Current situation, implementation methods, and technical bottlenecks in forage seed quality certification in China

Seed quality certification is a seed quality control system that ensures the authenticity and purity of seeds. This paper reviews and analyzes the development process and current status of the forage seed quality control system in China. Implementing forage seed quality certification is an effective way of solving problems in the seed market, such as poor awareness of varieties available, significant variation in seed quality, and unclear seed provenance. However, due to land fragmentation, the lack of technology to authenticate seed varieties, lack of seed certification organizations, and poor acceptance levels from seed users, implementation of forage seed quality certification has been restricted to some extent. Based on this, this paper proposes a four-step framework for forage seed quality certification in China. This framework will be implemented as follows: 1) Set up a special organization for forage seed quality certification and establish a management system for forage seed quality certification according to international standards and that reflects the status of forage seed production in China. 2) Establish a standard sample bank of forage seed varieties and compile authentication standards for the relevant seed varieties. This should be undertaken in cooperation with scientific research institutes and forage variety validation committees at various levels. 3) Conduct pilot forage seed quality certification and strengthen publicity about the program and effectiveness of certifying forage seeds. 4) Improve the management system of forage seed quality certification based on pilot work and implement these findings nationwide.