Seeds in emergencies A technical handbook FAO Plant Production and Protection paper Series, Vol. 202

This publication provides emergency practitioners with the basic technical information about seeds, necessary for planning and implementing seed relief interventions. It defines the main seed quality attributes and describes the standard testing and sampling methodologies. Maintaining seed quality in emergency situations is a key issue and therefore the main factors of seed quality deterioration are presented, including handling and storage. Basic principles of seed production are described to assist emergency practitioners in seed sector rehabilitation. International regulations affecting seed production and trade are also discussed. Finally, key concepts of seed security assessment are provided, as well as the different types of seed relief interventions.