Seed lots with low germination rates often perform poorly in cold weather and wet soils, Christmas said. Plant the good quality seed lots first, leaving the poor quality seed lots for later in the planting season when soil conditions are more ideal. Farmers planting seed with lower germination potential will need to use more seed to achieve desired stands, Christmas said. Planting equipment must be calibrated to compensate. Last year many farmers did not adjust for germination and they did not get the stands they wanted.
Calibration depends on germination rates and row width.
For seed below 90 percent germination, farmers should divide the seeds per acre or row feet by the germination rate on the seed tag, adding a decimal point before the first number. Low germinating seed is fragile and should be handled carefully, he said.