Most of the Texas wheat crop has endured drought and late-season freezes this year. Both can be detrimental to seed quality, especially the late-season freezes. Each of these factors should be considered before keeping, purchasing, and planting seed this fall. Remember, good seed equates to better plant stands, better fall growth, and higher grain yields, especially when planting conditions are less than ideal.

When the freezes occurred on March 28-29, and April 5-6, much of the wheat crop across the state was at a susceptible growth stage, conducive to injury by freezing temperatures. Based on observations, the late freezes will likely affect seed quality in Central Texas, the Blacklands, Northeast Texas, the Rolling Plains, and portions of the High Plains.

In these regions, much of the wheat had headed or was very close to heading when the freezes occurred. At this stage, even temperatures as mild as 30 to 32 degrees can result in sterile flowers and halt seed development. If the flower was sterilized, no seed will be developed. However, if the wheat plant was in the seed development stage, much of the seed will be very small, shriveled, and will not likely germinate. So, special precautions should be considered this year before saving seed for planting or when purchasing seed.

While there is most definitely reason for concern over next year’s seed quality, availability, and price, there is no reason to panic. As long as we take time to look at potential seed quality and use some judicious precautions (listed below) we should be able to ensure that our seed is worth keeping and planting.

There are several questions a person should ask before keeping or purchasing seed this year, including:

• Does the seed look healthy? Plump seeds with good color are ideal. Large, plump seeds contain more energy and thus result in better plant stands and early season forage growth, than smaller shriveled seed. In addition, larger seeds are more forgiving on deeper planting depths and provide better seedling vigor. Keep in mind when comparing seed size that some varieties just naturally produce a larger seed than others. Always compare seed size of the same variety.

• What is the test weight (bushel weight)? Test weight is a good initial indicator of seed quality, but is not an absolute. If the bushel weight is below 58 pounds, this warrants further investigation into seed quality. If you are purchasing certified seed, the seed tags should state the test weight. Also, be aware that small shriveled seeds can sometimes have a high test weight due to being more densely packed into a given volume (pounds per bushel). So, test weight should always be considered along with seed size. Below is an example of the importance of test weight on germination, emergence, and yield.

Does the seed have good germination? Unfortunately, a germination test should not be conducted immediately following harvest because winter wheat has a natural seed dormancy mechanism that prevents the seed from germinating for about 4 weeks after harvest (some varieties even longer). So, the only option for determining the seed viability immediately after harvesting is to have a TZ (tetrazolium) test run through the TDA (Texas Department of Agriculture) seed laboratory or a private seed laboratory.

The TDA laboratory locations are listed below, and the TZ test costs $15 per sample and requires 1 pound of seed. This TZ test is not equivalent to a germination test, but it can provide a good idea of the “viability” of the seed immediately following harvest. If producers run a TZ test or an early season germination test, they should still consider running a second test prior to planting to insure that the seed possesses a good level of germination.

Good quality seed should have a germination greater than 85 percent. Seed (1 pound) can be sent to the TDA Seed Quality Lab for a germination test and/or a vigor test (accelerated aging) for $9 and $12, respectively. Click here for additional details on sending samples to TDA for testing.

Texas Department of Agriculture seed testing locations:

1. TDA Seed Testing Lab, P. O. Box 629, Giddings, Texas, 78942, 979-542-3691

2. TDA Seed Testing Lab, 4502 Englewood Av, Lubbock, Texas, 79414, 806-799-0017

3. TDA Seed Testing Lab, 241 East McNeil St, Stephenville, Texas, 76401, 254-965-7333

What are the cleaning and storage factors to consider? Extra care should be taken in storing, conditioning, and cleaning seed this year. Producers should ask seed cleaners to set screens to insure that all shriveled and damaged seed is removed from planting seed this year. This is especially important this year since this shriveled and damaged seed will likely be of poor germination.

Growers should consider only treating seed immediately prior to planting. Seed that is of poor quality that is not treated can still be sold or fed, while treated seed will have to be properly destroyed. Remember, the start to a successful wheat crop next year begins at planting and with the quality of seed placed in the ground.