Australia
April 16, 2013

Planting clean seed into clean paddocks with clean borders is a major step towards managing weed and disease issues in the northern region.

That’s the message from James Clark, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) northern panel chair who says seed testing should be high on the ‘to do’ list for growers preparing for winter crop planting.

“Growers need to know the seed they are planting is viable and clean,”
Mr Clark said.

“Wet seasons have meant growers may have retained seed that is weather damaged or diseased.

“Planting clean seed is also important for preventing the spread of herbicide-resistant weed seeds.”

A GRDC fact sheet, Retaining Seed, outlines details on planting depths for key crops where seed is weather-damaged and covers seed quality issues.

Key points include:

• Weather damaged grain is likely to have a lower germination percentage and poorer vigour, so seeding rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• A laboratory seed test should be used to establish the germination percentage of on-farm retained seed before sowing, especially if it has been weather damaged. A vigour test is also recommended.
• Purchased seed will be certified and should include details of germination percentage.
• Coleoptile length varies between varieties and can be affected by some seed dressings which should be avoided on weather-damaged seed.
• It is essential that nothing makes it harder for the germinating seed to reach the surface and establish,” Mr Clark said.

“Sowing too deeply, cold or wet soil, some seed dressings and herbicides
and hard setting soil, can all reduce seedling emergence.

“The coleoptile surrounding the first leaf of cereals protects and guides the shoot as it grows through the soil.

“If the seed is sown deeper than the length of the coleoptile the plant can fail to emerge.”

To download the GRDC Retaining Seed fact sheet, visit www.grdc.com.au/uploads/documents/GRDC_FS_RetainingSeed2.pdf

For more information on GRDC-supported research, visit www.grdc.com.au.
 

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: April 16, 2013