Australia
February 15, 2016

Seed that is stored on-farm for subsequent crop plantings is a valuable asset that needs to be well managed in storage.

That is the advice from research agronomist Philip Burrill (pictured), who is based at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD DAF).

His top tips and tools for best practice on-farm seed storage are outlined in Episode 18 of Ground Cover TV, which can be accessed at: www.grdc.com.au/GCTV.

Mr Burrill says when selecting grain for planting seed, it is important to ensure it is: well grown; disease-free; has varietal purity; has not been weather damaged prior to harvest; and is weed seed-free.

He says the ideal storage for planting seed is a cone-based silo that is aerated, sealable when a fumigation is required, has good hygiene and is able to keep grain cool.

To maintain good seed germination and vigour, he suggests using a quality aeration controller to manage aeration fans to help achieve the recommended grain temperatures in storage of less than 23°C in summer and 15°C in winter.

Growers are also encouraged to check grain in storage every month and use a sieve and insect probe traps to detect any insect pests early.

If pests are found, identify them and then seal the silo gas-tight to achieve an effective fumigation.

Keep a record of monthly checks, pests found and grain fumigations.

A germination and vigour test before seed grading and planting will also be valuable, Mr Burrill says.

The seed testing laboratory can ‘clean/grade’ seed samples prior to testing if required. If there is a poor test result, there is time to consider alternative sources of seed.

For more information about grain storage, see the GRDC’s stored grain hub at: www.storedgrain.com.au or call the hotline on: 1800 933 845.

 

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: February 15, 2016