MORINGA SEED PRODUCTION - ODC 3
Genetically Pure ODC3 moringa variety seeds are sown in an isolated field , usually 1000 Meters away from other varieties of moringa .Moringa is a cross-pollinated crop .So when planted close to other varieties of moringa , the pollen grains ( male reproductive part ) of other moringa variety flowers may cross pollinate the ODC 3 flowers and the pods set as a result of this undesirable cross pollination may produce genetically contaminated seeds ,resulting in variations in characters like uneven flowering , pods size , taste etc when sown next .
The moringa seed reaches physiological maturity in about 9 months after sowing and pods are allowed to remain in mother trees until it turn brown and usually harvested by 10 th month when seeds turn dark brown or black in colour. The pods are split open and seeds are extracted . Big sized bottom 10 globular seeds are chosen and other seeds on distal end of pods are discarded .
Moringa seeds don’t carry dormancy and fresh seeds germinate by over 95% and germination percentage decreases as time lapses . However seeds can be dried to 8% moisture and stored in a airtight container for about 9 months without reduction in germination quality .
Minimum seed germination standard for moringa is 70% .
