 Seed enhancements
ASTEC research facilities are constantly
developing new technologies that allow
seed to germinate faster, higher and
more uniformly in the field and that
remove dormancy.
These techniques can
sometimes weaken the seed cover in such
a way that they are best followed by a
protective layer (pellet) that holds the
seed at the delicate pre-germination
stage until planting.
 Steeping is a special program of
washing and soaking seeds that both
hastens and increases germination of
seed lots. The treatment removes
inhibitors found in the pericarp and
softens the seed coat, so growers can
expect a higher field stand count and a
quicker, more uniform emergence in the
field.
MegaPrime goes beyond steeping,
pushing the seed into the germination
process until just before the critical
point of "no-return", so germination is
almost immediate in the field. While
risky, priming methods give seeds a head
start and help weaker seeds to preserve
energy for that final push through the
soil. Priming advantages are typically
most dramatic in stressful conditions,
such as in cool and wet planting
seasons.
MegaSystem is a new seed
pelleting system developed to provide
significant germination enhancements
without the reduced stand risk
associated with priming methods.
MegaSystem is based on ASTEC's standard
UltraPellet, and adds additional
components in a modified application
system. This system controls and
balances the water-oxygen exchange and
transport system to the seed. This has
the effect of both speeding up and
increasing the final germination of the
seed lot due to an improved efficiency.
For more information, e-mail us at
astec@astecnet.com |
