.
Now many gardeners are already looking for seeds for sowing to seedlings, so specialists of the Vladimir branch of Rosselkhozcenter prepared tips to pay attention to when buying packaged seeds. After all, bright colorful packaging does not always guarantee quality. And, of course, in the field of seed production, too, there are fraudsters that facilitate in glossy packets "pacifiers" that will never give the claimed harvest.
The leading agronomist of the seed production department of the branch of the Russian Federation "Rosselkhozcenter" in the Vladimir region Elena Zimin advises before purchasing seeds, as it should be checked, which remained since last year and is quite suitable for the new season. After that, you can make a list of all that you need to purchase.
Acquire seeds follows in specialized stores. It is not recommended to take crumpled, very shabby or needed bags, even if the sellers assume that everything is fine with the seeds. In natural markets and bazaars, acquire seeds undesirable, since their germination, as a rule, leaves much to be desired. Seed material, like any product, should be stored at a certain temperature and humidity, and there are often no conditions on the market.
Carefully examine the packaging before buying. Packages with seeds must be made of sufficiently thick paper, there should be no vague letters and images. Often fraudsters are saved precisely on the quality of packaging and printing, so see how information about culture and photography is clear and bright.
However, good packaging is not one hundred percent guarantee of the quality of seeds, so it is necessary (and very carefully!) Consider the labeling. It must contain the following information:
- The name of the manufacturer, the company's logo and its contact details. Moreover, if everything is clear with the title and logo, then the contact details are meant not only by the legal address of the company, but also the email address, and phones.
- Brief description of the plant, landing rules and agrotechnology. Today, the so-called "white" packages come on sale - without photographs of the selling culture. Seeds are not worse in them, but because of the simpler packaging cost cheaper. On this bag, the whole information should also be applied.
- The number of seeds. It can be indicated in pieces (if the packaging is podny) or in grams.
- Seed party number. Each batch is compulsory certified or receives a certificate certifying the seed qualities. The party number is needed in the event that suddenly the quality of the seeds will be bad. You will be able to make a complaint by the manufacturer, providing a check about buying and packaging. Tip: Open a bag Try so as not to damage the party number.
- GOST, TU, OST - standard or technical specifications for sowing and varietal qualities. If there is such an abbreviation on the package, this means that these seeds have been thoroughly tested in laboratory conditions and fully comply with the requirements of the relevant regulatory documentation.
- Shelf life. How long, seeds retain their viability depends on many factors: packaging, storage conditions of the culture itself. Therefore, acquiring seeds, you can ask sellers (certificates) from sellers, where they are clearly indicated to the germination and duration of the document. Important: In the table * Below the specialists of the Vladimir branch of Rosselkhozcentre lead data on seed storage.
It is recommended to purchase seeds of only zoned varieties, that is, those that are applied to use in your region. Nerayed varieties may not have enough sunlight in the growing season, and you will not get a full-fledged harvest or a full bloom of one or another culture.
There are many seeds on sale, especially essential vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers), on the packages of which there is the designation "F1 hybrids". The price of such seeds is significantly higher than the usual varieties. Let us explain what the seeds of ordinary varieties from hybrids are different and what is better to take: grade or hybrid.
The varieties of self-polishing and partially self-polishing cultures retain all their properties and transmit them to the offspring. Collecting seeds from such cultures, you will get plants with exactly the same set of signs. The ability to transfer all of its properties to the offspring is inherent in the varieties and makes it easy to maintain and multiply the plants, even on the household plot.
The hybrid variety, or the F1 hybrid, multiplies otherwise. Hybrids are obtained by crossing two different varieties, while in the offspring the size of the plants is noticeably increasing, their growth and development are accelerated, strength and yield increase. This phenomenon and began to use for the best hybrid varieties.
F1 hybrids are more homogeneous and aligned in their biological and morphological features than ordinary varieties. They are distinguished by randomness and higher yields, resistant to adverse environmental factors. In extreme cultivation conditions (early spring, with sudden air temperature drops or summer heat), F1 hybrids are developing significantly better than ordinary varieties. Hybrids have genetic resistance to diseases and pests. This is especially true when growing vegetable crops in film greenhouses. The friendly appearance of germs, plant leveling, high quality and homogeneity of fruits, genetic resistance to disease and pests - positive qualities of F1 hybrids due to their biological uniformity.
Unlike varieties, with hybrid plants, the seeds are not allowed to harvest. Remember: hybrids do not convey to the offspring of their properties. F1 hybrids seeds need to be reappeared every time.
Now that you know everything about choosing seeds, you can safely go to the store. Enjoy the shopping!
* Table of germination and shelf life of vegetable seeds
