PLANT CHAT
For your reading pleasure, because we just KNOW you’re getting tired of watching TV or waiting to plant, we offer to you the latest edition of Plant Chat. There’s a lot of good info in this one!
Seed Testing Reminder
As spring approaches, it is important to remind producers about germination requirements of any purchased seed or carryover seed they may be using for NRCS cost-share programs. Germination testing is important to help assure that proper seeding rates are being planted. When seed is sold, seed laws in each state specify a limit for the age of a germination test (Table 1). These requirements also apply to seed used for NRCS cost share programs. When a producer purchases seed, they should verify that germination testing dates meet their State seed law and NRCS program rules. Seed that is stored or carried over by a producer also needs to meet the germination testing standard. Seed vendors are aware of testing requirements, but it is easy to forget about retesting older purchased seed stored in a bin or shop. Seed lots with test dates that do not meet the standard need to have a new germination test run by an accredited seed testing lab (a tetrazolium test is not an acceptable substitute for a germination test). Even if germination testing is not required, a new test may be warranted if seed has been improperly stored. Heat and high humidity can greatly reduce germination and are the major killers of stored seed. Germination tests for grass and forb species generally take 14 to 28 days, so it is important to plan ahead.
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