COLD SATURATION, WHAT IS IT? BREAK DOWN OF COLD SATURATION TEST

It happens almost every year, we have great planting conditions for 4-5 days, then a cold-wet period happens. The ground becomes saturated, the temperature drops, and you worry about your corn coming up.

Warm germination

All seed in the industry is tagged with a warm germination, a lot of seed will test 90-95% germination (warm germ). Warm germination is the percentage of seed that will germ under what we would consider ideal conditions, good temperatures and moisture levels.

SATURATED COLD TEST

The saturated cold test emulates imbibitional chilling shock and low oxygen levels. The cold saturated germ test is one of the most stressful seed tests you can perform on your seed, it separates seed even further, and can help determine your planting order especially if you are planting early.

EXAMPLE

For example, Hybrid A and Hybrid B both have warm germ percentage of 98%, but Hybrid A has cold saturated germ test of 91% and Hybrid B has a cold germ saturated cold test of 84%. Hybrid A with 91% cold saturation germ test would be the hybrid to plant first and would do better through a cold wet period after planting, while Hybrid B should be planted after any cold and wet period has passed.

B&A Genetics Test

At B&A Genetics we have a saturated cold germination test done on every hybrid. This will help in determine planting order and determine if you need to wait to plant a specific hybrid before a cold wet saturated period to maximize yields.

As you review your crop plan this spring with your EdgeUp Advisor, they will discuss with you your saturated cold germ test, to help determine your planting order and get your seed off to the right start.