Difficulties in conduction of purity analyses of tropical species are discussed with particular emphasis on the pasture species. Methods and equipment requiring further research are highlighted. Operating and management problems of processing -seed in tropical areas are described. Ways in which viability losses can be reduced in open or naturally ventilated seed stores are described. Methods of protecting seed from insect attack and testing seeds of tropical crops for many seed-borne diseases are discussed. Marketing and promotion requirements, methods, agencies and channels are diagrammed. Two alternatives are described for established a seed testing station in tropical areas: Seed - lab 2000, that can test 2000 samples/ year and Seed - lab 5000 that can test 5000 samples/year. A list of books and journals for a basic seed testing library is appended.

Seed quality. The seed industry. Development, ripening, dormancy and germination. Climatic and other requirements for seed multiplication. Pollination. Agronomy. Harvesting and drying. Storage. Processing. Multiplication. Testing for cultivar authenticity and purity. Certification. Release and registration of cultivars. Tolerances and sampling. Testing for purity. Testing for germination capacity and vigour. Testing for moisture content, health and uniformity. Legislation. Plant names.

Published in association with the International Herbage Seed Production Research Group, this volume and its companion provide the definitive resource for anyone involved in the breeding and commercial production of grass and legume seeds, whether for grazing systems, horticulture or recreation.

The book deals with all practical issues in connection with practical tree seed procurement and supply in tropical countries, with necessary background information and documentation of applied methods. It starts with seed collection and follows the processes of the standard fates of seeds. The text covers simple hands-on methods and more advanced methods. A synthesis and discussion of recent findings in seed research is given.