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A Simplified Technical Guide for Seed Certification Procedures for Some Crops of
Commercial Importance in Zimbabwe

Article · November 2013

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 Advanced Journal of Agricultural Research
Vol. 1(006), pp. 095-104, October, 2013
©2013 Advanced Journals
http://www.advancedjournals.org/AJAR

Full Length Research Paper

A Simplified Technical Guide for Seed Certification Procedures for

Some Crops of Commercial Importance in Zimbabwe
P. Dube* and C. Mujaju

Seed Services Institute, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanization and
Irrigation Development, Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Submitted 21st August, 2013; Revised 16th October, 2013 ; Accepted 23rd October , 2013.

This is a simplified guide intended to cover all the seed certification processes of eight crops that are of commercial
importance in accordance with the Zimbabwean Seed Certification System. The Certification process outlined is
critical for eight mandatory crops namely: maize (Zea mays), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), wheat (Triticum
aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), soyabean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), potatoes (Solanum
tuberosum) and oats (Avena sativa); whose seed cannot be sold as standard grade. Standard grade seed is that seed
which has not gone through a full certification process except that its germination and physical purity has been
ascertained. Smallholder and commercial farmers who are in seed production will find this outline useful as the
information is simplified so that new and old farmers already in seed production will use it to their benefit. Every
certification stage is explained and discussed so that the new or the already seasoned seed growers will easily
understand the entire seed certification process. Furthermore, this will act as an awareness tool to farmers all
around the country ushered under the Zimbabwean Agrarian Land Redistribution Programme to develop a vested
interest in seed business.

Key words: Seed certification, field inspection, seed testing, registration, recognition, release.

INTRODUCTION

Seed is a key input for improving agricultural in terms of some of the following characteristics: seed
productivity and ensuring food security. Seed security is vigour, free from noxious weed seeds and seed-borne
a precursor to food security because availability of high diseases and should be of proper age (Dube and Mujaju,
quality seed sets the limits to crop production and 2013).
productivity. Providing farmers with quality seed The Zimbabwean Seed Certification process is
remains critical to ensure national food security in the underpinned by the national seed legislation, which
country (Dube and Mujaju, 2013). The ultimate quality of dates as far back as 1965, inaugurated to protect
the seed is a determinant of the seed certification farmers by promoting the production and use of high
process, how it is interpreted and implemented, in line quality seed (Kadzere and Karadzandima, 2007). Seed
with national legislation(s). Seed quality can be defined certification is an administrative and technical process
096 Adv. J. Agric. Res.

for controlling seed multiplication, in which recognized MATERIALS AND METHOD

crop varieties are registered for seed production,
inspected in the field and final product tested for A desk study approach was generally used. Regular
minimum purity and germination standards before sale institutional documents, including the Seed Act [Chapter
(Kadzere and Karadzandima, 2007). 19:13], Seed Certification (Scheme) Notice 2000 and its
The purpose of seed certification is to maintain and enabling Seed Regulations of 1971 were used to draw up
make available to the public, through certification, high a simplified outline of Seed Certification that can be
quality seeds and propagating materials of notified kind easily understood by the various players in seed
and varieties so grown and distributed so as to ensure industry. Additional information was obtained from
genetic identity and genetic purity. Furthermore, seed published papers both from internet (websites) and hard
certification is also designed to achieve prescribed copies.
standards.
In Zimbabwe, Seed Certification is administered by
Seed Services Institute under the Seeds Act [Chapter RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
19:13] of 1971 and its enabling Regulations {i.e. Seed
Regulations, 1971 and Seeds Certification Scheme Results were documented following the seed
Notice, 2000}. Seed Services is an arm of the government certification process as administered in Zimbabwe. This
within the Research Services Division of the Department is primarily useful in promoting the production of high
of Research and Specialist Services in the Ministry of quality certified seed in Zimbabwe, which subsequently
Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation development. translates to seed and food security. Notably, the
It is designated the Official Certifying Authority in terms production of certified and registered seed ensures that
of the Seeds Act, 1971. commercial grain and forage crop producers have an
For the past decades, the Government of Zimbabwe adequate supply of high quality, clean seed stocks (Erker
has been faced with seed shortages and this triggered and Brick, 2006). The use of certified seeds of improved
tremendous initiatives through various government varieties is one of the basic factors towards increasing
input schemes and non-governmental organization productivity and quality in crop production,
programmes to improve seed and food security in the consequently raising the income of the farmer
country. To complement these efforts, a seed (Sofijanova et al., 2012). Sofijanova et al. (2012) noted
certification guide becomes extremely valuable for the average yield productivity in the certified wheat variety
seed industry stakeholders to be fully conversant with of 22.5% higher than production with uncertified seeds.
requirements of the seed certification under the Similar observation was made by Aspelin (1960), on
Zimbabwean Seeds Certification Scheme Notice, 2000. alfalfa seed, noting that growers can expect greater net
This study is therefore aimed at providing a simplified returns from certified than uncertified solid stands.
seed certification guideline for some mandatory crops, Blount et al. (2012) also confirmed that certified seed
i.e., maize (Zea mays), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), provides assurance that the seed one purchases has
wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), been inspected and is the variety wanted. It thus
soyabean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), provides peace of mind, not only for the buyer, but also
potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and oats (Avena sativa). for the seed supplier who markets good quality seed.
These crops are considered mandatory in the Furthermore, it provides for a better control system for
Zimbabwean scenario as no other class of seed of these follow up on complaints. Given the importance of seed
crops can be sold as standard grade and without the certification, farmers and other seed stakeholders will
approval of Seed Services Institute, which is the highly benefit from the stepwise approach explained
Certifying Authority. The seed certification guideline will below.
further provide most of the Zimbabwean newly resettled
farmers with user friendly information to allow them to
venture into seed production and marketing. It also Administration of seed certification
intends to improve the understanding of the production
of high quality seed by the seed growers and other The certification of seed is undertaken under a legal
stakeholders in seed industry. scheme, underwritten by the Seeds Act [Chapter 19:13],
 Dube and Mujaju 097

in which Seed Service Institute was designated the Seed International Certificate, seal and label (for export
Certifying Authority by the Minister of Agriculture, market), a local certificate and label (for local market)
Mechanization and Irrigation development responsible which implies that the quality of the seed and the seed
for the administration and monitoring of this Scheme. class has been verified by the certification authority or
Administering of the Seed Certification Scheme is authorized agency and it can be traced back to the
accompanied by record keeping of information on producer through the information provided on the label.
actions that take place throughout the entire production
chain, wherever seed for certification is handled.
Authorized agencies

Objectives of seed certification Under the Zimbabwean law, all issues regarding seed are
handled by the designated Certifying Authority (Seed
The basic objective of seed certification is to maintain Services Institute) and any other Certifying Agency (CA)
genetic purity and identity of certified seed sold through accredited to Seed Services Institute. A Certifying Agency
generation control, inspection and labeling. It is is equivalent to a registered seed company, and its
accomplished by enforcing strict field requirements, involvement in the certification process enhances and
putting more emphasis on genetic quality during field broadens the coverage and the efficient delivery of
inspections that is, varieties true-to-type. Besides, field services closer to the many seed growers that are
inspection of the growing seed crop, sampling seed, located throughout the country. At the end of a
laboratory seed analysis for germination and physical certification process, a Certifying Agency is required to
purity and proper labelling of seed produced by careful, submit copies of the certification reports to the
conscientious growers are other major requirements for Certifying Authority for monitoring and control
certification. For certified seed, minimum requirements purposes. A seed grower operates under the Certifying
of physical purity and the restriction on the presence of Agency and is defined a registered
other seeds including weed seeds are more stringent farmer/person/organization who grows or distributes
than for non-certified seed. Besides, there is a minimum certified seed in accordance with the procedures and
germination for each kind of seed, which if not met it standards of the certification.
means that seed is not eligible for the market and
certification will automatically lapse. Seed certification
also provides for certifying disease-free status of certain Stages for seed certification
crops, i.e., soyabean crop or seed lot should be free from
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, whereas with There are five stages of the certification process namely;
other crops like maize, the degree of infestations might recognition and release of varieties, registration of seed
result in the rejection of the whole seed crop or lot. crops and growers, inspection of seed crops, seed testing
Plants are inspected during active growth for the visual and monitoring of seed marketing processes. Seed
freedom from specific diseases. Services administers all these processes.
Seed certified is classified in three seed classes namely
basic seed or breeder’s seed, foundation seed and Recognition and release of varieties
certified seed. Each class of seed must conform to the
appropriate conditions laid down in the Seeds Act This involves the development of a new variety by a
[Chapter 19:13] and the fulfillment of these conditions breeder. Seed Services evaluates the new variety to
must be confirmed by an official examination (that is, verify the laid down characteristics by the breeder and
fulfilling the seed certification requirements). The main determines if the variety differs from existing varieties.
aim of certifying seed is to conduct genetic verification National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) assesses
of existing varieties, as well as new varieties to make data on performance of the variety proposed for release,
sure they reflect the same condition as was developed its value for cultivation and use, and basing on the
and described by the breeder. Furthermore, the quality assessment, the committee approves/ rejects release of
of that seed is supported by a process designed for new variety. The committee is chosen by the Minister of
quality assurance. The seed receives an Orange Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development
098 Adv. J. Agric. Res.

and it consists members drawn from public and private the seed grower to notify the seed certification inspector
agricultural research organisations, university when the registered seed crop is ready for inspection.
representatives, farmers’ unions and organizations, and Basically, the inspection should be done at stages of
other stakeholders representing beneficiaries along the development and where the following aspects must be
seed/food value chain. The committee sits prior to observed: Pre-flower – visual deviations from plant
winter and summer seasons guided by the number of description, Full flower – flower colour, fertility /
varieties to be released. On average the NVRC sits at sterility, Full seed – form of ear, pollination, seed colour
least twice per year for both winter and summer crops. and pre-harvest – Sclerotinia, inspection of ear, verifying
Upon approval of any variety for release, the approved the removal of the off-types in case of soyabean, wheat
variety is then added onto the national catalogue, and barley. The seed certification inspector should
referred to as the Second Schedule. This catalogue is ensure that the crop is managed in such a way as to give
then made available to all stakeholders so that they can good yields of healthy and high germinating seed. The
make informed choices on seeds of preferred variety or seed certification inspector must ensure that seed
varieties for planting. growers focus on being timely in the field to carry out
actions such as fertilization, detaselling, weed control
Registration of seed crops and seed growers and harvesting. The inspector should be able to identify
seed units which are severely lodged, badly infested with
Registration of all the seed crops and seed growers with weeds, stunted or poorly grown because of disease,
the Certifying Authority is done before the onset of pests or other causes and advise the seed grower on
summer and winter seasons. Registration entails corrective measures.
providing information on size of land under seed crop,
kind of seed crop, name of farmer and contact details Land requirements: The land intended for seed
and the details of the certifying agency under which a production should have a minimum interval of one
seed grower is contracted. Only recognized varieties can harvest season between the seed crop and any previous
be produced by seed growers under an authorized crop of the same species unless the previous seed crop
agency, commonly referred as certifying agency or seed was a crop of the same kind and variety and had been
house or seed company. certified as a foundation seed crop or had obtained
permission from the certifying authority for a lesser
Inspection of seed crops interval.
The land intended for seed production should be free
The field inspection of growing seed crops is the third from certain diseases. For example in soyabean seed
procedure required by the Seeds Act [Chapter 19:13]. production, the land should be free from Sclerotinia
The most important functions are to check that the seed sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, unless a minimum of four
crop shows the characteristics of the variety which it years has elapsed since the last observed infestation,
claims to be (varietal identity) and to ensure there are during which period any crop known to be susceptible to
no circumstances which might prejudice the quality of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary should have not
the seed to be harvested. The function of the inspector being planted on the land (Seeds Certification Scheme
is to regularly report the state of the crop at the time of Notice, 2000).
inspection. A written field inspection report is issued
after each inspection. Inspection in the field is done by Isolation: The seed crop should be sufficiently isolated
authorized seed inspectors from seed companies or Seed from other crops to reduce the risk of contamination
Services Institute. with undesirable pollen. In addition, the crop should be
physically isolated to prevent mechanical admixture at
Times and conditions for inspection harvest. The isolation requirements for any field used for
production of certified seed are indicated/outlined
The Seeds Certification Scheme Notice, (2000) prescribes below (Table 1).
that the inspection can be conducted at any time that
the seed certification inspector considers to be Elimination of off-types: Rouging of off-types should be
necessary or desirable. Besides, it is the responsibility of done continuously from planting to harvesting. This
 Dube and Mujaju 099

Table 1. Isolation distance requirements for the production of certified seed according
to the Zimbabwean field standards.

Crop Minimum distance from any certified or uncertified

crop of the same variety or any other variety of the same kind (m)
Soyabean 100
Maize 240
Barley 3
Oats 3
Wheat 3
Potato 100
Cotton 100
Tobacco 400
Source: The Seeds (Certification Scheme) Notice, 2000.

reduces risks of contamination from volunteer plants of showing obvious signs and symptoms of virus during the
the same or closely related species or similar crop time of inspections should be removed and destroyed
groups. immediately (Seeds Certification Scheme Notice, 2000).

Elimination of weeds: Weeds compete for nutrients, Refusal to certify crop: The seed certification inspector
sunlight, space and water with seed crops. Besides, they may refuse to certify any crop which has been registered
also harbour pests and diseases that can subsequently if the seed grower refuses or fails to comply with laid
reduce the quality of the seed. Besides, the weed seed down standards in the Seeds Certification Scheme
can be harvested with the crop and can contaminate the Notice, (2000) in the appropriate schedule for seed of
seed after harvesting. Hence, crops containing an the kind and variety. Some of the most common
excessive number of weeds shall be rejected. Some requirements are highlighted earlier on conditions
other weeds for example Upright star bur checked during inspections. Equally of importance, is the
(Acanthospermum spp.) are noxious and only one seed maintenance of proper varietal purity, good crop
of this weed type result in the whole seed lot management to reduce incidences of poor fertilization
condemned. Hence, it is of paramount important for the and high weed infestation that may prevent the seed
seed grower to maintain his crop weed free (Seeds certification inspector to conduct proper inspection of
Certification Scheme Notice, 2000). the seed crop (Seeds Certification Scheme Notice, 2000).

Pests and diseases incidences: If the seed crop is so Seed harvesting: The field must be finally inspected for
severely infected with the disease or pests or otherwise any deviating seed heads or diseased plants before the
damaged as to prejudice the production of seed, the female parent plants can be harvested or before the
seed certification inspector may reject the crop for entire crop is harvested. No undesirable weeds may be
certification purposes. For instance, seed borne pests present. The private or public inspector must be advised
and diseases should be highly minimized as they can be of the planned harvesting action at least 72 hours before
transmitted to related crops. the time. The crop should be dried to achieve the correct
In the case of certain crops, the permissible number of moisture content ideal to reduce seed damage during
disease infected plants is prescribed and a unit that the harvesting process. The seed grower should take
displays infection by the relevant diseases must, as such, note that different crops have recommended specific
be inspected. To some, the crop must also be checked requirements and as such should consult the seed
for Collectotrichum tabacum Boning infection, as the inspectors for advice regularly.
presence of such disease in a tobacco seed crop is When seed is harvested by means of a combine
restricted under the physical requirements. A plant harvester, the first 400 kg so harvested should be
100 Adv. J. Agric. Res.

Plant rows
Route of inspector
Field boundary

Figure 1. Cutting across the whole field examining a reasonable number of plants.

discarded to reduce contamination from previous crop developed to minimize the risk by assessing the quality
harvest. Besides, all seed must be harvested under of seed before it is sown. The ultimate objective of
supervision of the production official of the company as conducting a test is to determine the value of seed for
well as the seed grower or his fulltime representative. planting (Seeds Certification Scheme Notice, 2000).
Each bag of seed must be provided with a label Seed Services only accepts seed testing reports from
containing the prescribed information, and must be laboratories that are registered and accredited to it as
attached according to the prescriptions of the seed seed testing laboratories. Seed Services Institute
company. The seed is then delivered for further harbours an Official Seed Testing Laboratory accredited
processing at the different seed warehouses. to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA,
2011), which conducts referee checks regularly on the
registered company laboratories. The Official Seed
Methods for conducting field crop inspection
Testing Laboratory is also mandated to train the seed
There are different techniques of conducting field crop analysts from the accredited laboratories.
inspections but whatever the case maybe it should be in Quality seed ensures a uniform crop establishment
such a way that it gives a good picture to guarantee that with uniformly vigorous growing plants. Some of the
sufficient plants were examined. Usually, this is done by characteristics that a quality seed should possess
walking into the seed crop and examining a reasonable include: high or rapid germination to give rise to strong
number of plants depending on the complexity of the and vigorous seedling under a favourable conditions,
distinguishing characteristics and the uniformity of the good yield potential, evenness in growth pattern and
variety. The different methods that can be engaged maturity, free from seed-borne diseases, clean and free
when carrying out a field inspection include walking from inert matter, noxious weed seeds (for instance wild
zigzag, cutting across the whole field among others as oats), be intact (i.e. not broken/ crushed, peeled off,
suggested below (Figures 1 – 4, Source: Chikwati, 1994). rotten) and of proper age containing a required amount
of moisture (Dube and Mujaju, 2013).
Seed testing
Stages of seed testing
One of the greatest hazards in agriculture is sowing seed
that does not have the capacity to produce an abundant Lot sampling sealing (for Orange International
crop of the required cultivar. Seed testing has been Certificates): This involves drawing a representative
 Dube and Mujaju 101

Plant rows
Route of inspector
Field boundary

Figure 2. Cutting across up to the middle of the field and going back in another direction examining
a reasonable number of plants.

Plant rows
Route of inspector
Field boundary

Figure 3. Walking in a zigzag pattern examining a reasonable number of plants.

sample from a seed lot (for instance a maize seed lot probe/ hand depending on the type of crop, that is, hand
should not exceed 40 000kg) by an authorized seed sampling is used for chuffy crops like grass seed or
sampler or analyst. Bags from which seed samples are soyabeans whereas probing is done on crops that can
taken should be clearly marked and properly stacked to flow easily (e.g maize). The seed sampler should be fully
allow effective and sufficient sampling by the seed conversant with sampling intensity (Table 2). Containers
sampler. The seed sampler samples the seed using a or bags with seed samples should be tightly closed to
102 Adv. J. Agric. Res.

Plant rows
Route of inspector
Field boundary

Figure 4. Clockwise travel pattern examining a reasonable number of plants.

Table 2. Sampling intensity.

Number of containers Number of primary samples drawn

1-4 3 primary samples from each container
5-8 2 primary samples from each container
9-15 1 primary samples from each container
16-30 15 primary samples from the seed lot
31-59 20 primary samples from the seed lot
60 or more 30 primary samples from the seed lot
Source: International Rules for Seed Testing, 2011.

reduce incidences of contamination during wrongly, subsequent results will be inaccurate. The
transportation and storage. sample is subdivided to obtain a working sample, which
is weighed and recorded for use in purity analysis.
Sample entry registration: The seed analyst checks
whether payment was done before the sample is Purity analysis: This is conducted on the working
entered into the sample register. The sample is given an sample, the seed analyst removes all different
anonymous number after verification is done. Samples components of the working sample (that is, pure seed,
are entered into the register on first-come first-served inert matter, weeds, stalk, stone, sand, Sclerotinia
basis. In the case of urgent seed testing request, sclerotiorum). All the different components are weighed
approval is only granted from the laboratory supervisor separately and thereafter, the percentages are
or the Head of Seed Services. In this case the client is calculated and results presented on a certificate.
required to pay double the normal price for the services
to be delivered. Germination test: This is conducted after purity analysis.
Different suitable media and substrate for planting are
Sub-sampling: This is a critical step because if done used. The seeds are counted for each replicate.
 Dube and Mujaju 103

Table 3. Minimum purity and germination requirements of different seed crops.

Crop Purity requirements (%) Germination requirements (%)

Maize 99 90
Soyabean 98 75
Cotton 99 70
Tobacco 99 90
Wheat 98 85
Barley 98 80
Oats 98 80
Source: The Seeds (Certification Scheme) Notice, 2000 and Seed Regulations, 1971.

Normally, 200 or 400 seeds are planted for issuance of companies sell their seed or use their designated seed
local certificate (for local market) or Orange outlets, farmers’ co-operations or registered retailers. All
International Certificate (for international market) these designated seed outlets are obliged to return all
respectively. An evaluation of germinated seedlings is the remaining seed to respective warehouse after the
conducted when all the essential structures have offset of summer or winter seasons for retesting and
developed. The seedlings are categorized according to safe keeping.
the degree of deformity, thereafter, percentages are Seed growers should take note of the fact that even if
calculated and results are presented on the certificate. A contracted and registered, they are not allowed to sell
higher germination percentage is obviously desirable for seed directly to the public. It’s an offence according to
the farmers, and a germination test with higher normal Section 24 of the Seeds Act [Chapter 19:13] and is liable
seedling percentage should indicate the potential to a fine or imprisonment. Only designated seed outlets
germinability, with proper handling, should reflect possessing a valid license are allowed to store and sell
expected germination on the farm (Dube and Mujaju, the seed to the public. Seed Services randomly conducts
2013). The duration of the test depends on the type of visits on these designated seed outlets, monitoring and
crop, for example maize takes 7 days. advising them on issues regarding seed storage. On the
other hand, the Certifying Authority ensures that the
Issuance of certificate: After the purity and germination seed is stored separately from uncleaned seed or other
tests, the results are typed on a certificate. Again, this is plant products and protected against rodents, insects,
on first-come first-served basis. The certificate is signed excessive moisture, heat radiation and harmful
by the laboratory supervisor or the Head Seed Services substances.
and stamped with a Seed Services date stamp. The Seed
Services date stamp is very important, and is one of the Labeling of seed packs: All authorized seed sellers are
characteristics that a certificate reflecting quality seed obliged to sell seed that is properly packed and clearly
should possess and is valid for one year. Certified seed marked or labeled. The labels should bear the following
should also satisfy the respective percentage information: name and address of Seed Company,
requirements (Table 3). variety name and crop type and class of seed for
example ‘foundation’ or ‘certified’ or ‘standard’ grade
seed.
Monitoring of seed marketing processes Apart from the information clearly labeled on the seed
pack, it should have a tag inside and another sewn on
Seeds Act [Seeds Act] clearly stipulates that only quality the upper part of the seed pack. This tag bears additional
guaranteed certified seed should be sold provided the useful information to the buyers. It bears the following
seed seller concerned has a valid seller’s license for this information: year of production, type of seed,
purpose and adhering to the stipulations of the Scheme. processor’s and lot number, purity and germination
Seed Services has the mandate to issue the Seed Seller’s results and date of expiry- seed should be sold within a
licenses to facilitate seed trade. Normally the seed date indicated on the tag.
104 Adv. J. Agric. Res.

Conclusion Kadzere N, Karadzandima L (2007). Understanding

Zimbabwean Maize Seed Legislation. Seed Services
Nationwide farmers are protected and assured of seed Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
quality through the implementation of seed certification Plant Breeders Rights Act [Chapter 18:16], (1979). Print
system. However, circumstances may arise in which a Flow, Government Printers, Harare, Zimbabwe.
farmer may buy poor quality seed. In such a scenario, it Seeds Act [Chapter 19:13], (1971). Print Flow,
is important for a farmer to retain at least one label or Government Printers, Harare, Zimbabwe.
tag from each seed lot used to sow the crop to act as a Seeds Regulations, (1971). Print Flow, Government
point of reference to enable the farmer receive Printers, Harare, Zimbabwe.
compensation accordingly (Seeds Certification Scheme Seeds (Certification Scheme) Notice, (2000). Print Flow,
Notice, 2000). In conclusion, one may ask, should all Government Printers, Harare, Zimbabwe.
seed be certified? Generally, the seed certification Sofijanova E, Kletnikoski P, Dimovska V, Dimitrovski Z
scheme is voluntary, but obligatory for the eight (2012). Comparative Economic Analysis of Wheat
mandatory crops (maize, soyabean, tobacco, cotton, Production Using Certified and Uncertified Seed: The
wheat, barley, oats and potatoes) of commercial Case of Ovcepole Region in Republic of Macedonia.
importance. Only Zimbabwe certified seed of these Food Sci. Eng. Technol. 69: 922-926.
cultivars may be sold in Zimbabwe.

REFERENCES

Aspelin AL (1960). Remove from marked records

comparisons of the profitability of certified and
uncertified alfafa seed production in South Dakota.
Agricultural Economics Pamphlet. South Dakota
Agricultural Experiment Station. p.123.
Blount AR, Quesenberry KH, Chambliss CG, Stadsklev T
(2012). Seed Certification.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/nfrec22
Chikwati J (1994). Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and
Water Development, Seed Certification Schemes
Zimbabwe: Instructions to seed crop inspectors.
Dube P, Mujaju C (2013). Determination of Standards for
Purity and Germination for African Indigenous
Vegetable (AIV), Blackjack (Bidens pilosa). Adv. J. Agric.
Res. 1 (3): 032-038.
Erker B, Brick MA (2006). Producing Certified and
Registered Seed
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/00302.html
ISTA (2011). International Rules of Seed Testing Edition
2012: Adopted at the Ordinary Meeting 2011,
Glattbrugg, Switzerland to become effective on 1
January 2011. Bassersdorf, Switzerland.

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