Seed Germination and Vigor of Chosen Species of Spring Cereals in Relation to Yield in Organic Farming

The effect of the seed quality on the field emergence rate and yield of grain in organic farming system was evaluated in laboratory and field experiments with the five species of spring cereals. Field experiments were carried out in 2010 at two experimental localities - experimental station of the CULS Prague in Uhrineves and Crop Research Institute in Prague-Ruzyne. There were determined differences between evaluated seed categories - organic certified seed, farmer seed from better and worse soil-climatic conditions, conventional seed. Markedly higher yields were achieved at locality Uhrineves, where improving preceding crop was used. In comparison of the seed categories it was proved, that the farmer seed from better growing conditions is able to achieve almost the same results regarding seed quality and obtained yields as certified seed. On the other hand, farmer seed from the worse growing conditions achieved worse results in most of evaluated parameters.