Was there a problem with the Canola Seed

[husker]

When we planted in Early May there had to be adequate moisture to get the crop going. All my other crops came reasonably well. I've asked my seed dealer in regards to moisture required to get through the prosper seed treatment as compared to Helix, no answers yet. All they did was send out their agologist who thought I had enough plant stand for an average crop, but it seemed he was more interested in telling the stringent quality controls Bayer uses in their seed program. IS it seed treaments poor seed vigor or poor germ, maybe it was just to dry just looking for opinions do not want to see another train wreck like this repeated.

[NDHAWK]

Not sure in your case but a lot of canola in our area had problems due to the cold soil temps. Same seed sowed 2-4 wks later(resowed due to frost/wind damage)looks a lot better. The corn and soybeans had the same issues as well.

[jensend]

the seed treatment would be reasonable guess when you see crappy crops of so many different varieties over a wide area. usually canola doesn't do that badly on cold soil, it may be delayed but not thinned to the point of disaster. lots of spring frosts would have more effect from what i've seen. it's suspicious to me when you see good farmers having a widespread disaster.

[bduke]

I've had poor experiences with prosper treated canola when soil moisture is marginal. Helix has done much, much better on a side by side trial.

If you see empty blue casings and no plant, the seed germinated and died. It is my opinion that prosper treated seed needs more moisture to penetrate the seed coat, and the extra time ...a few days... allows for the land to dry out, especially if it is windy.

Bayer disagrees with me, but their test plot on our farm suggests they are wrong.....Bill

[poorboy]

My Invigor 8440 seed looked like it was harvested way too dry. It seemed to crack very easy just dumping into the airtank. It also showed lots of split in tow seeds and hairline cracks in the ground (like 10-15% of the seeds). This was the cause of the poor germ in my field. Other variety seeded same field and same day had excellent emergence.

[bgmb]

Just a note bduke

When Bayer used helix back in the day they still used the polymer coating which is what we find in the dirt a year after growing invigor.

They do this so they can increase the seed size and sell plastic instead of seed.

just my opinion...

[furrowtickler]

Just a note, check the seed lot numbers.
Alot of hybrid seed is grown in South America, and is harvested at 5% or less moisture. Also most is extemely heat stressed. From my observation, be as what it may, seed treated with prosper that is less than ideal will prove to be garbage in less than three months after treatment. Also if your seed does not have the '07 seed lot number it has been blended with last years or longer crap - it will not handle stress at all. I have seen this personaly from beeing in the seed treating/selling business for years. At $6/lb and more - demand fresh seed - period! Do not let any agroligist tell you from Monsanto -Bayer - Viagra or whoever tell you any different - This is a FACT! Remember, under perfect growing conditions anything will grow, which btw is seed lab germs that most growers get with the seed tag BEFORE seed treatment. I have seen Prosper seed treated seed(indiferent to variety) crash in one month after treating date, but sold on bare seed germ - cert #1.
Remember I sent a little note about Prosper treated Nexera back in spring? Well if pictures could tell a thousand words I would be wasteing my breath here! And no, I do not work for Syngenta, just a concerned farmer who has worked on the other side of the line. Prosper works fine if the seed is top notch and conditions are favorable. Helix works well 80% percent of the time, Helix Extra works well 90% of the time. Dynasty is Helix Extra with bug(wireworm/cutworm) control - so do the math.

[SASKFARMER3]

Bin run seeded crop just as good as other 16 fields. But our area all varieties are looking the ships really have to look long and hard for a bumper this year. Lots of late stuff just covering the ground in NE Sask.
Thin by moosejaw etc.

hey the experts are saying huge crop don't count on it its a poor average and Regina area got no rain today or last night.

[furrowtickler]

Less than 20% of the Canola in all north west and central Sask is average to above average. The rest is probably the worst canola in 15-20 years.

[SASKFARMER3]

I agree with you furrow. From what I have seen its tough how a thin poor stand will make a bumper. Heck its lucky to make a average. And North and East is late.