What type of seed is utilized to produce foundation seed?

Foundation seed is produced from breeder seed. Breeder seed is the initial seed produced by a plant breeder and is genetically pure, making it the highest quality seed available for propagation. It serves as the source for foundation seed, which is then used to produce certified seed for commercial use.

Breeder seed undergoes careful selection and testing to ensure it meets specific genetic and quality standards, enabling subsequent generations—like foundation seed—to maintain these qualities. Foundation seed is essential for maintaining genetic integrity in seed production and is critical for establishing new varieties that will eventually be sold to farmers and producers.

While other types of seeds such as treated seed or even foundation seed itself may appear viable, they do not originate from the most genetically pure and controlled source as breeder seed does, making it the correct choice in this context.