Question & AnswerQ&A (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 27, S. 2001, OCTOBER 24, 2001)
The basis is the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7308, otherwise known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992.
The standards cover the production of hybrid (F1) seeds and hybrid rice parental seeds (A or CMS line).
The National Seed Industry Council approves the standards and procedures.
The general requirements applicable to all crops, including hybrid rice and its parental seeds, are as adopted by the National Seed Quality Control Services and are basic requirements along with specific ones detailed in the order.
Inspections are to be conducted at: a) transplanting, b) maximum tillering, before heading to flowering, c) before harvest, and d) at harvest time to ensure proper procedures and removal of off-types.
The area must have fertile soil suitable for parental lines, sufficient irrigation, efficient drainage, be non-shaded, and have no serious past pest or disease incidence.
Isolation methods include distance isolation (at least 100 meters), time isolation (separating flowering by at least 3 weeks), and barrier isolation (physical or crop barriers at least 2.5 meters in height and 3 to 4 meters wide).
Both F1 hybrid seeds and A line seeds must have a minimum pure seed percentage of 98.00%.
The minimum germination rate required is 85.00% for both seed types.
The maximum allowable moisture content is 14.00% for both hybrid F1 and A line seeds.
The tagging identifies seed stock that meets seed certification standards, with official bright orange tags for hybrid F1 seeds and old rose tags for hybrid rice parental seeds to ensure traceability and certification.
Non-compliance is a ground for the denial of seed certification.
Natural or artificial physical obstacles such as topographic features or crop barriers at least 2.5 meters high and 3 to 4 meters wide.
At least five hectares of compact land is required for the production area.