Here’s how you can prevent stand problems
A perfect stand sets the stage for high ear count at harvest. Knowing the quality of your seed lets you avoid or manage potential stand problems.
“Most tags list the warm germination rating, but few contain cold and saturated-cold scores,” says Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie. “I know of no companies that provide pericarp scores. So have your seed tested by a professional laboratory.”
MANAGE YOUR SCORE
A seed lot with a high warm-germination score but low cold and saturated-cold score can still produce an excellent stand if you manage it correctly, Ferrie points out.
“Wait to plant it until you have warm soil temperature and a forecast for warm weather until the crop is up and growing,” he says. “But if test results are too low, ask your dealer if you can swap the seed for a better-testing lot.”
Quality issues can result from a hybrid’s genetics, the weather or from handling after harvest.
“If a quality issue affects most of the hybrid that was produced, the company may not be able to provide higher-testing seed,” Ferrie says. “Then your only option is to exchange it for a different hybrid.”
Your hybrid plan, he says, should include backup choices with similar plant characteristics, such as:
- Plant type
- Leaf structure
- Ear type
- Disease and trait packages
“If you can’t replace your original choice with the same hybrid or a similar one, it may be better to manage the one you have — plant it later when soil is warmer,” Ferrie says.
Pericarp damage is important if you apply liquid starter fertilizer in the furrow with the seed.
“A ‘severe’ damage rating means damage to the embryo axis (the indented part of the seed),” Ferrie says. “Seeds with tears in the axis are susceptible to salt burn from starter.”
If you lose too many plants, the benefit from starter will be lost to lower ear count. Omit starter if the amount of severe pericarp damage exceeds 6%, he suggests. Seed with a high pericarp-damage score can produce a good stand, as long as you manage the risk from in-furrow fertilizer.
ANALYZE SEED QUALITY
If you don’t test seed before planting, Ferrie suggests storing lot samples in a cool, dry place. If you have stand issues, analyze seed quality.
Scan to read Ken Ferrie’s seven steps to a perfect stand.
