cbss_ rice farmers guide

Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality

Community-Based Seed System

Amadou M. Bèye, Monty P. Jones and Brent M. Simpson

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About Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African research organization working to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities. It is one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). It is also an autonomous intergovernmental research association of African member countries.

The Center was created in 1971 by 11 African countries. Today its membership comprises 24 countries, covering West, Central, East and North African regions, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt ,Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Madagscar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Uganda.

AfricaRice’s temporary headquarters is based in Cotonou, Benin; research staff are also based in Senegal, Nigeria, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire.

For more information, please visit www.africaricecenter.org

Temporary Headquarters and Research Center

Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)

01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin

Tel.: (229) 21 35 01 88; Fax : (229) 21 35 05 56

E-mail: [email protected]

Nigeria Research Station c/o International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)Oyo Road, PMB 5320IbadanNigeria

Tel: (234-2) 241 2626Fax: (234-2) 241 2221

E-mail: [email protected]

Sahel Research Station

AfricaRice, B.P. 96, Saint-Louis, Senegal

Tel: (221) 962 6493 (221) 962 6441Fax: (221) 962 6491E-mail: [email protected]

Tanzania Research Station

c/o Mikocheni B/Kawe PO Box 33581Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tel: (255) 222 780 768 (255) 744 788 495Fax: (255) 222 780 768E-mail: [email protected]

Bouaké Research Station

01 BP 2551 Bouak 01,Côte d’Ivoire

Tel : (225) 31 63 25 78Fax : (225) 20 22 01 33E-mail : [email protected]

AbidMan /iaison 2f¿ce

01 BP 4029, Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire

Tel : (225) 20 22 01 10 (225) 20 21 28 79Fax : (225) 20 22 01 33E-mail : [email protected]

Amadou M. Bèye1, Monty P. Jones2 and Brent M. Simpson3

1Africa Rice Center, Cotonou, Benin2Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Accra, Ghana

3Michigan State University, USA

2011




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© Copyright Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) 2011

AfricaRice encourages fair use of this material. Proper citation is requested. The designations employed in the presentation of materials in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.

CitationBèye, A.M., M.P. Jones and B.M. Simpson, 2009. The Community-based seed system: Rice farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality. AfricaRice Training Course Collection. AfricaRice, Cotonou, Benin, xi + 69 p.

ISBN: .................. (print)

Cover picture: Women farmers showing various seeds

Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) BP 2031 Cotonou, BeninTel. +229 21.35.01.88 Fax +229 21.35.05.56 Email: [email protected] site: www.AfricaRice.org

Design: AfricaRice Layout: PAO Bougou, Bamako, Mali – [email protected]

Contents

Preface .................................................................................................................... v

Module I: Recognizing quality seed ..................................................................... 1What are the characteristics of good quality seed? ............................................. 3

Module II: Seed sources ........................................................................................ 5Where can we obtain quality seed? ..................................................................... 7

Module III: Community-Based Seed System ....................................................... 9What is the Community-Based Seed System? .................................................. 11What makes Community-Based Seed System important for you? .................... 12

Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed ................................................. 15How to produce acceptable quality seed ........................................................... 16

Seed harvesting ............................................................................................................16Harvesting with a knife ...........................................................................................16Harvesting with a sickle ..........................................................................................18

Seed drying ...................................................................................................................20Seed threshing ..............................................................................................................22Seed winnowing ............................................................................................................22Seed storage .................................................................................................................24

Storage in a granary ..............................................................................................24Storage in the kitchen.............................................................................................24Storing in sacks ......................................................................................................26

0RGXOH�9��&RQWURO�RI�¿HOG�DQG�VWRUDJH�SHVWV .................................................... 27The pests involved ............................................................................................. 29Making neem mash for the ¿eld ......................................................................... 29Making neem oil for seed storage ...................................................................... 34Pepper use ......................................................................................................... 34

Module VI: Seed quality control .......................................................................... 37Conducting a germination test ......................................................................................38Conducting a varietal purity test ....................................................................................40

Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 43

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The authors are grateful to the following persons who participated in the manual validation workshop from 27 to 31 March 2001:

N° Surname and names Institution and/or position Location

1. Coulibaly Bema Prefecture Bouaké 2. Nagumo Fujio World Food Program Abidjan 3. Oya Bou Alain ANADER Abidjan 4. Dr Lançon Frederic AfricaRice scientist Bouaké 5. Kouame Christophe CNRA scientist Bouaké 6. Dr N’Degbeu N’Dri ANADER regional delegate Bouaké 7. Dr Traore Amadou Representing MINAGRA regional Director Bouaké 8. Kouame N’Dri ANADER specialized technician Mankono 9. Kouakou Kouadio Leonard ANADER specialized technician Vavoua 10. Latah Sour ANADER specialized technician Divo 11. Tiapo Kouame Felix ANADER specialized technician Katiola 12. Kpangassa Yao ANADER specialized technician Man 13. Soro Klotioloma ANADER specialized technician Bondoukou 14. Kouakou Yao Marc ANADER specialized technician Beoumi 15. Yapi Martial ANADER specialized technician Korhogo 16. Sylla Youssouf ANADER specialized technician Seguela 17. Mme Gbo Dzamla Amin ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 18. Koulou Nazarette ANADER specialized technician Bouna 19. D.E. Kouassi ANADER specialized technician Sakassou 20. Dje Bi Dje Felix ANADER specialized technician Dabakala 21. Diarrassouba Karim ANADER specialized technician Tabou 22. Gaille Blaigouere ANADER zone leader Korhogo 23. Cisse Ibrahima ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 24. Diarrassouba Ousmane ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 25. Dr Kadisha Katlombo ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 26. Diaby Karamoko ANADER specialized technician Yamoussoukro 27. Mme Amangoua Therese ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 28. Kissy Kraidy Michel ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 29. Toure Aboukari Sekou ANADER specialized technician Bouaké 30. Kouame Kouame Joseph ANADER specialized technician Abengourou 31. Yapo Yapo Jean Paul ANADER trainer Grand Lahou 32. Kouassi N’Goran Zone Leader Man 33. Akpoue Yao MINAGRA Bouaké 34. Gabehonry Karidioula Research Assistant Man 35. Dr N’Guessan Placide CNRA scientist Man 36. Kouadio N’Guessan Farmer Beoumi 37. Kouakou Kouakou Kan Farmer Beoumi 38. Kouakou Kossonou Farmer Bondoukou 39. Mme Ouattara Manaman Farmer Bondoukou 40. Mme Dabire Ziem Monique Farmer Bouna 41. Kambou Loufate Pierre Farmer Bouna�� 0PH�.RI¿�$GMRXD�5RVDOLH�� )DUPHU�� %URER 43. Ouamien Konan Prosper Farmer Brobo 44. Coulibaly Siaka Farmer Dabakala 45. Ouattara Tiguesolo Farmer Dabakala 46. Berte Moussa Farmer Katiola 47. Traore Karim Farmer Katiola 48. Kouassi N. Valentin Farmer Sakassou 49. Kouame N. Raymond Farmer Sakassou 50. Yeo Zana Farmer Niofouin 51. Pregnon Gnaore OVDL NGO Chairman Bouaké 52. Pregnon Zokou OVDL NGO Secretary Bouaké53. Mme Abibatou Diallo OVDL NGO Project Coordinator Bouaké54. Kpla Kadio Georges IDC NGO Coorperative Leader Agou

Resource persons 1. Dr. Guei Robert INGER-Africa Coordinator, AfricaRice Bouaké 2. Dr. Goly Ankon ANADER Seed Service Head Abidjan 3. Konan Gnamien ANADER Training Unit Head Bouaké 4. Ipou Gbangbo National Rice Project Yamoussoukro 5. N’Zue Kouame LANADA Yamoussoukro

Drawings: Inkpe Perpetue

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Preface

Lack of quality seed constitutes one of the major constraints to improving rice production in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) deeply appreciates your expertise in rice seed production and seed conservation and your contributions to the preservation of traditional varieties. Through this guide, AfricaRice ZLVKHV�WR�ZRUN�ZLWK�\RX�WR�¿QG�VXVWDLQDEOH�VROXWLRQV�WR�WKH�SUREOHPV�RI�village community seed supply.

This practical guide i) provides information and training material; ii) explains in detail the characteristics of good seed and describes the various operations towards ensuring quality seed production; iii) aims to promote a better understanding of indigenous rice production and conservation techniques, strengthen traditional seed dissemination networks, and facilitate the establishment of small-scale seed enterprises in rural areas.

AfricaRice hopes that the guide will help you improve the quality of your seed to meet your own requirements and the needs of your local community.

Papa Abdoulaye SeckDirector General


Module IRecognizing quality seed


2


Module I: Recognizing quality seed

Seed diversity

3



Photographs 1 and 2: Damaged Seed

What are the characteristics of good quality seed?

Good quality seed must:

) have a good physical appearance ) have no signs of damage ) be free of infestation by insects ) be free from infection by diseases ) have a high level of varietal purity and ) germinate well.

Good quality seed must show a good homogeneity in:

) Shape ) Grain size ) Color ) Presence or absence of hair ) Presence or absence of awns ) etc.

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Photograph 3: Unhealthy Seed

Photo 4. Good quality seed

Damaged seed deteriorates quickly in storage. It can be a source of disease infection.

Module IISeed sources


6


Module II: Seed sources

2Q�IDUP�¿HOG�ZRUNVKRS��,QWURGXFWLRQ�E\�D�)DFLOLWDWRU

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Where can we obtain quality seed?

You can obtain quality seed from the extension services, non-governmental RUJDQL]DWLRQV��1*2V��FHUWL¿HG�VHHG�VHOOHUV��RU�DW�WKH�ZHHNO\�PDUNHWV�,I�\RX�QHHG�QHZ�YDULHWLHV��DVN�\RXU�H[WHQVLRQ�RU�TXDOLW\�FRQWURO�RI¿FHU��+H�VKH� ZLOO� KHOS� \RX� WR� ¿QG� VRPH� IURP� WKH� QHDUHVW� VRXUFH�� LQFOXGLQJ�research stations. He/she can, upon a request from many farmers, facilitate the implementation of participatory varietal selection trials or farmer-led demonstration tests to acquaint you with new varieties from which you can choose.

Photograph �: Where can we ¿nd good seed?

Local seed

Seed from research stations

Seed sold at the market

Seed from neighbors and

relatives

Seed from extension services

Certi¿ed seed

8



Quality output partly depends on the quality of the seed used. Therefore, always plant quality seed.

9


Module III: Community-Based Seed System

Module IIICommunity-Based Seed System

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Women play an important role in seed conservation and seed GLVVHPLQDWLRQ��7KXV��IRU�WKH�2XUH�.DED�YLOODJH�WUDGHU�LQ�*XLQHD��seed is an appreciable source of income.

11



What is the Community-Based Seed System?

The Community-Based Seed System was developed by adding value to farmers’ practices in seed production, seed conservation and seed diffusion. It helps you to obtain seed of acceptable quality.

Seed of acceptable quality can be produced by any farmer who wishes to do so. He/she must, however, take a number of practical precautions during the production and conservation of his/her seed to ensure:

) A germination rate above 80 per cent ) A varietal purity above 90 per cent.

7ZR�W\SHV�RI�WUDLQLQJ�VHVVLRQV�ZLOO�EH�KHOG�IRU�\RX�E\�¿HOG�WHFKQLFLDQV�

) 2Q�IDUP�¿HOG�ZRUNVKRSV� ) Evaluation and awareness raising workshops

2Q�IDUP�¿HOG�ZRUNVKRSV�HQFRXUDJH�WKH�VKDULQJ�RI�H[SHULHQFHV�EHWZHHQ�farmers and technicians on methods designed to improve seed quality. The aim of the evaluation and awareness raising workshops is to:

) Consolidate achievements in seed production, and ) 5DLVH�WKH�DZDUHQHVV�RI�IDUPHUV�RQ�RUJDQL]DWLRQDO�DVSHFWV��VSHFL¿FDOO\�

on the establishment of a village community level seed value chain, information dissemination on available stocks and on farmers’ needs, etc.

Recommendations have been made in this guide for markedly improving the quality of seed production and to ensure a good seed maintenance V\VWHP�IRU�VHYHUDO�\HDUV��6HHG�UHQHZDOV�DUH�FRQGXFWHG�HYHU\�IRXU��¿YH�years while germination and varietal purity tests are conducted every year.

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What makes Community-Based Seed System important for you?

The Community-Based Seed System helps you to:

) Have access early to new improved varieties ) Have access to quality seed in order to improve production and generate

more income ) Share good seed with your neighbors and thereby improve the quality

of seed used by the inhabitants of the village community ) 0DUNHGO\�UHGXFH�WKH�DPRXQW�VSHQW�WR�EX\�&HUWL¿HG�VHHG� ) 5HGXFH�WLPH�VSHQW�ORRNLQJ�IRU�&HUWL¿HG�VHHG� ) Make money by selling seed ) &ROODERUDWH�ZLWK�¿HOG�RI¿FHUV�WR�¿QG�DSSURSULDWH�VROXWLRQV�WR�WKH�VHHG�

problems in your locality.

You can produce quality seed through the Community-Based Seed System, and thereby become a commercial seed producer.

The Community-Based Seed System is like the system you are used to and does not need any additional resources.

13




for sustainable agriculture

To ascertain the quality of your seed, conduct germination tests

Before starting to harvest with a knife, select the best panicles and make up your own seed

Dry the seed very well in the sun. Separate each variety.

Carefully conserve the bundles

Harvest with a sickle: Select ¿eld portions with vigorous plants. Remove off-types and then harvest your seed before harvesting the rice meant for consumption.

Dry and then thresh the seed. Avoid the risks of mixing the varieties.

Use natural insecticides against pests

Quality seed is a guarantee for good crop production

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Module IVProducing acceptable quality

seed


16


Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed

Once you have obtained quality seed from seed producers or traders in your locality, conduct germination and varietal purity tests. If the results are acceptable, you can use the seed on your farm and follow your usual cropping practices. Do not forget to conduct the harvest and post-harvest operations very well. They are critical for ensuring good maintenance of \RXU�YDULHW\�IRU�DERXW�IRXU��¿YH�\HDUV�

How to produce acceptable quality seed

The key ideas mentioned below will help you to produce acceptable quality seed to meet your own needs and the needs of your village community.

Seed harvesting

Harvesting is an important stage in the quality seed production process. Whether it is conducted with a knife or a sickle, the following precautionary steps must be taken:

Harvesting with a knife

1) Identify the vigorous plants from which seed will be harvested

�� +DUYHVW�WKH�EHVW�SDQLFOHV�RI�HDFK�YDULHW\��WKDW�LV��WKH�PRVW�KHDYLO\�¿OOHG��mature and disease-free

3) Bundle up the panicles harvested

4) Set the bundles aside to be used as seed

�� +DUYHVW�WKH�UHVW�RI�WKH�¿HOG�IRU�FRQVXPSWLRQ

6) Take necessary precautionary steps to avoid mixing the bundles during transportation

7) Keep the seed and ordinary paddy separately.

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)RU�JRRG�VHHG

Select the heavily ¿lled, dense and sound panicles

Quality seed Dry in the open ¿eld

Beautiful rice ¿eld Select the best panicles

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Harvesting with a sickle

�� 9LVLW�WKH�¿HOG�VRPHWLPH�EHIRUH�KDUYHVW�

�� ,GHQWLI\�¿HOG�SRUWLRQV�ZKHUH�WKH�SODQWV�UHSUHVHQWLQJ�WKH�YDULHW\�DUH�WKH�PRVW�YLJRURXV�DQG�KHDYLO\�¿OOHG��UHVHUYH�WKHVH�SRUWLRQV�IRU�KDUYHVWLQJ�as seed.

�� 5HPRYH� IURP� WKHVH� SRUWLRQV� RI� WKH� ¿HOG�ZHHGV� DQG� RII�W\SH� SODQWV�(plants that do not look like your variety). This operation is called roguing.

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�� 7KHQ�KDUYHVW�WKH�UHVW�RI�WKH�¿HOG�IRU�FRQVXPSWLRQ�

6) Take necessary precautions to avoid admixtures when transporting the seed.

Off-type plants are known by:

�� 7KHLU� KHLJKW�� 5HPRYH� SODQWV� ZKLFK� DUH� WDOOHU� RU� VKRUWHU� WKDQ� \RXU�variety

�� 7KHLU�HDUOLQHVV��5HPRYH�SODQWV� WKDW�PDWXUH�HDUOLHU�RU� ODWHU� WKDQ�\RXU�variety

�� *UDLQ�FRORU��5HPRYH�SODQWV�ZLWK�JUDLQ�FRORU�GLIIHUHQW�IURP�WKDW�RI�\RXU�variety

�� *UDLQ�VKDSH��5HPRYH�SODQWV�ZLWK�JUDLQ�VKDSHV�WKDW�ORRN�GLIIHUHQW�IURP�that of your variety

�� /HDI�VKDSH��5HPRYH�SODQWV�ZLWK�OHDI�VKDSHV�WKDW�DUH�GLIIHUHQW�IURP�WKDW�of your variety

�� +DLU� SUHVHQFH�� 5HPRYH� IRUHLJQ� SODQWV� DFFRUGLQJ� WR� WKH� SUHVHQFH� RU�absence of hairs in conformity with your variety

�� $ZQ� SUHVHQFH�� 5HPRYH� IRUHLJQ� SODQWV� DFFRUGLQJ� WR� WKH� SUHVHQFH� RU�absence of awns on grains in conformity with your variety.

19



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Field with off-type plants Quality seed

Remove off-type plants Harvest with a sickle

Beautiful plot, after roguing

Remove off-type plants before harvesting with a sickle

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Seed drying

Good drying ensures good seed storage. Well dried seeds suffer less physiological deterioration as well as low insect infestation and disease infection in storage.

To properly dry your seed:

�� 6SUHDG� HDFK�YDULHW\� VHSDUDWHO\�RQ� D� FDQYDV�� D� SODWIRUP�� WDUSDXOLQ�RU�cloth in the open air. This operation must be repeated each day for about a week

�� 7XUQ�WKH�VHHG�RYHU�IURP�WLPH�WR�WLPH�WR�HQVXUH�JRRG�SHQHWUDWLRQ�E\�WKH�sun’s rays. However avoid drying the seed directly under the scorching sun, whose heat may damage the seed

�� ([FHVVLYH� GU\LQJ� FDQ� UHGXFH� WKH� JHUPLQDWLRQ� UDWH� RI� WKH� VHHG�� EXW�inadequate drying can cause dampness and moldiness.

�� ,Q�WKH�IRUHVW�]RQH��LW�LV�RIWHQ�GLI¿FXOW�WR�DGHTXDWHO\�GU\�VHHG�EHFDXVH�RI�high cloud overcast and high relative humidity. It is advisable in this case to spread the seed in the kitchen or in a well ventilated room to reduce the seed moisture content. The seed can then be kept well above WKH�¿UH�DW�ORZ�KHDW��7KHUH�LV�QR�QHHG�WR�KDVWHQ�WKH�GU\LQJ�SURFHVV�

�� 8VLQJ�D�FRPEXVWLEOH�GU\HU�FDQ�EH�LGHDO�IRU�ELJ�VHHG�SURGXFHUV�LQ�WKH�forest zones.

Good drying facilitates seed longevity and protects seed against diseases and insects.

21



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Dry harvested seed well

Good density from good seed

Drying Àoor

Turn the seed over several times Quality seed

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Seed threshing

Threshing is a delicate operation. It involves the application of external force on rice panicles to dislodge the grains. When this is badly done the seed can be damaged.

The risk of seed admixture is high during threshing. This is the reason for recommending the following steps:

�� 3UHSDUH�D�WKUHVKLQJ�ÀRRU�DQG�FRYHU�LW�ZLWK�D�FOD\�EHGGLQJ�RU�WDUSDXOLQ�

�� &OHDQ� WKH� WKUHVKLQJ� ÀRRU� DIWHU� WKUHVKLQJ� HDFK� YDULHW\� WR� DYRLG�impurities.

�� 7KUHVK�HDFK�YDULHW\�VHSDUDWHO\�RQ�WKH�WKUHVKLQJ�ÀRRU�

�� 3URFHHG�ZLWK�ZLQQRZLQJ�LPPHGLDWHO\�DIWHU�WKUHVKLQJ�HDFK�YDULHW\�

Seed winnowing

Just like drying and threshing, winnowing is an important operation for ensuring good quality of seed with regard to purity. It involves removing impurities such as straw, plant debris, weed seeds, insects, stones and immature grains from your variety.

To ensure good winnowing, the farmer must:

�� &OHDQ�WKH�ZLQQRZLQJ�ÀRRU�ZHOO��+H�RU�VKH�FDQ�DOVR�XVH�D�SODVWLF�VKHHW��tarpaulin or cloth

�� :LQQRZ�WKH�YDULHWLHV�VHSDUDWHO\�DQG�SUHIHUDEO\�DW�GLIIHUHQW�SODFHV

�� *DWKHU�VHHG�FRQWDLQHUV�RI�WKH�VDPH�YDULHW\�LQ�WKH�VDPH�ORFDWLRQ

�� .HHS�HDFK�YDULHW\�VHSDUDWHO\�

NB: If winnowing is done with a machine, the farmer must check to ensure that the thresher-cleaner is cleaned well after each operation to avoid mixing varieties.

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)RU�JRRG�VHHG

Thresh the varieties separately

Threshing

Beautiful ¿eld from a good seed

Winnowing Quality seed

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Seed storage

Conservation is a long and critical phase in seed management. Depending on the methods used, the seed can remain healthy and viable over a long SHULRG�RU�FDQ�GHWHULRUDWH�IDVW��,PSURYHG�YDULHWLHV�DUH�PRUH�GLI¿FXOW�WR�VWRUH�than traditional varieties because of their low dormancy.

The usual storage methods used by farmers are well adapted to their resources. However, practical precautionary measures are necessary to ensure good seed quality.

Storage in a granary

�� )LUVW�¿[�WKH�ZDOOV��ÀRRU�DQG�URRI�E\�FORVLQJ�DOO�FUDFNV�DQG�KROHV

2) Clean the granary well

3) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it in the granary

4) Avoid the mixing of varieties

5) Open the granary from time to time to ensure good ventilation.

NB: If necessary, use insecticides to control storage pests. Natural insecticides can be prepared for that purpose from local and natural sources.

Storage in the kitchen

1) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it

�� &OHDQ�WKH�VWRUDJH�SODFH�DERYH�WKH�¿UH

3) Spread out the bundles per variety.

4) Maintain low heat under the seed, as high temperatures can damage the seed. If the seed becomes infested by insects, burn green wood or pepper leaves to ward off the insects.

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Conserve your seed wellUse natural insecticides

Good seed from good storage

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Storing in sacks

1) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it

2) Check whether the bags are well cleaned

3) Treat the seed with a natural or synthetic insecticide

4) Store the seed in sacks

5) Lay the sacks on pieces of wood or palettes to ensure good ventilation and avoid dampness.

$YRLG�SLFNLQJ�WKH�SDQLFOHV�WKDW�IDOO�WR�WKH�ÀRRU�DQG�SXWWLQJ�WKHP�EDFN�LQWR�the granary. This is particularly not recommended when many varieties are kept in the same place.

Module VControl of ¿eld and storage

pests


28


0RGXOH�9��&RQWURO�RI�¿HOG�DQG�VWRUDJH�SHVWV

Neem tree

29



There are many natural and synthetic insecticide products but the control methods proposed in this guide mainly involve the use of natural products. 7KH\�DUH�HI¿FLHQW�DJDLQVW�¿HOG�DQG�VWRUDJH� LQVHFWV��7KH\� LQFOXGH�QHHP��pepper, mint, smoke, clay, ash, quicklime, etc. Storage in drums and bottles is commonly used. Diseases can be controlled using resistant varieties and adequate drying.

The pests involved

The most common insect pests of rice are the African rice gall midge, rice stem borer, striped stem borer, pink stem borer, army worm, rice beetle, VWDON�H\HG�À\��JUDVVKRSSHUV��WHUPLWHV��HWF�

Making neem mash for the ¿eld

1) Pick ripe neem fruits

2) Clean the fruits with water. Rub them well to remove their yellow coat DQG�ÀHVK�

3) Dry the grains in the sun for about one to two days.

4) Crush the grains in a mortar to recover the pulp.

�� 3RXQG�DERXW�¿YH�KDQGIXOV�RI�WKH�SXOS�PL[HG�ZLWK�RUGLQDU\�VRDS�

6) Pour the powder in a bucket containing 10 liters of water. Mix well and then leave for a whole night.

7) Filter the mash with a cloth material to avoid clogging the sprayer. However, if the mash is to be applied with a broom, you do not need to ¿OWHU�WKH�PL[WXUH�

8) Spray the plants with the mash.

NB: Neem products do not kill the insects, but prevent them from damaging the plants. The treatment is conducted once a week.

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Main ¿eld pests

Termites (workers and soldiers)

Stalk-eyed Ày

Grasshopper

Sucking bugs Mole cricket Rice case worm(lowlands)

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Main ¿eld pests

Striped stem borer Pink stem borer

Army worm African rice gall midge (lowlands)

White stem borer Rice beetle

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Neem mash preparation and use

1. Pick ripe grains 2. Store the grains

3. Rinse the grains well

5. Dry the grains in the sun

4. Spread the grains on the Àoor

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Neem mash preparation and use

6. Crush the grains in a mortar and then sort out the pulps

7. Prepare neem powder and add soap

8. Mix the mash well and leave it to rest the whole night

9. Apply with a broom. If applying with a sprayer,

¿lter the mash

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Making neem oil for seed storage

1) Pick ripe neem fruits.

2) Clean the fruits with water. Rub them well to remove their yellow coat DQG�ÀHVK�

3) Dry the grains well in the sun for about one week.

4) Crush the grains in a mortar to recover the kernel.

5) Pound about 30 handfuls of kernel and then recover the powder.

6) Press the powder in a bucket to obtain the oil.

7) Treat the seed to be stored with the oil. On the average, one kilogram of powder can produce enough oil to treat two bags (50 kg) of seed.

NB: Treatment is conducted once every two months. Dry neem leaves mixed with the seed in bags can also be used.

Pepper use

1) Pick fresh ripe pepper.

2) Leave the pepper to dry in the sun for about one week.

3) Pound the pepper in a mortar. Collect the powder.

4) Mix the powder with soap water.

5) Leave the mixture to rest for a whole night.

6) Shake the mixture in the morning of the following day and then treat the seed with it. On the average, three to four spoonfuls of pepper mixed with one liter of soap water is enough to treat one bag (50 kg) of seed.

NB: Treatment is conducted once every two months.

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Main storage insect pests

Grain moth

Red beetle Weevil

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Module VISeed quality control


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Module VI: Seed quality control

Conducting a germination test

Before seeding, it is critical to check whether the seed can germinate well or not. You should therefore conduct a germination test.

1) Obtain a plate to conduct the experiment.

2) Lay on the plate a wet cloth material.

3) Collect 100 seeds and lay them on the cloth material.

4) Cover the seed by joining up the four corners of the cloth material.

5) Keep the plate in a safe and shaded area.

6) Add water each time it becomes necessary.

By the end of one week, open the cloth material and count the number of seeds that have germinated.

NB: For the reliability of the results, replicate the test three times.

If more than 80 seeds germinate, the seed is good and can be seeded at the recommended planting rate.

If less than 80 seeds germinate, the quantity of seed to be used per KHFWDUH�PXVW�EH� DGMXVWHG�XSZDUGV��7KH�¿HOG�RI¿FHU� FDQ�KHOS�\RX� WR�correct the planting rate per hectare or if necessary recommend seed renewal.

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Conduct a germination test

1. Plate

2. Lay a wet cloth material on the plate

3. Put 100 grains on the cloth material

6. If less than 80 grains have germinated, increase seed

quantity

6. If more than 80 grains have

germinated, the seed is good

4. Cover the plate

5. Check germination rate at the end of one week

To check seed germination quality

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Conducting a varietal purity test

1. Set up one kilogram of randomly collected seed sample.

2. Sort out the sample by separating it into two groups:

�� The pure seed group. This seed must fully look like the standard checks given to the seed producers’ organizations;

�� The other group (inert matter, broken seeds less than half original size, stones, dead insects, broken sticks, etc.)

3. Ascertain the weight of each group.

4. If the weight of the pure seed is nine times higher than the weight of the other matters, the seed is considered as good. If this is not the case, the farmer must consider removing the other materials or renewing his/her seed.

The purity test must be replicated three times with different samples for the reliability of the results.

Standards of 50 g each are given to seed producers’ organizations. They are used as standard checks in case of any doubt about the variety.

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Varietal purity test

Randomly select one kilogram of seed sample

Separate seed and impurities. Weigh each group and then ascertain the purity rate of your variety

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Seed from good monitoring

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Conclusions

The main information in the practical guide is basically derived from farmers’ expertise and practices. It has been slightly improved by a number of farmers, who have become seed producers.

<RXU�¿HOG�RI¿FHU�ZLOO�EH�SOHDVHG�WR�VXSSRUW�\RX�DW�FULWLFDO�PRPHQWV�ZKHQ�seed is subjected to biological deterioration risks (low germination rate, disease attacks) or physical risks (seed mixture during harvest, drying, threshing, winnowing and conservation operations).

Farmers’ organizations, cooperatives and unions can be of great support in selling your seed in the neighboring village communities or on the national markets.

About the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for sustainable development with the funders of this work. The funders include developing and industrialized country governments, foundations, and international and regional organizations. The work they support is carried out by 15 members of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers, in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.

CGIAR Centers

AfricaRice Africa Rice Center (Cotonou, Benin)

Bioversity International Bioversity International (Rome, Italy)

CIAT Centro Internaçional de Agricultura Tropical (Cali, Colombia)

CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research (Bogor, Indonesia)

CIMMYT Centro Internaçional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (Mexico, DF, Mexico)

CIP Centro Internaçional de la Papa (Lima, Peru)

ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Aleppo, Syria)

ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Patancheru, India)

IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute (Washington, DC, USA)

IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (Ibadan, Nigeria)

ILRI International Livestock Research Institute (Nairobi, Kenya)

IRRI International Rice Research Institute (Los Baños, Philippines)

IWMI International Water Management Institute (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

World Agroforestry World Agroforestry Centre (Nairobi, Kenya)

WorldFish WorldFish Center (Penang, Malaysia)

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01 B.P. 2031, Cotonou, Benin

www.AfricaRice.org

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