 Soybean
Podcasts
Soybean Seed Quality
May 22, 2009
(3 minutes: 22 seconds)
3GP (3G Mobile Phones)
(3 minutes: 22 seconds)
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(3 minutes: 22 seconds)
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(3 minutes: 22 seconds)
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Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Rick Cartwright - Extension Plant Pathologist
[Title Slide Soybean Quality, Dr. Rick Cartwright, Extension Plant
Pathologist, Number 1 May 22, 2009, Your Arkansas Soybean Podcast, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board]
[Dr. Cartwright] Hi, Im Rick Cartwright, Plant Pathologist with the
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and today we are going to talk
about soybean seed quality.
[Slide Seed quality is important. Arkansas climate and geology is different
than other production regions; changes from year to year; critical for
establishing a uniform stand] Soybean seed quality has become an increasing
issue in Arkansas due to repeated stand failures in recent years, and the
increased expense of soybean seed. [Slide - Soybean Quality Project. Started
April 2008; Funded by Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board; Research and education
goals] In April 2008, the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board funded a research and
extension project through the Division, [picture of a publication Understanding
Soybean Seed Quality] focused on understanding the causes of seed quality
problems in Arkansas and educating growers and the industry on these issues.
[Slide Rating Seed Quality. 1. Standard Germination Test; 2. Accelerated
Aging Test test seed vigor] Seed quality is complex but there are two basic
tests used to rate it. [Slide Standard Germination Test. Tests for a seeds
ability to produce a normal seedling under optimum conditions.] The standard
germination test determines the percentage of seed that produce a normal
seedling under optimum temperature and moisture conditions. [Slide Germ
Values. 80% and above good quality; Germ value is required on all seed sold.]
Seed with no less than an 80% germ, at testing time, is considered of good
quality. [Picture of germinated seeds standard germ comparison poor germ
versus good germ] Germination test results are required to be provided,
generally on a bag tag or invoice, on all seed sold in the state.
[Slide Accelerated Aging Test, Tests for a seeds ability to produce a
normal seedling after being aged at high temperature and moisture for three
days.] The accelerated aging test determines the percentage of seed that produce
a normal seedling after being aged at high temperature and moisture. [Picture
showing Accelerated Aging Comparison of poor A A versus good A A] The AA test
estimates seed vigor, the ability of seed to emerge in the field [Picture
showing soybean plant poor emergence due to poor seed vigor.] under varying
conditions. Vigor is very important, especially in Arkansas, where field
conditions can be rough at planting. [Slide A A values. Estimated seed vigor;
65% and above = good vigor] Seed with an AA value of 65% or greater is
considered to have good vigor.
[Slide Vigor A A test. Not required on seed sold, but ask seed dealers for
the A A test results; Vigor changes over time; Re-test seed if planting in June
or July] Vigor test results are not required to be provided on seed sold in the
United States, however most seed dealers will provide the test results for any
seed lot they sell, if requested. [Picture of farm equipment] Since vigor
changes over time, consider having your planting seed re-tested if you are
planting in June or July, when planting conditions may be harsh. [Picture of a
soybean field with emerging plants]
[Slide Good quality seed indicates 80% minimum germ plus 65% minimum
accelerated aging] A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 80% germ combined with a
minimum of 65% accelerated aging are indicators of quality seed.
[Picture of soybean seed] The 2009 Soybean Seed Quality Survey is underway,
[Picture of seed bags in a warehouse] and we need your help collecting samples.
Last year was the first year for this statewide planting seed survey implemented
[Picture of an open bag of seed] to determine the germ and vigor of soybean seed
in Arkansas. [Slide What we learned from 2008 seed survey germ value didnt
change much over four month survey period and A A values (vigor) declined over
four month period.] Basically, we found that germ did not change much over the
almost four months of the survey, but the accelerated aging test values or
vigor declined quite a bit. [Slide 2009 Seed Quality Survey 2nd year
same format as 2008, Sample collection period = May 1 through July 31, 2009,
Three pound sample about 6 inches of seed or height of a coke can, County
agent will be collecting samples] From May 1 to the end of July, county
extension agents will be collecting 3 pound seed samples [Picture of a coke can
next to a sample bag of seed] from cooperating growers as well as field,
planting and resulting stand information. [Picture of a form] Please help these
agents when they contact you.
[Picture of seed bags on a pallet in a shed] Among the many factors that
affect seed quality, storage and handling conditions are considered very
important. [Slide Seed Storage Trials two soybean varieties, three storage
locations in state, samples taken every two weeks, Samples taken very two weeks,
Watch Dog data logger monitors temperature and humidty] This year, project
researchers are investigating this by monitoring soybean seed stored under
different conditions [Picture of a Watch Dog data logger] at three regional seed
companies in the state this year.
[Slide Remember, seed is an investment, understand what seed quality is and
why it is important, ask questions] The bottom line is, seed is the first and
foremost investment in your crop. Make sure your investment pays off, and comes
up. Know the quality of the seed you are buying, and if you have questions
just ask.
Announcer
Your Arkansas soybean podcast is a production of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and was funded in part by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion
Board. For more information on soybean farming in Arkansas, contact your local
county Extension office.
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