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Chapter 8. Techniques of propagation by seed. 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
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Chapter 8 Techniques of propagation by seed
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 1 - 12 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 • Planting @ 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) X Germ. % (as a decimal) X Purity % (as a decimal)
Techniques of propagation by seed • Plug production • Plug = seedling produced in a small volume of medium contained in a small cell. Often 200 - 800 per polystyrene sheet • Typically filled and sown mechanically • To harden-off seedlings, reduce temps & switch from NHNO3 to CaNO3 or KNO3 (Calcium is used in cell wall lignification) • Often bottom watered using capillary mats or ebb-and-flow systems