John McLemore, County Extension Agent
I am sure many of you know by now just in case you do not many peanut growers will experience seed quality issues in 2020. The University of Georgia Extension program is committed to providing research-based solutions to the seed quality issue. Last week Dr. Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist, shared with extension agents his advice on what can be done to reduce the risk of having stand issues. Beginning with the next paragraph, and the paragraphs to follow are the pointers that Dr. Monfort want us to share with Georgia peanut growers.
Seed Options
Growers should ask what the germination percentage on every lot they purchase.
If you purchase seed, it should be 75 percent germination or above.
You could send sample to get germination percentage 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 percentage before you plant.
You might want to treat with Rancona seed treatment to reduce issues with aspergillus flavus and niger.
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 percent 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 percent 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.
For more information please contact Coffee County Extension at 912-384-1402.
Caption for photo:
Peanut seed quality: What can I do to reduce the risk of having stand issues
John McLemore, County Extension Agent
I am sure many of you know by now just in case you do not many peanut growers will experience seed quality issues in 2020. The University of Georgia Extension program is committed to providing research-based solutions to the seed quality issue. Last week Dr. Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist, shared with extension agents his advice on what can be done to reduce the risk of having stand issues. Beginning with the next paragraph, and the paragraphs to follow are the pointers that Dr. Monfort want us to share with Georgia peanut growers.
Seed Options
Growers should ask what the germination percentage on every lot they purchase.
If you purchase seed, it should be 75 percent germination or above.
You could send sample to get germination percentage 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 percentage before you plant.
You might want to treat with Rancona seed treatment to reduce issues with aspergillus flavus and niger.
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 percent 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 percent 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.
For more information please contact Coffee County Extension at 912-384-1402.