WE NEED YOUR SEEDS
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Choose the right plant: Select a plant that produces open-pollinated seeds. Open-pollinated plants are pollinated by natural means like wind, insects, or birds, allowing for genetic diversity in the resulting seeds.
Timing: Determine the ideal time to collect seeds. This varies depending on the plant and the specific seed you wish to collect. Generally, you want to wait until the seeds have fully matured and begun to dry on the plant.
Gather the necessary tools: Equip yourself with the tools needed for seed collection, including a pair of scissors or pruning shears, paper or cloth bags, envelopes or jars for seed storage, and labels for identification.
Identify and select healthy plants: Locate healthy plants with desirable traits. Look for vibrant foliage, strong stems, and vigorous growth. Choose plants that represent the characteristics you want to preserve in future generations.
Prepare for seed collection: Place a bag or envelope beneath the seed head or pod to catch any seeds that may fall during the collection process. This will prevent loss and aid in later seed extraction.
Harvest the seeds: Carefully remove the seed heads or pods from the plant using your scissors or pruning shears. Place them directly into the bag or envelope you prepared. Alternatively, you can gently shake the seeds into the bag if they are loosely held.
Extract the seeds: Once you've collected a sufficient amount of seed heads or pods, take them indoors or to a suitable work area. Open the seed heads or pods and extract the seeds. You can do this by hand, rubbing the seed heads between your fingers or using small tools to carefully separate the seeds from the plant material.
Clean the seeds: Remove any remaining plant debris or chaff from the seeds. You can accomplish this by winnowing, a process that involves gently blowing or using a fan to separate the lighter chaff from the heavier seeds.
Dry the seeds: Spread the cleaned seeds on a tray or paper towel and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to label each batch of seeds, indicating the plant species, variety, and date of collection.
Store the seeds: Once the seeds are completely dry, transfer them to airtight containers such as glass jars or envelopes. Store the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain the viability of the seeds. Consider adding desiccant packets to absorb excess moisture.
Record keeping: Keep a record of the seed collection process, including the plant species, variety, date, and any relevant observations. This documentation will be valuable for future reference and seed-saving efforts.
Define your goals: Determine what traits you want to improve or create in your plants. Do you want larger flowers, increased disease resistance, or a specific color variation? Clearly define your breeding objectives.
Select parent plants: Choose the plants that possess the desired traits you want to pass on to the next generation. Consider their overall health, vigor, and compatibility for crossbreeding. Obtain seeds or plants from reliable sources.
Understand plant genetics: Familiarize yourself with basic principles of plant genetics, such as dominant and recessive traits, gene inheritance, and genetic variation. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions during the breeding process.
Create a breeding plan: Determine the specific cross or crosses you want to make to combine desired traits. Consider the genetic compatibility and the probability of obtaining the desired traits in the offspring. Document your plan for future reference.
Prepare for cross-pollination: If your plants are self-pollinating, you'll need to isolate individual plants or flowers to prevent unwanted cross-pollination. This can be done using physical barriers such as bags or by manually transferring pollen from the selected parent plant to the female reproductive organ (stigma) of the desired recipient plant.
Perform the cross: When the flowers are receptive, carefully transfer pollen from the male parent to the stigma of the female parent. Keep a record of the specific cross you made.
Allow seed development: After pollination, protect the fertilized flowers from external factors and allow them to develop into seeds. This may involve covering the flowers with a protective bag or cage.
Harvest and store seeds: Once the seeds are mature, harvest them and store them in a cool, dry place. Label each seed batch with the cross information and date of harvest for future reference.
Germinate and grow seedlings: Sow the seeds in a suitable growing medium, following proper germination techniques. Provide optimal conditions for growth, including adequate light, moisture, and temperature. As the seedlings grow, monitor their development and select individuals that exhibit the desired traits.
Evaluate and select: Observe the selected seedlings as they mature and evaluate their performance against your breeding objectives. Assess traits such as size, color, disease resistance, or any other specific characteristics you aimed for.
Conduct successive generations: If the desired traits are present in the selected individuals, continue the breeding process by repeating steps 5 to 10 with the new generation of plants. Over time, you can refine and stabilize the desired traits by selecting and crossing the best individuals.
Maintain detailed records: Keep thorough records of each cross, including parent plants, dates, and any notable observations. This information will help you track the progress of your breeding program and make informed decisions in future generations.
THEORY AND REFEreNCES FOR THE SEED PROJECT
This is a new approach to conservation, challenge the half earth theory and the land sharing, land sparing theory. It fundamentally sees human beings as part of nature, and seeks to rebuild that connection. To learn more, see below.
LORUM…..
Eating to Extinction, Dan Saladino
Convivial Conservation
Plant for a Future
SCOOP @ Groundswell Ag
Onbeing Podcast - We are in the time of new suns” Andrienne Maree Brown
Farmera
Seed Gatherings
World Localisation Day
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