PGRO seed testing results prove good seed quality from the 2008 pulse harvest
"The PGRO seed laboratory has been busy this year, and we have seen a 40% increase in the number of both winter and spring beans for testing," says Paul Armitage, Senior Technical Officer, announcing the PGRO’s 2008 harvest seed testing results. "Our testing programme results show that the overall seed quality in 2008 has been good and in line with the good crop yields, with most crops standing well through a difficult harvesting period."
"However, we have noticed an increase in the number of samples testing positive for stem nematodes. Currently, 20% of all beans tested have been infested. If infested seed is sown, although the new crop may not be severely damaged, the nematodes are able to multiply and remain viable in the soil for ten or more years, placing future crops of beans at risk. In severe cases, yields may be reduced to less than a tonne per hectare. While infested seed is unsuitable for drilling, the beans are still usable for animal feed compounds, and blemish-free produce may still be suitable for export.
The main seed-borne disease of any economic consequence for field beans is Ascochyta fabae. Fortunately, the disease levels on bean samples tested this season have been low.
Peas, which were harvested early, generally yielded well, but later harvested crops suffered from the persistent wet conditions. Levels of Ascochyta vary more, with higher levels being found on some samples. Seed treatment with a suitable product such as HyTL or Wakil XL will give good control of seed infection.
Germination levels have tended to be more variable. There are three main elements which have a large effect on this: the first is the weather, which is not under our control. However, we can control damage caused through mechanical handling and through drying - two elements that are often connected."
"With input costs increasing dramatically, it has never been more important to ensure that seed of a high quality is used for crop establishment," stressed Mr Armitage.
