About Us
Member Directory
Update Member Information
or Register as New Member
2003 Conference
Related WWWs
Announcements
Newsletter
Abstracts
Proceedings
CERTIFICATION AND PRODUCTION OF FORAGE LEGUME AND GRASS SEED IN ITALY
R.Bravi, V. Cazzola and A. Sommovigo
Ente Nazionale Sementi Elette, via Sicilia 2, 40060 Osteria Grande, Bologna, Italy
Italian forage seed production has been increasing in recent years. Climatic and geografic conditions are favourable to seed crops of several species, particularly of forage legumes. The most suited regions for forage seed production are in Central and North Italy. Alfalfa is the most important species, with 11150 hectars in 1998. Seed production of alfalfa ecotypes is still permitted, but from 2002, they will be cancelled from the Italian Variety Catalouge. Berseem clover and crimson clover also have an important role in certain areas of the Centre. Recently, there has been a steady increase of grass seed production, especially for Italian ryegrass. The amount of certified seed is increasing thanks to improved farming systems and quality consciousness among farmers and seed companies.
Keywords: seed production; forage legume seed; grass seed; certification; ecotypes.