As a result of 2004’s early frosts and wet harvest, there are concerns about the availability of quality seed in 2005. Crop Insurance customers are reminded that poor quality seed is not an insurable cause of loss.
As a Crop Insurance customer, you must have made an effort to obtain seed of reasonable quality, whether from seed growers or common seed from another producer or your own seed source. If you are using seed of a questionable quality, Crop Insurance recommends that you have the seed tested for reasonable germination by an accredited lab.
If the lab tests determine germination is an issue, you are expected to have sought advice regarding the results.
“Home germination tests may be inadequate, particularly when testing seed that is frost damaged and results in some abnormal seedlings,” said Saskatchewan Crop Insurance agrologist Chris Stewart.
If you have used seed based on the results of a home test, please set aside a sample amount of seed in the event that Crop Insurance needs to have the seed tested.
If the seed available to you is poor, consider other cropping options to mitigate establishment problems. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance will not pay establishment benefits because quality seed of a specific crop was not available.
“Warm soil and adequate moisture may reduce establishment problems for poor quality seed,” according to Stewart. “But regardless of conditions, you need to ensure that you have minimized any other stresses on the germinating seed and emerging seedling if you are using less than optimal seed.”
These measures include but are not exclusive to the following:
Seed treatment, which can reduce the incidence of seed rot and seedling disease.
Seed at the optimal seeding depth so that the plants can emerge as quickly and with as little stress as possible.
Good soil-to-seed contact to help with quick germination and emergence.
Avoid over-compaction and practices that may cause soil crusting.
Avoid planting into cold soils.
If you have any question how seed quality may affect your coverage, contact your Saskatchewan Crop Insurance customer service office today.
For more information, contact:
Chris Stewart
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
(306) 728 - 7216
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