In an effort to get crops in quickly, small grain growers may have thought about forgoing seed treatments and plant a higher population instead. I haven’t found any formal research comparing the two, but the situation provides an interesting discussion on risk taking.
Seed treatment advantages in delayed planting areas:
- Reduces infection from root rot pathogens and establishes better stand. The most prevalent small grain root rots in North Dakota are common root rot (Bipolaris sorokiana) and Fusarium crown rot (Fusarium graminearum). Both pathogens thrive in relatively warm and drier soils and can occur sporadically throughout a field. Fungicide seed treatments will help prevent initial infection from these pathogens
- Seed-borne diseases. If you have a history of seed-borne diseases (i.e. loose smut), fungicide seed treatments such as carboxin are very effective.
Seed treatment risks in delayed planting areas:
- Time is money. Waiting for seed to be treated will take more time and may leave you vulnerable to another weather event (i.e. rain).
Increase planting population advantages:
- Reduces the amount of time to finish planting.
- Increasing plant populations can be beneficial if planting after optimum dates and may help offset yield loss that occurs at crucial stages of wheat development.
Increase planting population risks:
- Creates a greater risk of incidence from seed-borne diseases and root rots. Seed-borne diseases can be problem both in the present and future, especially if using bin-run seed.
- Relying on pathogens and abiotic factors to reduce stands. Depending on the level of increase, high plant populations can create competition and prevent additional yield gains.
Regardless of the practice you choose, there will be risks associated with this type of management decision. Knowledge of the land and yield expectations will help decide the type of risks you are willing to take.
Source : ag.ndsu.edu