Variety and Seed Selection

KEY CHECK 1:
Used high quality-seeds
of a recommended variety.

High-quality seeds are relatively pure, have fewer weed seeds, free from visible seed-borne diseases, full and uniform in size, and have at least 85% germination rate.
As crops from high-quality seeds grow, mature, and ripen uniformly, harvesting activities become more efficient. This results in a 10% or more increase in yield.
Recommended varieties are adapted to local conditions. They are resistant to biotic stresses (e.g. prevalent pests and diseases) in the area, have produced relatively stable and high yields, and are preferred by farmers and local consumers.

ASSESSMENT OF KEY CHECK

Seeds are certified by the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS). If there are no accredited seed growers in the locality, high-quality seeds are sourced from reliable sources or own-produced.
The variety suits the environment, addresses a prevailing local field problem, or has performed well in at least two seasons of adaptability trials.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE KEY CHECK

1. Source seeds preferably from accredited seed growers. Check if the attached NSQCS tag is valid. Sample tag for certified seeds If seeds are old stock or carry-over from the previous season, these should have passed the germination re-test before sowing. If there are no accredited seed growers:

source seeds from reliable farmers in the area (i.e. from farms that have uniform crop growth)
produce own high-quality seeds following proper procedures, particularly in roguing or removing off-types 15
ensure that farmer-produced seeds have passed a germination re-test to determine their quality, which may be done by the farmer or NSQCS

2. Choose a variety that:

a. suits the environment (irrigated or rainfed) or planting season (DS or WS). In rainfed areas, it is best to prioritize varieties intended for the rainfed environment. During the wet season, beware of prevalent pests in the area and consider the shattering and lodging characteristics of a variety. NSIC Rc 222 is recommended nationally, DS & WS. PSB Rc 10 is an early-maturing variety (105 days) that can fit the crop calendar before the typhoon months.
b. addresses a prevailing local field problem. In areas that are usually affected by destructive typhoons, drought, or floods, especially during the WS, use a variety with suitable maturity that can escape potential abiotic stresses. Consider also regionally recommended varieties as these are most likely adapted in the locality.
c. has performed well in at least two seasons of adaptability trials made by PhilRice or local DA office.
d. has high market demand.