Basics of seed harvesting

A review of seed-related literature has shown that there is no an integral text on seed crop harvesting. Simultaneously, analyses and descriptions of a number of elements of harvesting process have been found and general principles derived on their basis. Seed harvesting factors comprise three groups or 10 sub groups or some hundred elements. The first group incorporates crop condition factors: (1) vegetative: abiotic, biotic, and (2) cultural practices. The second group incorporates factors determining crop readiness for harvest: (3) maturity indicators, (4) maturation monitoring, (5) graduality of harvest, (6) harvest options (consequences of early or late start of harvest, late end of harvest, long period of harvest), (7) harvest duration and (8) optimization of harvest start and end. The third group incorporates factors defining harvest instruments: (9) harvest implements (by hand and mechanical) and (10) harvest methods (one- and two-step harvest manual harvest, machine harvest). The most important factors are: variety characteristics, weather conditions, moisture status, quality and intensity of applied technology, crop uniformity, optimal start and duration of harvest process. Timely harvest is a factor maintaining seed crop quality and level. Success in harvest depends on optimized interaction among the factors, ethics and know-how.