Better evaluating the quality of varieties and seeds
Trajectory
Variety and seed quality evaluation covers three areas: the quality of varieties under study, the quality of seed batches, and the detection of GMOs and NGT products, mainly in seed batches.
As far as the quality of the varieties under study is concerned, the quantification of compounds of interest (nutritional, technological, etc.) and of anti-nutritional and harmful factors is of particular importance. Evaluating the taste of the harvested products from the varieties, and their keeping qualities, should also be considered.
Reducing the use of phytosanitary products can lead to an increase in weed seeds and pathogens in seed lots. GEVES will improve and develop new methods for detecting and identifying insects, weeds and pathogenic micro-organisms in seed lots, as well as germination and vigour tests.
Lastly, GEVES will develop methods for detecting and quantifying GMOs and NGTs in seeds, in line with current and future regulations.
Priority actions
Varietal quality:
- Develop methods for quantifying compounds of interest (nutritional, technological, etc.) at varietal level, as well as the anti-nutritional and harmful factors that have the greatest impact on harvested products.
For seed quality:
- Develop methods for detecting or even identifying the most damaging insects, weeds and pathogenic micro-organisms on seed batches.
- Develop methods for evaluating seed vigour to take better account of changes in weather conditions at the time of sowing.
Monitoring themes
GEVES will continue to monitor the new possibilities offered by the use of metabolomics to characterise product composition.
Examples of projects
