Challenges and Possibilities of Organic Seed Production with the Emphasis on Control of Pathogens

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show the state of production of seed intended for the establishment of organic crops in Serbia. Current regulations in many countries require that the seed and planting material used for organic farming must be produced according to the rules applicable to organic crops. Organic seed production, compared to conventional, carries a higher risk of weed seed contamination and of seed-borne diseases which make it more difficult to obtain high quality seeds. The early harvest is one of the possible measures to improve the seed health and there are various forms of seed treatments (natural plant extracts and substances of natural origin). Results within the field of seed production are closely related to conservation of plant landraces and exchange of their seeds that are necessary for organic food producers in Serbia.