It's not news to anyone that the economic situation is tight this year on many farms. Producers are trying as many cost-cutting techniques as they can, including the use of more bin-run seed than usual. Many seed labs are reporting both variable germination rates and variable seed-borne infections. For those of you wanting to ensure good plant establishment, some simple precautions can make a big difference to your bottom line.
First, send your grain sample away for a germination test. This is a very cost-effective measure. There are a number of accredited seed laboratories from which you can choose. For a list of these laboratories contact your local rural service center.
Second, determine your seeding rates. This can ensure the most important aspect of the production year: getting the crop out of the ground at a proper density.
The first step is to obtain your 1000 kernel weight. You can do so at no cost. Simply count out 1000 seeds and measure their weight in grams. Your seeding rate should take into account seed size because it varies between both varieties and years. We also need to take into account seed mortality. Often this runs between 2% and 3%, but it can be higher under adverse environmental conditions.
Seeding rate can be calculated as follows:
| Seeding Rate (lbs./ac) = | Weight of 1000 seeds (in grams) x
P* % germination less expected mortality |
Third, many producers had ascochyta blight in their field peas in 1999. The safest way to establish a healthy field pea crop is to seed ascochyta free seed. But for many producers this is not an option in 2000. Therefore send your field pea sample to an accredited laboratory that can inform you about the level of seed borne infection. As a rule of thumb, up to 10 % ascochyta infected seed will not significantly affect plant establishment or yield, especially if you can promote quick emergence. Unlike lentils and especially chickpeas, field peas have a much lower risk of ascochyta transmission from the seed to the seedling. For lentils up to 5% ascochyta-infected seed will not significantly affect plant establishment or yield as long as soil conditions promote quick emergence and good seedling vigour. For chickpeas no level of ascochyta-infected seed should be used.
Finally, there are a number of seed treatments that are considered to provide young field pea seedlings with some added protection. The following seed treatments are available for the control of seed rot and seedling blight: Captan (30% captan, Norac Consepts), Agrox (15% captan fungicide plus insecticide, Norac Consepts), Apron (methalaxyl for control of pythium and downy mildew, Gustafson), and Thiram (75% thiram for control prevention of seed decay, seedling blight, and damping off, Gustafson). See the "Guide to Crop Protection 2000" for mixing with rhizobium and other restrictions.
So take some time to examine your seed. It may be the most important farming activity you do in 2000.