Analyse Comparative des Semences Certifiées et Graines “Tout Venant “

ABSTRACT
Comparative analysis of certified and “all-coming” seeds
The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of corn (maize), groundnut and cowpea (black-eyed
pea) seeds bought on the market and used as seeds by farmers in the hinterland of Kinshasa. The evaluation
method focused on the determination of water content, specific purity and germination capacity of these seeds
according to the protocols used at the National Seed Laboratory in Kinshasa. The results of the quality analyses
showed that the “all-coming” seeds globally had less seed quality, compared to certified seeds.
The average results showed that the “all coming” seeds had a humidity content of 11.60%; a specific
purity of 93.92% and a germination capacity 61.33%, whereas certified seeds had respectively the values of
10.71%, 98.26 and 88.33%. These values allow us to conclude that’’ all coming’’ seeds contain impurities. In
addition, one out of two seeds bought on the market and used as usable seed do not germinate. This situation is
a loss for the farmer who uses them as reliable seeds, as the rate of purity (specific purity) and germination
capacity are weak. Hence, the use of the certified seeds must be recommended.