Harrowden takes the lead on seed traceability

Harrowden Seed Traceability – 01.11.24 –

Wildflowers are not just a beautiful addition to our landscapes; they play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting pollinators and enhancing the overall health of ecosystems. Robust seed production is essential for ensuring the availability of high-quality wildflower seeds and several key components contribute to this process.

Harrowden has been producing Meadowmat wildflower turf since the early 2000s and is now taking complete control of its seed production, drawing on scientific principles to meet the requirements of each species throughout its lifecycle.

So, we are growing our own plants, processing our own seeds and bringing our own seeds to market. Not only will we be using our own seed in our Meadowmat wildflower turf, but we are also making it available to our various markets as fully traceable wildflower seed mixes.

Fully traceable seed is only achievable through careful planning, monitoring and management throughout the entire seed production cycle. The ultimate goal is to produce seeds that are genetically diverse, viable and adapted to the specific ecological conditions of their intended planting sites.

One of the primary benefits of robust seed production is the preservation of genetic diversity within wildflower populations. A diverse gene pool ensures that a new planting will be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, resist diseases and thrive in a range of local conditions.

Our carefully chosen seed lines and mixes combined with excellent customer support will help to give your project a higher likelihood of successful establishment and survival, contributing to the restoration and conservation of native habitats.

Seed Cleaning:

Cleaning is a critical step in wildflower seed production that involves the removal of impurities such as plant particles, dust and other seeds from the batch. This process ensures the production of high-quality seeds with optimal germination rates, leading to successful plant establishment.

Efficient cleaning methods like air-screening and gravity separation help to remove unwanted materials, allowing seeds to receive adequate moisture and oxygen for optimal germination. This results in more robust and vigorous seedlings, improving the overall success of wildflower planting projects.

Cleaning not only improves seed quality but also helps to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases. Seeds can harbour fungal and bacterial contaminants that may affect plant health, so meticulous cleaning reduces the risk of introducing harmful pathogens to new sites, safeguarding both wildflower populations and the surrounding ecosystems.

Traceability in wildflower seed production involves maintaining detailed records of the entire seed production process, from collection to distribution. This ensures transparency, accountability, and the ability to track the origin and handling of seeds throughout their journey.

Traceability is a fundamental aspect of quality assurance in seed production. By accurately documenting the source, processing and storage of seeds, we are able to identify and rectify any potential issues that may arise during the production cycle. Assessing the performance of different seed lots allows us to track the success of cultivation practices and develop informed strategies to improve overall production efficiency.