Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 29, S. 2001, OCTOBER 25, 2001)
The objective is to assure that high quality planting materials of superior potato varieties, with known genetic identity, varietal purity, and freedom from systemic pests and diseases, are produced.
Only varieties that are duly approved and registered by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) are eligible for certification.
Only accredited seed potato growers, which may include individuals, cooperatives or corporations that have satisfied the requirements under Administrative Order No. 36, Series of 2000, are eligible to apply.
NSQCS is the Seed Certifying Agency authorized under R.A. 7308 to conduct seed certification in the Philippines.
The minimum area for seed production should be at least 0.5 hectare.
The field must be free from potato cyst nematode and root knot nematode, have a maximum of 10 cfu per seed lot of bacterial wilt organism, be rotated with non-solanaceous crops for at least two cropping seasons, accessible to seed storage, and have appropriate agro-climatic conditions, including a minimum elevation of 900 meters in Mindanao and 1800 meters in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Roguing means the removal and destruction of all diseased or undesirable plants or tubers to maintain seed quality.
At least three field inspections are required: first within 20-30 days after planting, second within 40-50 days, and third within 60-75 days after planting.
Certified seed stocks must be officially tagged with color-coded tags indicating the seed class and include information such as crop/variety, seed grower name, laboratory name, lot number, germination percentage, test date, harvest date, and seed inspector name.
Seed growers must pay field inspection fees (P100 to P200 depending on area) for three inspections, additional inspection fees (P50 per inspection), and certification fees including laboratory analysis fees for bacterial wilt (P200/sample) and virus testing (P300/sample), and pay for tags (P2 each).