Experts advise on what farmers can do to maximise the quality of their farm-saved seed this harvest.
The challenging autumn last year is expected to have disrupted some certified seed cropping plans, and with high disease pressure revealing the limitations of some older varieties, the supply of in-demand varieties could be tight this coming season.
The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) saw little difference in the overall certified seed market for spring crops due to difficult drilling conditions, says Stephanie Spiers, head of business operations for BSPB. However, she advises that if growers want certified seed for the autumn, they should let their supplier know as soon as possible.
“For farmers intending to use farm-saved seed, some fabulous processors are out there. They can quickly turn out the quality farmers need and will collect the royalty at the point of processing,” adds Stephanie.
Whether they cannot secure the seed they need or planned farm-saved seed from the start, there are some steps farmers can take to manage the area of cropping that will be used to produce their seed to the highest standard possible, says Tom Wheelhouse, technical specialist for UPL.
Selecting the best part of a field for seed production allows for bespoke crop management of farm-saved seed, says Tom. It should be a promising crop in a traditionally high-yielding part of a field.
He adds that ideally, the crop should be clean of weeds and not follow a crop in the rotation that could increase disease threats, such as maize.
“Preferably, the crop was sown using certified seed, providing confidence in its purity from the start.
“These areas should be regularly inspected. Where diseases such as bunt, ergot, leaf stripe and loose smut are present, do not use it for seed production.
“Additionally, effective weed control ensures a clean seed sample is produced, and weeds are not spread to other fields. Rogueing of black grass, brome, wild oats, off-types, and visibly infected tillers will help to ensure the seed sample is clean,” explains Tom
Similarly, before harvesting crops destined for farm-saved seed, Tom says the combine must be cleaned to remove weed seeds or other crops and varieties.
“Harvest in optimum conditions. Try to harvest when the seed is at 15% moisture to avoid the need for grain drying, which in turn can reduce seed germination.
“If drying is required, ensure the temperature is not too high and moisture does not drop below 15%. Farm-saved seed should also be stored separately from any other grain,” says Tom.
Every sample of farm-saved seed should be tested after harvest to assess the quality of the samples, continues Tom. Testing will show the percentage germination and detect seed-borne diseases.
“Fungicide single purpose dressings (SPDs) should be used where testing has established a presence of disease on the seeds or if the seed is untested.
“Seed treatments like Rancona-i-Mix (ipconazole + imazalil) are essential to ensure a rapid and uniform crop establishment, which is critical in a season like this year. They have a low cost per hectare and control seed-borne diseases that cannot be controlled with foliar fungicides,” explains Tom.
He adds that further seed treatments on top of the SPD may be required in specific circumstances. Signal 300ES (cypermethrin) will reduce the damage caused by wireworm, wheat bulb fly, and frit fly. Products containing silthiofam will help control take-all if it is second or third wheat.
Tom says biostimulant seed treatments like Sunagreen and nutrition like manganese also help improve establishment and early crop growth.
Where growers are unsure what royalty rates are due for farm-saved seed, Stephanie advises that the complete list is available on the BSPB website, or farmers can contact their farm support team.
Genetics are essential to overcoming the agronomic challenges farmers face, and breeders need to see a return to develop new varieties, says Staphanie.
“Royalties are investment for seed innovation,” she adds.
Cereal seed treatment market heading for shake-up
With several active substances used within cereal fungicidal seed treatments facing uncertain futures, UPL plans to bring to market a new option based on azoles plus an additional mode of action.
Products containing fludioxonil, tebuconazole and ipconazole are at risk under the EU regulatory process, according to UPL’s Tom Wheelhouse, with any decisions on non-approval likely to follow in the UK market.
“The upshot is the seed treatment market is likely to change quite radically in the next three to five years,” he predicts.
That could make loose smut control in barley, in particular, more of a challenge, with prothioconazole effectiveness threatened by reduced sensitivity.
“It’s a disease that could become more widespread if those actives go,” Tom suggests.
UPL has been testing alternative modes of action as possible options to partner with azole chemistry at its Shray Hill research and development centre, one of which is showing promise with broader spectrum control of the main five seed-borne diseases, loose smut, leaf stripe, bunt, fusarium and Microdochium nivale.
“We’re hopeful we will have a product to help growers control these important seed-borne diseases,” he says.
