The 2007 growing season was the fifth hottest since national records began in 1895. The weather from this past summer took a toll on soybean production since August is a critical month for determining both yield potential and the seed quality of the soybean crop.

Below I will share with you some comments from Phil Record, AgReliant Soybean Grower Manager, and Angie Rutt, AgReliant Quality Assurance Manager, about what this all means for the soybean seed you are preparing to plant in the days and weeks ahead.

Growers faced some trying conditions in 2007. It was hot and dry through early August with some rain in late August, followed by dry harvest conditions and widespread green stems. Add in Aphids, Spider Mites and Pod and Stem blight and that about sums it up. Green stems and soybeans being too dry at harvest were the two main problems. Optimum moisture for soybean harvest is 12 to 14%, but many were harvested in the 9 to 10% range. This situation was further complicated by the widespread occurrence of green stem disorder. Some growers harvested the green stems while others elected to wait. In the first case either the cylinder or rotor speed have to be increased to deal with the green stems or in the second case the soybeans continue to become increasingly too dry. Either of these scenarios led to our main problem of increased mechanical damage in the seed crop.

There were the other stress factors like Spider Mites, Soybean Aphids, and in a few areas enough rain in late August to see some fungal diseases like Pod and Stem Blight. Seeds infected with Pod and Stem Blight can be treated with seed treatments to preserve the germination. However, when there is both Pod and Stem Blight and mechanical damage present, the treating process is another handling step and may cause even further damage to the loose and cracked seed coats. Retail locations capable of treating their own seed need to keep this in mind before applying any treatment to untreated seed that was shipped in.

AgReliant Quality Assurance Manager, Angie Rutt shared the following, “Due to severe growing conditions in some areas of production across the Midwest in 2007, there has been a drop in soybean quality reported by most State Crop Improvement Associations and seed testing labs across the industry. In the samples being tested in our lab, we have seen many lots with the appearance of cracked seed coats, elongated shapes, and some discoloration due to “weathering” (fast dry-down then rain at harvest) in the field.”

Germination tests on some lots are showing higher abnormal seedlings than last year also due to the growing/harvest conditions and mechanical damage. Many of these abnormal seedlings will grow into viable plants under good field conditions. Rutt suggests using caution at planting time. Do not plant too early as optimum field conditions are recommended for planting soybeans this season more than any. Caution must also be taken in the handling of the seed as not to cause additional mechanical damage when transferring from bags or bulk boxes into the planter or drill.

For Handling Soybean Seed Before Planting

The best advice is to do as little as possible and if you have to do it gently. If augers (preferably a brush auger) are used, keep them full. Do not drop the seed any long distances. The germination will be as good or better than the tag indicates, but be aware that the seed is fragile.

At Planting

Wait until the soil is dry enough and temperatures near 65° F and in a conventional system take care to prepare a good seedbed. Populations of around 145,000 to 155,000 plants per acre are usually enough unless you are planting with a drill. Adjust the target population based on the germination rate and to offset any adverse field conditions.

At Great Lakes Hybrids, we are doing our best to supply your needs. We appreciate your patience in this trying year of soybean seed production. So treat the seed gently and don’t take any unnecessary risks when planting as replant seed may be quite scarce. And don’t forget, corn commodity prices for 2008 are looking good too!

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