Assessment of the quality status of farm-saved maize (Zea mays l.) seeds in a lake zone, Tanzania

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the quality of farm-saved maize seeds in the Lake Zone of Tanzania about the seeds’ source (regions), drying methods, and packaging materials used by farmers. Seed samples were collected during the 2021/22 planting season. During seed sampling, information on seed source, drying method, and packaging materials was recorded and submitted to the TOSCI seed laboratory for seed quality analysis. Seed quality analysis was performed in the laboratory according to ISTA standards procedures. A factorial experiment with three factors: source of seeds, drying methods, and packaging materials 6 x 2 x 2 was used in RCBD. Results showed that all collected samples had moisture content that met the required standards for commercial seed classes, 85% of samples collected did not meet the germination percentage as per Tanzanian standards, and 54% of samples collected met the required seed purity as per Tanzanian standards. There was a highly significant variation across production areas and treatment combinations on all seed quality attributes. Seeds that were dried on tarpaulins and packed in hermetic bags were high quality compared to those that were dried on bare ground and packed in polypropylene bags. Conclusively, very few samples reached the required minimum quality standards as per Tanzanian regulations. This signifies that farmers are limited in the production of quality seeds. To have quality seeds, farmers should improve their seed management techniques or methods when saving the seeds.