Seed Imbibition - How Warm Are Your Soils?

Cornell Cooperative Extension continues to provide programming to assist agricultural producers

By Josh Putman, Field Crops Specialist with the SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (April 24, 2020) – The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program has been monitoring soil temperatures to help the region’s crop farmers. Seeds can be damaged by planting in the field too early, so choosing the best planting date is an important decision for farmers. Soils have been slow to warm up this year due to cool temperatures, rain, and snow. Farmers should consider their soil’s temperature rather than the calendar dates before planting. Delays could last into early May.

Cold temperatures can cause injury to a germinating seed as it absorbs moisture. This is a problem called imbibitional chilling injury. Damage can occur when soil temperatures remain at, or below, 50 degrees F after planting. Soil temperatures during the first 24-72 hours after planting are critical. It is during this window that seeds take in water and begin the germination process. Seeds naturally swell when hydrating. If the cell tissues of the seed are too cold, they become less elastic and may rupture during the swelling process, resulting in “leaky” cells.

Imbibitional chilling can result in a swollen seed that will fail to germinate. Growers may also notice aborted sprout growth after germination has started. Chilling injury can also occur as seedlings begin to emerge. This can cause stunting or death of plant roots, abnormality of the plant, lack of emergence, or leaf burn.

Chilled seedlings may also be more sensitive to herbicide applications and seedling diseases. Producers should consider all of these factors when deciding on the planting time. Producers are able to monitor their own soil temperatures by purchasing a soil thermometer. More information about the planting status of summer row crops, soil temperatures, and our specialists can be found online at http://newa.cornell.edu/ and https://swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu/specialists.php. Article information provided by Jodi Putman of the Northwest NY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program specialists are here to help provide research-based resources and support during this challenging time. Their team of four specialists include Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522 or kaw249@cornell.edu); Joshua Putman, Field Crops (716-490-5572 or jap472@cornell.edu); Alycia Drwencke, Dairy Management (517-416-0386 or amd453@cornell.edu); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844 or amb544@cornell.edu). While specialists are working remotely at this time, they are still offering consultations via phone, text, email, videoconferencing, and mail. They are also providing weekly updates with timely resources and connections via email and hardcopy and virtual programming.

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is the newest Cornell Cooperative Extension regional program and covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben Counties. The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops regional specialists work with Cornell faculty and Extension educators to address the issues that influence the agricultural industry in New York by offering educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the Southwestern New York Region. They are continuing to operate remotely at this time by offering one-on-one consultations, virtual programming, and paper mailings of resources. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about this program, or to be added to their contact list, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Team Leader, at 716-640-0522, kaw249@cornell.edu, or visit their website swnydlfc.cornell.edu.

Photo Caption: Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Specialist Josh Putman, shares information about seed imbibition for farmers, which can cause cold damage seen here. Photo by DuPont Pioneer.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Josh Putman at 716-490-5572 or email jap473@cornell.edu. For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated May 5, 2020