By Scout Nelson
Craig Sheaffer, an Extension forage agronomist, emphasizes the importance of understanding seed labels for establishing a productive stand of alfalfa. The seed label, mandated by Federal and Minnesota seed laws, provides crucial information for evaluating seed quality and value.
Key items on the seed label include:
- Kind: Identifies species in the bag, like alfalfa in the example.
- Variety: Indicates the specific variety, such as 'Dozer II' in the example. 'Variety not stated' (VNS) labels denote unknown genetics.
- Pure Seed: Represents the weight percentage of the desired crop in the seed mix. In the example, 65.8% purity means 34.2% is inert matter or other substances.
- Germination: Shows the percentage of seeds expected to germinate within a specified time.
- Hard Seed: Refers to seeds that germinate after the standard period, usually under 10%.
- Germination & Hard Seed: Combined percentage of both, which is 95% in the example.
- Date of Test: Indicates the freshness of the seed test. Seed in Minnesota is tested every 12 months.
- Seed Inoculation: Essential for alfalfa and legumes, noting the expiration date of the Rhizobium inoculum.
- Coating: Includes fungicides, colorants, and polymers for seed protection and should be detailed on the label.
- Weed Seed: Legally limited to less than 1% by weight in Minnesota.
Calculating pure live seed (PLS) is crucial for determining the actual number of viable seeds in a bag. PLS is calculated by multiplying the pure seed percentage by the germination percentage.
For instance, a bag with 65.8% purity and 95% germination yields 62.5% PLS. This calculation affects the seeding rate and cost. A lower germination rate, like 80%, results in lower PLS, requiring more seed per acre.
Understanding these label components helps farmers make informed decisions about the seed they purchase, ensuring a higher chance of successful alfalfa cultivation.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-0shut0
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Alfalfa