Recognising the difficult planting conditions last autumn, Syngenta is offering UK growers free germination testing of undrilled 2019 seed of its hybrid winter barley varieties that are having to be carried over for planting in autumn 2020.
Open to UK growers only, and applying to Syngenta hybrid barley seed originally purchased for planting in autumn 2019, up to two free germination tests per grower are available, says Syngenta hybrid barley manager, Mark Bullen. Seed must be stored and sampled correctly, he notes.
“We are not expecting major reductions in germination from over-yearing hybrid barley seed,” says Mr Bullen. “This is just our way of supporting growers after the difficult autumn and providing them with the best information on what rate to drill the seed at this coming autumn.
“Hybrid barley offers many attractions, including high yields in different growing situations and strong suppression of grass weeds. We want growers to continue to benefit from these. Having up-to-date percentage seed germination figures is the starting point for getting the best from any crop, for determining the correct seed rate.”
To take up the offer, Mr Bullen says growers need to register on the Syngenta website before the end of March 2020. They will then be sent sample bags and pre-paid envelopes for sending seed to one of several organisations throughout the UK that will be conducting the testing, he says, with germination test results made available prior to final purchasing decisions this year.
For further information on the offer and how to register, as well as terms and conditions and information on seed storage and seed sampling, visit www.syngenta.co.uk/syngenta-hybrid-barley-germination-testing.
