Chapter 8 Techniques of propagation by seed

Seed Propagation Systems –Field seeding - agronomic crops (cereals, legumes, forage, vegetables) Least expensive Continuous growth Stationary (not transplanted) –To maximize success Proper preparation of seed bed –Loose and fine texture for good seed/soil contact –No crust (organic substances and phosphorous help) –Aggregates mm –Fumigate

Techniques of propagation by seed –Select high quality seed Fresh Tested –Correct planting time Germination temperature requirements Production schedule –Pretreat seeds Fungicide Priming Scarification Stratification Balance both

Techniques of propagation by seed –Select proper mechanical seeder First developed in 1850 Hopper, metering system, drill Random seeder = no exact spacing Precision seeder = preset spacing in row proper depth Plant 3-4x deep as diameter of the seed –Proper rate of sowing Weight of seeds per unit area Density (desired plants /unit area) # of seeds/unit wgt (seed count) Germ. % (as a decimal) Purity % (as a decimal) XX =

Techniques of propagation by seed Plug production –Plug = seedling produced in a small volume of medium contained in a small cell. Often per polystyrene sheet –Typically filled and sown mechanically –To harden-off seedlings, reduce temps & switch from NHNO 3 to CaNO 3 or KNO 3 (Calcium is used in cell wall lignification) –Often bottom watered using capillary mats or ebb-and-flow systems