August 15, 2003

Agriculture production practices are changing. New trends such as early planting and low tillage are opening the doors for change. As the size of the average farm has increased, timely planting can be achieved by dedicating more equipment and labor to the planting process. More acres mean planting earlier and facing yield-robbing variables like disease and insects that can reduce the stand and yield potential.

The #1 agronomic performance driver is top-performing genetics and early, even-emerged stands. According to Purdue University, uneven emergence can reduce corn yields by 10 to 20%. Uneven emergence is the same as planting the crop after the optimum date.

Proven Genetics

LG Seeds breeds and develops hybrids for one thing – high yields. Extensive testing of all hybrids allows us to select the top-yielding hybrids then screen for early planting characteristics. Like germination, emergence and plant vigor under cool, wet conditions.

Disease and Insect Protection

So what is this technology and what advantages does it bring?  SuperKote® is a coating applied to the corn kernel to provide protection against seed eating insects and diseases that renders the seed useless. SuperKote is a technology that reduces the risk of stand loss, particularly when planting early where weather patterns may expose the seed to cool soils.  In cool soil conditions (below 50° F) corn germination slows or stops, depending on soil temperatures and the length of cold conditions.  Such prolonged periods that inhibit germination, provide more time for pathogens to infect the seed and kill the germ. 

Planting In Cool Soils

The advantages of SuperKote include better seed survival in the cool soils, due to protection against insects and diseases.  This is particularly important when the seed sits in the ground for an extended period of time before emerging, as happens every year in some areas.  The coating supports better stand establishment and reduces the risk of gaps caused by seed death.  Peace of mind from knowing the seed is protected is certainly an advantage.  Better seed establishment leads to fewer cases of replanting.

Some growers worry about getting their crop in the ground too early and fear not only cool/wet soil conditions, but also the possibility of a frost.  These are real hazards in the crop production world.  SuperKote corn offers a way to reduce the risk associated with seed mortality in cold soils and delayed emergence.  As for the frost concern, corn can regrow after a frost, if the growing point is still below the ground.  The growing point usually stays below the soil surface until the sixth leaf stage (collar is visible on six leaves).  The time required to develop six leaves provides about four to six weeks (or more in cool temperatures) from the time of planting.  This reduces the risk of stand loss to frost, even though the upper leaves are killed.  Also, late spring frosts are random and the advantage of yield potential outweighs the risk.

Reduce Planting Populations

Many growers who plant early will increase the seeding population to adjust for mortality in cool soils.  Some may plant 33,000 seeds per acre hoping to get a stand of 29 or 30,000.  The SuperKote system allows planting at the same population as two weeks later, in warm soils.  So if you are able to plant 2,000 less seeds per acre, you have saved 6% on every bag of corn.

LG Seeds does not promote planting corn at an unreasonable time, but we support early planting and believe it will increase your yields. SuperKote provides security when planting earlier (a week or so if conditions are right) than normal for your area.

Early planting dates for corn varies from region to region and the date that is early for some may be late for others.  But the fact remains, on average, early planted corn yields more than late planted corn.  Reasons for this include earlier canopy closure to reduce weed competition;  More mature plants when insects and diseases strike to provide better resistance against such problems; Early planted corn may be less affected (because they are mature) by late season diseases that can rob yields.

When using SuperKote Plant First hybrids from LG Seeds, you can be confident that you are maximizing the genetic potential in every kernel planted. More plants and higher yield will increase your return per acre.

LG Seeds, based in Elmwood, IL, is a producer and marketer of corn and soybean seed operating throughout the U.S. Cornbelt. As a marketing division of AgReliant Genetics, LLC, which is the North American joint venture between French based Groupe Limagrain and German based KWS SAAT AG, LG Seeds has access to the newest genetic materials and technologies.