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The benefits of priming vary by crop, region, and production system.
The benefits most often cited are listed below:
- Early Stand Establishment
:: earlier harvest and/or shift to
longer season variety
Healthier Stands: fast start allows crop to escape many
seedling diseases and other pressures on the developing stand.
Stronger seedlings are better able to survive stresses that may occur
at a later time.
Crop Uniformity: more precise management of operations (weed
control, irrigation) during the early stages of the crop. In some
crops, uniformity can result in reduced harvesting costs &
improved crop quality
Root Development: primed seedlings generally have more
developed root systems
Reduced Seeding Rates: reduced by 10-30% with many crops
Weed Control: fast, uniform start reduces impact of early
season weed competition and allows more precise and timely weed
management
Irrigation: Shortens Period Of Intensive Watering After
Planting; Reduces Time, Water & Disease Pressure
Transplants:
Higher Usable Percentage &
Reduced Cycle Time
Yield: Increased yields often results from the benefits listed
above.
Coatings: offsets/overcomes the retardation in germination
common with coatings
Priming has proven to be a valuable management tool in many cropping
systems. As with any tool, it must be used properly to be of maximum
value. |
