Barley growers in SA’s Yorke Peninsula and Mid North regions are reporting germination rates as low as 10% in self-stored seed grain, though figures of 30 and 40% are more common.

According to ABB Seeds SA & WA Manager, Julien Pearce, the low germination rates being reported by some SA growers may be due to the effect of rain during harvest.

However, a variety of other factors including the cut-off to the season, damage during harvest, chemical damage and less than ideal storage conditions could all be contributing to the phenomenon.

Using poor quality grain for seed can have detrimental effects on crop establishment and production due to:
* Reduced germination percentage and seedling vigour
* Increased time of germination
* Increased susceptibility to some diseases
* Seedlings more susceptible to herbicide damage and/or insect attack

The importance of a healthy fertile seed is even greater due to the prevalence of Rhizoctonia across most of the state. Good fertile seed gives the crop the best chance for a quick early germination and more rapid root growth. This means that plant roots can push through the rhizoctonia zone faster and be less affected by the disease.

Agronomists are being advised to encourage growers who stored barley, and other crop seed from last season for use as seed to have germination tests carried out to ensure it is suitable for use, or so that sowing rates can be adjusted to ensure there are an adequate number of plants per m2.

Mr Pearce considers a germination rate of about 80% to be the cut-off point for grain intended for seed. The minimum national standard for quality-assured barley seed is 85% germination.

Rural Solutions SA’s analytical laboratory Seed Services Australia provides a range of cost-competitive seed tests to establish seed quality parameters including germination percentage, purity analysis, and weed seed content. To get a seed test carried out or for more information on the seed tests available contact Seed Services Australia on 8303 9549.  There is information on how to take a seed sample in the seed testing section of the Seed Services Australia website.

AUTHOR: Tarnya Brooksby, Business Support Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: Tarnya Brooksby, Rural Solutions SA/ PIRSA Office Keith, Telephone, 08 8755 3166, Email brooksby.tarnya@saugov.sa.gov.au