Hillston District Agronomist - Primary Industries Industry & Investment NSW
The question to keep weather damaged seed for sowing next years crop is common. In general, all seed I have seen that is being harvested at present is not ideal for next years seed supply. Close inspection shows many grains that have started to shoot, and falling numbers confirm this.
There are some examples of samples where this has not occurred, but they are rare.
The issue is that grain of this description has already started converting starch into sugar. This grain is then more likely to be damaged in storage, will have lower germination, and most importantly will be lower in vigour. This poses issues if the seedling is faced with any stress at sowing such as crusting, herbicide damage, seed depth variability, locusts etc.
Easy story, if you can, do not use this seed for sowing next years crop. There is heaps of undamaged seed around, and some of this is from varieties that are not under PBR. Remember if sowing at 35kg/ha, and buying seed at $500/t, you will only be paying $17.50/ha for good seed. That is cheap insurance to eliminate a large risk at that time of the season.
If you have to use the poor quality seed, do the following
- Get a germination and vigour test done. Note that this may vary slightly between lab tests and paddock conditions, and should be a guide only. This is especially the case with vigour tests, and I have not had many good experiences with this test and how it relates to field conditions.
- Use 'softer' seed dressings.
- Use 'softer' pre emergent herbicides, or none at all.
- Minimise grain movement between silo's, augers etc.
- Sow only into well prepared paddocks that will give it every opportunity to establish without stress.
For further information contact:
Nigel Phillips, NSW I&I Wagga Wagga on 0427 102 707 or
Barry Haskins, NSW I&I Griffith on 02 6960 1320.
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