Kansas Certified Seed
What is Certified Seed?
When a new crop variety is first developed, seed is normally in very short supply. This seed must be increased sufficiently to meet demand.
Seed certification is a pedigreeing program that monitors varietal purity during the seed increase and maintenance stages. This is accomplished with a limited generation system of certified seed classes as outlined below.
Our seed certification services are available to both public and private breeding enterprises in Kansas.
Classes of Certified Seed
Foundation Class
- The first generation of certified seed used in registered seed production. Foundation Seed is controlled by the originator and is not generally an item of commerce. Strict genetic standards apply.
Registered Class
- Available through certified seed growers for use in production of the certified class of seed.
Certified Class
- The commercial class of seed and the last generation that may be certified. KCIA is closely involved in every step of seed increase. Initial work with the plant breeder enables Association representatives to become familiar with the unique characteristics of each variety. Field inspections of subsequent generations can then assure the certified seed purchaser that he is receiving what the label states.
When you buy Kansas certified seed to plant in your fields, you can be confident that the seed has:
- High Varietal Purity
- High Physical Quality
- High Germination
- No Noxious Weed Seed
- Maximum Yield Potential
How to Certify Seed
Certified Seed can be produced in Kansas by an individual, partnership, or corporation. Several important requirements must be met for a seed crop to be certified in Kansas.
- Clean all planting and harvesting equipment and storage facilities grain-free before using for certified seed.
- Plant eligible seed and retain proof of eligibility.
- Plant on ground that meets all KCIA land requirements.
- Make application for field inspection.
- Prepare your seed fields for inspection by rogueing off-type plants and controlling any prohibited crops and noxious or objectionable weeds.
- Have field inspection conducted.
- Condition seed intended for certification at an approved facility.
- Send a representative sample of the conditioned seed to the KCIA laboratory for analysis.
- Properly label seed.
- Register to sell seed with appropriate authority.