A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

“Potential Seed Quality issues in 2020 – What can I do to reduce the risk of having stand issues?”

Seed Options

  • Growers should ask what the Germination % is on every lot they purchase.
  • If you purchase seed, it should be 75% germination or above.
    • You could send sample to get germination % from Department of Agriculture if you have time before planting
  • Farmer saved seed may be in any range.  
    • Please make sure to take a sample and submit to the department of Agriculture to determine germination % before you plant. 
  • You might want to treat with Rancona seed treatment to reduce issues with aspergillus flavus and niger. See Bob Kemerait’s notes he sent out earlier.

Agronomic Decisions

  • For Seed of all quality —- plant at optimal conditions (soil temp over 68 degrees and good moisture). 
    • Planting marginal seed in subpar conditions will make the situation worse.
  • Do not plant seed with marginal seed quality more than 2.5 inches deep.
  • If you have multiple seed lots and/or numerous totes, use the ones with the best germination earlier in the season when soils are not quite as warm.
  • Make sure the soil has adequate moisture for germination and emergence. This is not the year to chase soil moisture!
  • Consider slowing down your planting speed.
  • Under dry conditions, make sure to irrigate before and after planting.
  • Use an in-furrow inoculant
  • Determine if in-furrow fungicide is needed.
  • Do not add any other bio-stimulant or fertilizer product in-furrow with seed. All you need is the seed, inoculant, insecticide, and fungicide!!!  Why take the risk?

Seeding Rates

  • Seed at 85% germination or above: plant at normal rates
  • High 70’s to low 80’s :  increase seeding rate 1-2 seed per foot
  • Seed below 75% germination the outcome may not be very good if you do everything right.
  • You have more flexibility with twin row plantings to bump up the seeding rate. With lower germination- increasing seeding rate can be the way to compensate BUT if you stack too many seed on top of one another you can get the opposite result. Placing seeds on top of one another or touching in the furrow can increase the potential for seed rot.
  • It’s best not to go over 8 to 8.5 seeds per foot on twin rows and not over 7.5 seed per foot on single rows. It is hard to plant more than 6 seed per foot with a single row planter with a large editable bean plate. You may need to use a virginia peanut plate.  
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