Why it’s important to grow hybrid seeds.

Hybrid maize, which is produced by crossbreeding two or more distinct varieties of maize, offers several benefits compared to traditional or open-pollinated varieties. Here are some of the benefits of growing hybrid maize:

Higher yields: Hybrid maize typically produces higher yields than traditional or open-pollinated varieties. This is because hybrids are bred to combine the desirable traits of their parent plants, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and high yield potential.

Better quality: Hybrid maize is often more uniform and consistent in terms of quality, with fewer defects and a more even maturity. This can improve the marketability of the crop and increase the price that farmers can fetch for their produce.

Resistance to pests and diseases: Hybrid maize is often bred to be resistant to common pests and diseases, which can reduce the need for pesticides and other costly treatments.

Improved adaptability: Hybrid maize is often bred to be adaptable to a wider range of growing conditions, including different soil types, temperatures, and rainfall patterns. This can increase the likelihood of a successful harvest in a variety of environments.

Reduced risk: Because hybrid maize is more resilient and resistant to pests and diseases, farmers may face reduced risks of crop failure and financial losses. This can provide a greater degree of security and stability for farming communities.

The types of seeds farmers can grow. Farmers.

Farmers must understand the types of seeds they are growing to be able to be profitable. You can’t just jump on the farm and start planting any seeds your come across. You must understand the classes of seeds and identify the types you want to grow.

They must be deliberate efforts to grow the right seeds for the right yields and purposes. Failure to do this can lead to crop failure. So start on a solid foundation with your seeds.

A. Breeder Seeds
B. Foundation Seeds
C. Registered Seeds
D. Certified Seeds
E. F1 Hybrid Seeds
F. Open Pollinated Seeds

Some of these seeds are subsets of themselves, but it’s important you understand them properly.

Breeder Seeds:

Breeder seeds are a type of seed that is produced by plant breeders and used as the foundation for producing other types of seeds. Breeder seeds are the first generation of a new variety that has been developed through plant breeding techniques, and are typically produced in small quantities.

Breeder seeds are carefully selected and bred to exhibit desirable traits such as disease resistance, yield potential, or quality characteristics. They are then used to produce foundation and registered seeds, which are then distributed to seed companies and ultimately to farmers for planting.

Breeder seeds are subject to strict quality standards, and must be certified by a national or international seed certification agency before they can be used to produce foundation or registered seeds. This ensures that they are genetically pure and exhibit the desired traits, and helps to maintain the integrity of the seed production system.

Foundation Seeds:

Foundation seeds are the initial stage in the production of certified seeds for crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. They are the first generation of seeds produced from the parent plants selected for their desirable characteristics, such as high yield, disease resistance, and quality.

Foundation seeds are produced under controlled conditions to ensure genetic purity and consistency. They are typically produced by the public sector or private seed companies, who select and maintain the parent plants and monitor the seed production process to ensure that the resulting seeds meet established standards for genetic purity and other criteria.

Once the foundation seeds have been produced, they are used to produce registered seeds, which are the second generation of seeds produced from the parent plants. Registered seeds are also produced under controlled conditions and are subject to testing and certification to ensure that they meet established standards for quality and genetic purity.

The use of foundation, registered, and certified seeds helps to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, genetically pure seeds that are adapted to local growing conditions and are resistant to pests and diseases. This can help to improve crop yields, reduce crop losses, and increase food security for communities around the world.

Registered seeds are a type of seed that is produced from foundation seeds and used by farmers for commercial crop production. Registered seeds are the second generation of a new variety that has been developed through plant breeding techniques, and are produced in larger quantities than breeder seeds.

Registered seeds are subject to strict quality standards and must meet the same genetic purity and quality standards as breeder seeds. They are also subject to field inspections, and must meet specific minimum standards for germination rates, purity, and other quality characteristics.

Registered seeds are sold by seed companies to farmers for planting, and are typically accompanied by a tag or label that provides information on the variety, origin, and quality of the seed. Farmers may also be required to sign a seed purchase agreement that specifies how the seed can be used and prohibits the saving and planting of harvested seed.

Registered seeds play an important role in modern agriculture, as they enable farmers to access new varieties that have been developed through plant breeding techniques and exhibit desirable characteristics such as disease resistance, yield potential, or quality traits. They also help to maintain genetic diversity within crop populations, which is critical for long-term food security and resilience.


Certified Seeds:
Certified seeds are seeds that have been tested, verified, and certified to meet established standards for genetic purity, quality, and performance. These seeds are typically produced from registered seeds, which are the second generation of seeds produced from foundation seeds.

Certification of seeds is typically performed by government agencies or independent third-party organizations that are responsible for ensuring that the seeds meet established standards for genetic purity, physical quality, and germination rates. The certification process involves several stages of testing and evaluation, including field inspections, laboratory tests, and documentation of the seed source and production methods.

Certified seeds offer several advantages to farmers, including higher yields, improved quality, and reduced risk of crop failure due to pests and diseases. They are also typically more uniform and consistent than non-certified seeds, which can improve marketability and profitability.

Certified seeds may be more expensive than non-certified seeds, but they offer greater assurance of quality and genetic purity. They are typically sold by seed companies or other distributors, and may be subject to restrictions on use or resale, such as requirements to use the seeds only for a specific crop or in a specific region.

Commercial Seeds:
Commercial seeds are those that are produced and sold by seed companies for use in agriculture and horticulture. These seeds are specifically bred and selected for their desirable traits, such as high yield potential, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress.

Seed companies typically invest significant resources in the development and testing of commercial seeds, using advanced breeding techniques, such as hybridization and genetic engineering, to create new varieties with improved traits. Once developed, these seeds are marketed to farmers, who purchase them for use in their fields.

There are several advantages to using commercial seeds. For one, they offer increased efficiency and productivity, with higher yields and reduced crop losses due to pests and diseases. Commercial seeds may also be better adapted to local growing conditions, with improved tolerance to factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil conditions.

Another advantage of commercial seeds is their uniformity and consistency. This can help to ensure that crops mature at the same time and produce a consistent quality of product, which is important for meeting market demand and maximizing profitability.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to commercial seeds, including concerns about genetic diversity, environmental impact, and ownership of intellectual property. Critics argue that reliance on a limited number of commercial seed varieties could reduce genetic diversity and increase vulnerability to crop failure.

There are also concerns about the potential impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the environment and human health. Additionally, some farmers and activists have raised concerns about the ownership of intellectual property rights for commercial seeds, arguing that this could lead to a concentration of power and control in the hands of a few large corporations.

F1 hybrid Seeds:

F1 seeds, also known as first-generation hybrid seeds, are produced by crossing two genetically distinct purebred parent plants. The resulting offspring plants are genetically uniform, and are selected based on desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, or tolerance to environmental stress.

F1 seeds are produced by hand-pollinating the flowers of the two parent plants, and then allowing the resulting seeds to mature. Because the two parent plants are genetically distinct, the resulting F1 seeds are genetically diverse and exhibit a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, which can result in superior performance compared to either of the parent plants.

F1 hybrid seeds are commonly used in modern agriculture because they offer several advantages over traditional open-pollinated seeds. They are typically more productive, with higher yields and improved quality, and may be more resistant to pests and diseases. They are also more uniform in their growth and performance, which can simplify management and improve efficiency.

However, F1 hybrid seeds cannot be saved and replanted like traditional open-pollinated seeds. This is because the offspring plants resulting from saved F1 hybrid seeds will not exhibit the same genetic uniformity and hybrid vigor as the original F1 plants, and may have reduced performance or undesirable traits.

Open Pollinated Seeds:

Open-pollinated seeds are seeds that are produced by allowing natural pollination to occur between plants of the same variety. This means that the plants are allowed to cross-pollinate with other plants of the same variety that are growing nearby, without any human intervention.

Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse, and can exhibit a wide range of characteristics and traits. They are typically stable and consistent from one generation to the next, as long as they are grown under similar conditions and are not allowed to cross-pollinate with plants of a different variety.

Open-pollinated seeds are often used in traditional agriculture and gardening, and are commonly saved and replanted from year to year. They are well-suited for small-scale or home gardeners who value diversity and self-sufficiency, and who are willing to invest time and effort in saving and preserving their own seeds.

However, open-pollinated seeds may not be as productive or consistent as hybrid or genetically modified seeds, which have been specifically bred or modified to exhibit certain desirable traits. They may also be more susceptible to pests and diseases, and may require more intensive management to achieve optimal performance.

Here are some seed companies in Nigeria:

1. Premier Seed Nigeria Limited
2. Value Seeds Limited
3. WACOT Limited
4. Maslaha Seeds
5. Elephant Group Limited
6. Dizengoff West Africa (Nigeria) Limited
7. Funtuna Ventures Nigeria Limited
8. Notore Seeds Limited
9. Umudike Seed Company Limited
10. Fieldcrest Farms Limited
11. Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions
12. Capstone Seeds Nigeria Limited
13. Agroseedco Nigeria Limited
14. Masters Seeds Limited
15. Saro Agrosciences Limited.

Most of these seeds companies are located in the northern part of Nigeria.

The seed war: A kind of seed war is presently ravaging the farming industry where some few multinational seeds company are seeking total control the kind of seeds in circulation through commercialization programs like GMO.

Traditional, farmers do not buy seeds, they share amongst themselves, right the culture of buying seeds has become the norms within many farming communities around the world.

Seed sovereignty.

Seed sovereignty refers to the right of farmers, gardeners, and communities to control and manage their own seed resources, including the ability to save, exchange, and develop their own seed varieties. It is a movement that seeks to promote local, decentralized control over seed resources, and to resist the concentration of seed ownership and control by large corporations.

Seed sovereignty recognizes the importance of seeds as a fundamental component of food sovereignty, which is the right of communities to control their own food systems, including the ability to produce, distribute, and access healthy and culturally appropriate food. By promoting seed sovereignty, communities can protect their local food traditions, maintain crop diversity, and preserve their cultural heritage.

Seed sovereignty also recognizes the importance of seed biodiversity, which is the variety of seed types and genetic diversity within each type. Maintaining seed biodiversity is critical for long-term food security and resilience, as it enables farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions, pests, and diseases.

The seed sovereignty movement is driven by small-scale farmers, indigenous communities, and grassroots organizations, who are advocating for policies and practices that support local seed systems and resist the privatization and commodification of seed resources.

This includes promoting seed saving and sharing, developing local seed banks and seed libraries, and resisting the use of genetically modified seeds and other forms of seed technology that undermine local control and biodiversity.

Front page worthy

Seeds Bank in Nigeria

There are several seed banks in Nigeria, both public and private, that work to preserve and maintain the genetic diversity of crops and plant species. Here are some examples:

National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) Seed Bank: This is a federal government agency responsible for the collection, preservation, and documentation of genetic resources of crops, livestock, and microbes in Nigeria. The seed bank has a large collection of crop seeds and actively engages in seed multiplication and distribution to farmers.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Genebank: This is a research institution that works to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture in Africa. The IITA Genebank is one of the largest collections of tropical plant genetic resources in the world and has a large collection of seeds and plant materials.

National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) Seed Bank: This is a regulatory agency of the federal government of Nigeria responsible for the production, distribution, and marketing of quality seeds in Nigeria. The NASC Seed Bank plays an important role in ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers across the country.

Institute for Agricultural Research and Training (IART) Seed Bank: This is a research institution under the auspices of Obafemi Awolowo University that focuses on agricultural research, extension, and training. The IART Seed Bank is involved in the collection, preservation, and distribution of seeds of local and exotic crops.

Private seed companies: There are several private seed companies in Nigeria that also maintain seed banks for their own research and development purposes. Some examples include Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Da-Allgreen Seeds Limited, and Value Seeds Limited.

Trust me, establish some form of relationship with this organization and you will be on the right path in attaining success with the right information to position your farm in the right stead. Most of them are based in Ibadan.

Top 10 crops to grow in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a diverse country with different soil types, weather conditions, and agricultural practices. Here are the top 10 crops that are commonly grown in Nigeria:

Cassava: Cassava is a root crop that is widely grown in Nigeria. It is used to make garri, fufu, and other staple foods.

Maize: Maize is a popular crop in Nigeria and is used for both human and animal consumption.

Rice: Rice is an important staple food in Nigeria and is grown in different parts of the country.

Yam: Yam is a root crop that is widely consumed in Nigeria. It is used to make pounded yam, yam flour, and other food products.

Beans: Beans are a good source of protein and are grown in different parts of Nigeria.

Groundnuts: Groundnuts (peanuts) are a popular crop in Nigeria and are used to make peanut butter, groundnut oil, and other food products.

Sorghum: Sorghum is a cereal crop that is widely grown in Nigeria. It is used to make porridge, beer, and other food products.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an important vegetable crop in Nigeria and are used for cooking and in salads.

Pepper: Pepper is a widely grown crop in Nigeria and is used for cooking and in the production of spices.

Okra: Okra is a vegetable crop that is widely grown in Nigeria. It is used to make soup, stew, and other food products.

The southern parts of Nigeria have a tropical rainforest climate, which means they receive high rainfall and have high humidity levels. Here are some crops that perform well in the southern parts of Nigeria:

Oil Palm: Oil palm is a tree crop that performs well in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used for the production of palm oil, which is an important ingredient in many food products.

Oil palm seedlings can be obtained from various sources in Nigeria, including government agencies, private companies, and individuals who specialize in the production of oil palm seedlings. Here are some places where you can get oil palm seedlings in Nigeria:

Where to get quality seedlings.

Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR): NIFOR is a government agency that specializes in oil palm research and development. They have a seed garden where they produce high-quality oil palm seedlings that are suitable for different ecological zones in Nigeria.

Oil palm seed companies: There are several private companies in Nigeria that specialize in the production and distribution of oil palm seedlings. Some of these companies include Presco Plc, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, and PZ Wilmar.

Agricultural development programs: Agricultural development programs such as the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program (ATASP) and the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) provide support for smallholder farmers to access improved seedlings, including oil palm seedlings.

Local farmers: You can also obtain oil palm seedlings from local farmers who specialize in oil palm production. They may have surplus seedlings that they are willing to sell or may provide you with information on where to get quality seedlings.

Agricultural input suppliers: Agricultural input suppliers such as agro-dealers and agricultural supply stores may also have oil palm seedlings for sale.

Rubber: Rubber is a tree crop that is widely grown in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used in the production of tires, rubber products, and latex.

Where to get seedlings.

Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN): RRIN is a government agency that specializes in rubber research and development. They have a rubber nursery where they produce high-quality rubber seedlings that

Cocoa: Cocoa is a tree crop that is widely grown in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used in the production of chocolate and other confectionery products.

Where to get seedlings.

Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN): CRIN is a government agency that specializes in cocoa research and development. They have a cocoa nursery where they produce high-quality cocoa seedlings.

Cocoa seed companies: There are several private companies in Nigeria that specialize in the production and distribution of cocoa seedlings. Some of these companies include the Cocoa Products Nigeria Limited (CPNL), Olam Nigeria Limited, and Contec Global Agro Limited.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a fruit crop that performs well in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is used in the production of juice and other food products.

Where to get seedlings.

National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT): NIHORT is a government agency that specializes in horticultural research and development. They have a pineapple nursery where they produce high-quality pineapple seedlings.

Pineapple seed companies: There are several private companies in Nigeria that specialize in the production and distribution of pineapple seedlings. Some of these companies include the PS Nutraceuticals Limited, Dizengoff Nigeria, and Agro Traders Limited.

Plantain: Plantain is a type of banana that is widely grown in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used for cooking and is an important source of carbohydrates.

National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC): NASC is a government agency that regulates the production and distribution of agricultural seeds in Nigeria. They have a directory of certified seed producers that includes plantain seed producers.

You can also get from IITA growers partner.
Plantain seed companies: There are several private companies in Nigeria that specialize in the production and distribution of plantain seedlings. Some of these companies include the Dizengoff Nigeria, PS Nutraceuticals Limited, and Agro Traders Limited


Cassava: Cassava is a root crop that performs well in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used to make garri, fufu, and other staple foods.

Rice: Rice is a staple food in Nigeria and performs well in the southern parts of the country. It is used for human consumption and is an important source of carbohydrates.

Maize: Maize is a cereal crop that performs well in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used for human consumption and is an important source of carbohydrates and protein.

Okra: Okra is a vegetable crop that performs well in the southern parts of Nigeria. It is used to make soup, stew, and other food products.

Pepper: Pepper is a widely grown crop in Nigeria and performs well in the southern parts of the country. It is used for cooking and in the production of spices.

The Northern parts of Nigeria have a dry savanna climate with varying degrees of rainfall. Here are some crops that grow well in the Northern parts of Nigeria:

Millet: Millet is a staple crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for human consumption and is an important source of carbohydrates and protein.

Sorghum: Sorghum is another staple crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used to make porridge, beer, and other food products.

Cowpea: Cowpea is a legume crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for human consumption and as animal feed.

Groundnuts: Groundnuts (peanuts) are a popular crop in Nigeria and grow well in the Northern parts of the country. They are used to make peanut butter, groundnut oil, and other food products.

Sesame: Sesame is an oilseed crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for the production of oil and as a condiment.

Cotton: Cotton is an important cash crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used in the production of textiles and other products.

Wheat: Wheat is a cereal crop that grows well in the cooler areas of the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for human consumption and as animal feed.

Onion: Onion is a vegetable crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for cooking and in the production of spices.

Tomato: Tomato is another vegetable crop that grows well in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is used for cooking and in the production of tomato paste and other food products.

Pepper: Pepper is a widely grown crop in Nigeria and grows well in the Northern parts of the country. It is used for cooking and in the production of spices

Here are the average yields per acre for 10 grains commonly grown in Nigeria:

Maize (corn): 1,500 kg to 2,000 kg per acre

Rice: 2,000 kg to 2,500 kg per acre

Sorghum: 1,000 kg to 1,500 kg per acre

Millet: 700 kg to 1,000 kg per acre

Wheat: 900 kg to 1,200 kg per acre

Beans: 500 kg to 700 kg per acre

Groundnut (peanut): 900 kg to 1,200 kg per acre

Cassava: 10,000 kg to 20,000 kg per acre

Yam: 8,000 kg to 12,000 kg per acre

Cowpea: 400 kg to 700 kg per acre

It's important to note that these are rough estimates and actual yields can vary depending on several factors such as weather conditions, soil fertility, farming practices, and pest and disease management.

Maize SAMMAZ 15 Seeds:

Maize SAMMAZ 15 seeds are a top-performing hybrid variety that boasts exceptional features for farmers looking to maximize their crop yields. This mid-season maize variety is known for its high yield potential, excellent quality, and superior disease resistance.

One of the standout features of SAMMAZ 15 is its remarkable standability, which helps it to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it less likely to fall over during heavy wind or rain. Additionally, the plant is resistant to certain diseases that can affect maize crops, such as rust and leaf blight, making it an ideal choice for farmers looking to minimize crop losses due to disease.

SAMMAZ 15 is also highly productive, with an average yield of 7-9 tons per hectare, due to its ability to produce more ears per plant and more grains per ear than other varieties of maize. Its upright stem and large leaves provide excellent cover, making it ideal for weed control, and its strong root system allows it to access nutrients and water more efficiently, promoting healthy growth.

This variety of maize is versatile and can be grown in various soil types and climates, making it an excellent option for farmers worldwide. It matures within a period of 110-115 days after planting, making it an ideal choice for those looking for mid-season varieties.

In conclusion, Maize SAMMAZ 15 seeds are a top-performing hybrid variety that provides farmers with an exceptional yield potential, high-quality grains, and superior disease resistance. Its remarkable standability, productivity, and versatility make it an excellent option for farmers looking to maximize their crop yields and minimize crop losses.

Sweet Corn:
The history of breeding sweet corn dates back several centuries, with continuous efforts by plant breeders to develop sweeter and more tender corn varieties suitable for human consumption. Here's an overview of the history of sweet corn breeding:

Early Cultivation:

Corn, also known as maize, was domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mexico thousands of years ago. Early corn varieties were primarily used for their starchy kernels and were not as sweet or tender as modern sweet… read more below.
https://earthfarmer..com/2023/04/sweet-corn-exposed-how-to-become.html

Maize has been the ever reliable energy supplier.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ADh64hr1t8

organicfoods:
Why it’s important to grow hybrid seeds.

Hybrid maize, which is produced by crossbreeding two or more distinct varieties of maize, offers several benefits compared to traditional or open-pollinated varieties. Here are some of the benefits of growing hybrid maize:

Which hybrid do you recommend?

Love your write-up on maize. Keep it coming. What variety of Maize seeds will you recommend? do you recommend Sammaz 15 that you enumerated above? Thanks

Jonnic1:
Love your write-up on maize. Keep it coming. What variety of Maize seeds will you recommend? do you recommend Sammaz 15 that you enumerated above? Thanks

It depends on what you want to achieve.