AF Seed Procurement Manager Hannah Carthy shares steps you can take to boost success when drilling cereals in late autumn.
Variety matters
Select vigorous, strong-tillering varieties.
Increase seed rate - it compensates for reduced tilling and shorter growing periods and creates a crop more competitive against weeds. How much you increase by depends on sowing date and soil type.
Treat your seed
Adding treatments to seed can help establishment, early development and pest control. Currently available seed treatments include:
Treatment | Use | Approx. cost per tonne |
Signal | Reduction of wheat bulb fly & wireworm damage | £110 |
Latitude | Reduction of take-all disease in second wheats | £200 |
Vibrance Duo | Control of seed-borne diseases & brings excellent establishment & rooting benefits | £50 |
Take-off | Accelerates germination, emergence, establishment & canopy closure | £45 |
Nuello iN | Improves plant's ability to convert & use nitrogen. Also boosts crop vigour & root development | £60 |
Manganese | Provides immediate nutrient boost for improved germination, seedling vigour, & overall health | £40 |
Check conditions
Whichever variety or seed treatment you use, drilling in the right conditions is just as important. From the state of your seedbed to a suitable weather window, and right machinery setup used in the right way, give your crop the best chance to get off to a good start.
To order or discuss varieties or treatments that might work best for you, get in touch.
Hannah Carthy, AF Seed Procurement Manager