Written by cpm from CPM Magazine
Download PDF There’s anecdotal evidence that growers are increasingly drilling untreated cereal seed. CPM explores why and asks whether the associated risks are worth taking With bunt and loose smut, levels are able to multiply very quickly if not managed. By Rob Jones and Charlotte Cunningham There’s a shift in attitude towards certified seed and seed treatments, both from a cost perspective and as cereal growers look to reduce pesticide use and environmental impact. While these are admirable aims for any farm business, experts believe there’s a danger that some long-forgotten diseases could make a very damaging comeback. Both seed merchants and mobile seed cleaning contractors report an increase in farms asking for a reclean only when purchasing certified seed or having their farm-saved seed processed at home. The primary reason for this trend is economics according to mobile seed processing specialist Anglia Grain’s regional business manager Rob Barrie. At a time when the subsidy system is changing and direct payments reduced, growers are scrutinising costs and seed treatments seem to have been one of the first in the firing line when looking to trim inputs, he adds. The seed treatments in question are single purpose dressings or SPDs, although…
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Download PDF There’s anecdotal evidence that growers are increasingly drilling untreated cereal seed. CPM explores why and asks whether the associated risks are worth taking With bunt and loose smut, levels are able to multiply very quickly if not managed. By Rob Jones and Charlotte Cunningham There’s a shift in attitude towards certified seed and seed treatments, both from a cost perspective and as cereal growers look to reduce pesticide use and environmental impact. While these are admirable aims for any farm business, experts believe there’s a danger that some long-forgotten diseases could make a very damaging comeback. Both seed merchants and mobile seed cleaning contractors report an increase in farms asking for a reclean only when purchasing certified seed or having their farm-saved seed processed at home. The primary reason for this trend is economics according to mobile seed processing specialist Anglia Grain’s regional business manager Rob Barrie. At a time when the subsidy system is changing and direct payments reduced, growers are scrutinising costs and seed treatments seem to have been one of the first in the firing line when looking to trim inputs, he adds. The seed treatments in question are single purpose dressings or SPDs, although…
The post Seeds – Challenging the status quo appeared first on cpm magazine.
Continue reading on CPM website...
If you are enjoying what you read then why not considering subscribing here: http://www.cpm-magazine.co.uk/subscribe/