Template:Chapters 2.9

2.9 - Producing Hybrid Maize Seeds for Smallholder Farmers

Samiul Islam , University of Guelph,Canada

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Islam,S. (2022)Producing Hybrid Maize Seeds for Smallholder Farmers . In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction

Smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia are the backbones of their various agricultural landscapes, but they face enormous challenges in their efforts to increase agricultural productivity and sustain their livelihoods. With growing populations and increasingly unpredictable weather, the demand to increase crop yields and assure food security has never been greater (Jayne et al., 2023). Despite these obstacles, one significant barrier stands out: a paucity of high-quality seeds. Traditional seed types are unable to adapt to environmental changes and pests, resulting in low yield and unstable livelihoods for smallholder farmers who lack the resilience required for modern agroecological settings (SOFI 2018 - the State of Food Security and Nutrition, n.d.). Amid these constraints, the introduction of hybrid maize seed production provides a ray of hope.

Hybrid maize is created by crossing two unique inbred lines of maize. This phenomenon, known as "hybrid vigor" or heterosis, produces offspring with superior characteristics compared to either parental inbred such as enhanced yield, increased resistance to diseases and pests, improved drought tolerance, and adaptability to environmental circumstances (Varshney & Tuberosa, 2013). Hybrid maize seeds are not only cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology, but also a strategic tool for improving food security and assisting smallholder farmers by enhancing crop output (Smale & Olwande, 2013). The development of hybrid maize is based on genetic principles, but the two inbred parental lines with favorable features must be carefully selected to achieve these benefits (Fasoula & Fasoula, 2002).

This unique approach offers an important shift in agricultural operations, giving smallholder farmers access to a new generation of seeds infused with transforming properties (Smale & Olwande, 2013). These hybrid cultivars have excellent features ranging from greater resistance to diseases and drought tolerance to much higher yield potential. Farmers may break free from the limits of traditional agriculture by embracing the power of hybrid seeds, paving the way for a prosperous future (Dossa et al., 2023). This essay explores hybrid maize seed production for smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia, focusing on its advantages, disadvantages, and socioeconomic impacts. It delivers practical insights, explains complications, and proposes alternatives. The goal is to provide farmers with information and resources to help them navigate this transformative agricultural practice.

TBenefits of Hybrid Maize Seed Production for Smallholder Farmers

Hybrid maize seeds provide a number of benefits that are adapted to the demands and limits of smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia. To begin, the significant increase in yield potential is an essential advantage that immediately tackles the critical issue of food security. Smallholder farmers can increase crop yields dramatically by using hybrid maize seeds, guaranteeing sufficient supplies of food for their family and communities (FAO, 2019). According to studies, adopting hybrid maize can result in yield increases of up to 30-50% when compared to traditional varieties, greatly enhancing food availability and perhaps leading to surplus output for market sale, creating additional revenue for farmers (Cairns et al., 2013).

Furthermore, hybrid maize seeds are well-known for their resistance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, making them ideal for the tough agroecological conditions found in many smallholder farming communities. Diseases, pests, and harsh weather conditions all pose ongoing risks to agricultural production in these areas. However, hybrid maize varieties can improve disease resistance, insect tolerance, and drought resilience to deliver a more predictable income (Maize Research, 2024). According to studies, hybrid maize varieties can minimize crop loss by up to 35% in harsh conditions, considerably boosting food security and farmer resilience (Atlin et al., 2017).

Another key advantage of hybrid maize seeds is their early maturation and homogeneity, which correspond to the resource restrictions and labor dynamics encountered by smallholder farmers. In areas where manpower and input availability are limited, hybrid cultivars' shorter maturity periods allow for more efficient resource management and lower the chance of crop loss owing to delayed harvesting or bad weather occurrences (Rattunde et al., 2013). Furthermore, the uniformity of plant height, flowering period, and grain size makes mechanized processes like harvesting and post-harvest processing easier, increasing maize production efficiency and profitability (Setimela et al., 2017).

Moreover, the use of hybrid maize seeds can help rural socioeconomic development by allowing for value addition and market integration. Seed production companies and farmer cooperatives can encourage entrepreneurship by providing access to markets, better price negotiation, and more bargaining power within the agricultural value chain (Makumbi et al., 2011). In summary, hybrid maize seed production provides an opportunity for smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia to improve their food security, livelihoods, and overall well-being. It provides higher yield potential, resilience to stress, early maturity, and market prospects.

Practical Manual for Smallholder Farmers

With technical assistance, smallholder farmers can generate their own hybrid maize seeds, and they can undertake this process through a systematic approach that involves several key steps:

1. Selection of parent plants:

The procedure starts with carefully selecting high-quality parent plants that have desirable characteristics including high yield potential, disease resistance, and adaptability to local environmental circumstances. Farmers usually identify these plants based on field observations and historical performance data (Bänziger a et al., 2005)

2. Controlled pollination:

After selecting the parent plants, controlled pollination is required to maintain genetic purity and ensure that the desired traits are passed down to the offspring. Selective de-tasseling is needed to prevent self-pollination. Farmers must precisely carry out this step to avoid pollen contamination and preserve the hybrid seeds' purity (Chassaigne et al., 2020):

-

Step 1A: Row-Based Emasculation:

- Farmers use row-based emasculation to remove the tassels (male reproductive organs) from specific rows of maize plants, preventing self-pollination and ensuring cross-pollination with selected female plants. Specifically, strips of the two inbreds are planted, with inbred 1 de-tasseled, to force one-way pollination from inbred 2 onto the silks of inbred 1 – but this method requires no other maize plants in the vicinity that could give rise to contaminating maize pollen (i.e. the field should be isolated). This procedure requires precise scheduling and coordination to guarantee that only the chosen plants contribute pollen to the hybridization process (Boddupalli et al., 2020). Furthermore, row-based emasculation facilitates efficient pollination management since farmers can easily identify and monitor the pollination status of each row.

-

Step 1B: Manual Pollination:

- Alternatively, the process can be undertaken on a smaller scale, manually. First, tassels are removed from inbred 1, and the ears are covered with a bag before the emergence of silks (female reproductive organs) to prevent self-pollination. After removing tassels from inbred 1, pollen is transferred from selected male plants from inbred 2 to the silks of inbred 1. Farmers collect pollen from the tassels by placing bags on them the night before; the pollen is shed into the bags in the morning (upon heat and sunshine) – the bags are then shaken onto the silks (the ear bags are quickly removed before the pollen is added).

-

Step 2: Bagging and Tagging:

- After pollination, female ears are frequently enclosed in bags to minimize cross-contamination and maintain the purity of the hybrid seeds. Each bag is labeled with relevant information, such as the parent plants involved and the date of pollination, to track the pedigree of the seeds and facilitate quality control measures (Boddupalli et al., 2020).

3. Monitoring and Care:

- To ensure pollination success and seed quality, farmers regularly monitor weather conditions, pest activity, and plant health throughout the pollination process. Adequate irrigation, fertilizer management, and pest control methods are put in place to help hybrid maize plants grow and thrive to achieve large health seeds for planting (Bänziger a et al., 2005).

4. Seed harvesting:

After successful pollination, growers should collect mature maize ears from the chosen plants. It is critical to harvest the ears at the peak of maturity to ensure seed viability. After harvesting, the maize ears should be thoroughly dried to reduce moisture content. Proper drying techniques, such as sun drying or using drying racks, are critical for preventing mold formation and preserving seed quality.

5. Seed processing:

After drying, harvested maize seeds must be processed to remove contaminants and maintain consistent size and quality. Farmers should clean and grade seeds with sieves or other appropriate equipment to remove debris and broken seeds. Furthermore, treating seeds with fungicides or insecticides helps protect them from pests and diseases during storage, extending their viability (Chassaigne et al., 2020).

6. Storage and distribution:

Proper storage and distribution are key components of hybrid maize seed production. Farmers should keep processed seeds in dry, well-ventilated containers to preserve their viability and prevent degradation. To make seeds available to other farmers in the community, distribution channels must be established through local farmer cooperatives or agricultural extension agencies. Farmers may ensure that hybrid maize seeds reach a larger audience and help to the general enhancement of agricultural output in their region by working with local groups.

Smallholder farmers that follow these systematic methods can efficiently grow hybrid maize seeds and reap the benefits of increased yield potential, resilience, and market prospects provided by these high-quality seeds.

Critical Analysis

Addressing the challenges and limitations associated with hybrid maize seed production is crucial for ensuring its sustainable adoption by smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia.

1. Cost considerations:

Smallholder farmers have considerable financial obstacles while producing hybrid maize seed due to the initial costs of infrastructure, equipment, and supplies. Innovative financing structures, such as microloans or revolving funds, can help to fund seed production infrastructure investments. Government subsidies and incentives might help boost adoption. It is critical to optimize production processes and reduce input costs. Research exploring low-cost alternatives to pricey inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides has the potential to make hybrid seed manufacturing more inexpensive. Training programs on cost-effective agronomic practices and seed treatment procedures will help to maximize investment.

2. Scale and supply issues:

Hybrid maize seed production necessitates collaboration between farmers, extension services, and seed suppliers. Farmer cooperatives and groups are critical for aggregating demand and coordinating production operations. Strengthening these organizations through capacity building, training, and networking can increase their collective participation. Partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities can help to address supply chain issues and assure high-quality hybrid seeds for smallholder farmers. Investing in infrastructure and promoting seed certification can help to increase trust and encourage widespread use of hybrid seeds.

3. Environmental concerns:

The development of hybrid maize seed raises environmental problems due to excessive chemical inputs, soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. To offset these hazards, sustainable agricultural approaches such as integrated pest management, crop rotation, and agroforestry should be promoted in addition to hybrid seed production. The focus of research should be on creating pest-resistant hybrid maize types to reduce the need of synthetic pesticides. Investing in soil protection measures and supporting organic farming practices can also help to reduce erosion risk. Certification schemes can also encourage farmers to use more ecologically friendly maize production methods.

4. Alternative approaches:

Hybrid maize seeds have a high production potential, but agroecological farming and crop diversity can increase agricultural productivity. Agroecological principles such as biodiversity protection, soil health management, and ecosystem resilience can all help to decrease pest and disease loads, improve nutrient cycling, and improve ecosystem services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hybrid maize seed production offers a possible approach for boosting agricultural productivity and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia. However, it necessitates a critical approach that considers issues such as cost, supply, and environmental concerns. A balance between technological innovation and environmental sustainability is critical for long-term success. Empowering farmers through capacity building, resource access, and supporting legislation can boost their resilience in the face of climate change effects. A comprehensive approach can spur transformative change, resulting in increased food security, economic success, and environmental stewardship.

References

1.Varshney, R. K., & Tuberosa, R. (2013, October 1). Translational genomics for crop breeding: Abiotic stress, yield and quality, volume 2. OAR@ICRISAT. https://oar.icrisat.org/10876/

2. Mamo, T., Singh, A., & Mahama, A. A. (2023, June 14). Chapter 16: Seed Systems and certification. Crop Improvement. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/cropimprovement/chapter/seed-systems-and-certification/

3. International Rules for Seed Testing - International Seed Testing Association. (n.d.). International Seed Testing Association. https://www.seedtest.org/en/publications/international-rules-seed-testing.html

4. SOFI 2018 - The State of food security and Nutrition in the world. www.fao.org. (n.d.). https://www.fao.org/state-of-food-security-nutrition/2018/en/

5. Cairns, J. E., Hellin, J., Sonder, K., Araus, J. L., MacRobert, J. F., Thierfelder, C., & Prasanna, B. M. (2013). Adapting maize production to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Security, 5(3), 345–360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-013-0256-x

6. Smale, M., & Olwande, J. (2013). Demand for maize hybrids and hybrid change on smallholder farms in Kenya. Agricultural Economics, 45(4), 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12095

7. Dossa, E. N., Shimelis, H., Mrema, E., Shayanowako, A. T. I., & Laing, M. (2023). Genetic resources and breeding of maize for striga resistance: A Review. Frontiers in Plant Science 14: 1163785. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10206272/

8. Makumbi, D., Betrán, J. F., Bänziger, M., & Ribaut, J.-M. (2011). Combining ability, heterosis and genetic diversity in tropical maize (Zea mays L.) under stress and non-stress conditions. Euphytica, 180(2), 143–162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-010-0334-5

9. Jayne, T. S., Zingore, S., Niang, A. I., Palm, C., & Sanchez, P. (2023, August 29). Building twenty-first century agricultural research and

10. extension capacity in Africa. European Review of Agricultural Economics, 50, 1824–1846 https://academic.oup.com/erae/article/50/5/1824/7255335

11. Atlin, G. N., Cairns, J. E., & Das, B. (2017, February 9). Rapid breeding and varietal replacement are critical to adaptation of cropping systems in the developing world to climate change. Global Food Security 12, 31-37. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211912416300931

12. Setimela, P. S., Magorokosho, C., Lunduka, R., Gasura, E., Makumbi, D., Tarekegne, A., Cairns, J. E., Ndhlela, T., Erenstein, O., & Mwangi, W. (2017). On‐farm yield gains with stress‐tolerant maize in eastern and Southern Africa. Agronomy Journal, 109(2), 406–417. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2015.0540

13. Chassaigne, A., Onofre, L. E. M., & Vicente, F. M. S. (2020). Development of Seed Production Technology of CIMMYT Tropical Single Cross Maize Hybrids. Agriculture 10(7):25 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342679984_Development_of_Seed_Production_Technology_of_CIMMYT_Tropical_Single_Cross_Maize_Hybrids

14. Boddupalli, P., Suresh, L. M., Mwatuni, F., Beyene, Y., Makumbi, D., Gowda, M., Olsen, M., Hodson, D., Worku, M., Mezzalama, M., Molnar, T., Dhugga, K. S., Wangai, A., Gichuru, L., Angwenyi, S., Alemayehu, Y., Grønbech Hansen, J., & Lassen, P. (2020). Maize lethal necrosis (MLN): Efforts toward containing the spread and impact of a devastating transboundary disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Virus Research, 282, 197943. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221342/