Main Issues and Solutions in Spring Wheat Seed Production
Wang Xiulan, Xu Yongtai, Shen Qingling, Zhao Desheng
(Yuzhu County Seed Management Station, Qinghai Province 810500)
Huzhu County is located in the northeast of Qinghai Province, with an average elevation of 2700 meters. It experiences no severe winter or summer heat, with an average annual temperature of 3.5°C. The region belongs to a cold and temperate continental climate, making it an ideal area for high-yield crop production. The total cultivated area of the county is approximately 59,000 hectares, and spring wheat ranks third in planting area after rapeseed and potatoes. In recent years, several challenges have emerged in spring wheat seed production, prompting a detailed analysis of the main issues and potential solutions.
1. Major Challenges in Spring Wheat Seed Production
1.1 Decentralized Production
Since the implementation of the household contract responsibility system, seed production departments have faced difficulties in unifying quality and management standards. Large-scale centralized production has become increasingly challenging. Most seed production now follows a “company-based farmer†model, which leads to operational inefficiencies. Field inspections are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the scattered nature of the farms. This makes it difficult to conduct field-by-field monitoring and increases the risk of contamination.
1.2 Disorganized Planting and Mixed Varieties
Due to spontaneous planting by farmers, disorderly planting and the introduction of unregulated varieties remain problematic. Some farmers still plant outdated strains, leading to serious issues of variety confusion and mixing. During harvest, most farmers manually select seeds, making it hard to control mechanical mixing. With only sensory checks by technicians, seed quality cannot be fully assured.
1.3 Low Commodity Rate
Qinghai is a major spring wheat-producing region. However, spring wheat is prone to impurities and has a low propagation coefficient, resulting in a lower commodity rate. Compared to winter wheat, it also has inferior color and processing qualities, reducing its market competitiveness. As market demands change and crop structures adjust, the area dedicated to spring wheat has decreased. Farmers are reluctant to grow it as a primary income source, leading to unstable seed production areas and difficulty in acquiring quality seed varieties.
1.4 Poor Seed Quality
Although Huzhu County has introduced several spring wheat varieties such as Lantian No. 3, Lemai No. 5, Plateau No. 448, Minhe 853, Jinmai No. 13, and Jimai No. 14, many of these have weak disease resistance and poor adaptability. Due to limited resources and outdated techniques, some varieties have been phased out or reduced in area. Most farmers still rely on older strains like “Mutual Aid Red†and “Arbo,†which have been planted for decades due to their stability. There remains a strong demand for high-quality, high-yield, and disease-resistant varieties.
1.5 Genetic Degeneration
Due to funding shortages and the transformation of state-owned farms, the original species production system based on the “three-reserve system†has been weakened. While this method helps maintain variety purity, it is costly and involves complex procedures. The cost per hectare is around 22,500 yuan, and it requires significant land use. Although there is a high demand for original seeds, only a few key varieties can be produced, leaving other improved varieties without proper rejuvenation. This leads to a disconnect between new and old varieties, shortening their lifespan and degrading their quality.
2. Strategies for Improvement
First, raising awareness and improving the scientific content of seed production is essential. By adopting a “one township, one industry, one village, one product†approach, different regions should focus on specific varieties. For example, Xishan Township focuses on “Mutual Aid,†Hongyazigou on “Abo,†Zhigou on “Plateau 448,†and Tongchuan Town on “Zhimai No. 13.†Consolidating efforts will improve seed quality and yield.
Second, reducing costs and increasing efficiency through better agronomic practices, such as dry-fertilization and fine-seeding techniques, can enhance productivity. Tailored fertilizer management and reasonable plant structure will maximize yield potential and encourage more farmers to grow spring wheat.
Third, establishing a three-level management system led by the county seed department, with support from townships and villages, will ensure effective seed breeding and purification. This includes introducing new varieties, conducting trials, and providing technical guidance to farmers.
Fourth, increasing government funding and promoting new variety development will create a sustainable seed production cycle. Improved regulations and quality checks will prevent hybrid seeds from entering the market.
Fifth, strengthening field and laboratory inspection procedures will ensure seed purity throughout the production process, preventing losses due to contamination.
3. Gaps Between China’s Seed Market and Mature Markets
China’s seed industry is still in its early stages compared to mature global markets. One major issue is the low level of integration between research, education, and promotion. Breeding resources are concentrated in state-run institutions, while private companies lack stable variety support. Small and medium-sized seed companies often lack reliable production bases, affecting both quantity and quality of seeds.
The oversupply in the seed industry leads to fierce competition, especially among smaller firms. Market regulation and law enforcement need improvement to ensure fair competition and protect farmers’ interests. Excessive local protectionism and administrative interference hinder the growth of large-scale enterprises.
4. Innovation and Development to Enhance Competitiveness
To strengthen the competitiveness of China’s seed industry, enterprises must take the lead in technological innovation. Strong research capabilities and intellectual property rights are crucial. International cooperation, including technology exchange and foreign investment, will help Chinese companies compete globally. Brand management is also vital, as it reflects a company’s overall performance, including variety quality, product standards, and technical services.
Expanding foreign cooperation will allow Chinese seed companies to access advanced technologies and international markets. With continued government support and industry collaboration, China’s seed industry is poised for rapid growth and long-term success.
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