How to produce seed for heterogeneous inbred cereal populations

Maintains genetic diversity and local adaptation in organic inbred cereal seed production through a 1,000 m² nucleus plot with strict contamination control. Emphasizes high intra-population diversity, minimal early selection, and retention of backup seed. Recommends harvesting only the top half of ears to preserve genetic material, with promising lines kept separate or combined into multi-line mixtures. Supports long-term seed system stability via annual sampling, careful seed cleaning, and field book recording of performance and climate data. Designed for small-scale, community-based organic seed systems with a focus on ecological resilience and sustainability. Part of the Liveseed Practice abstract series on participatory and ecological seed systems.