Keys to a HEALTHY SEED

Take into account the following recommendations for the establishment of seedbeds that guarantee the health of the crop.

1Area

• It is defined based on the seeding rates for each variety. In general, the area of ​​the seedbed should be one-tenth of the area that is planned to be renewed each year in commercial plantations.
• Sow 30% to 40% more than the estimated area, since seedlings can become infected with viruses and bacteria naturally.

2 Location

Identify the right sites:

• With water availability
• Ease of fertilization and handling
• Lots away from commercial fields planted with varieties with incidence of RSD, LSD and SCYLV, to avoid the foci of infection of affected or diseased commercial lots.

3Age and cut number

• Use batches with a maximum of two cuts (template and first undercut).
• Ages between seven and nine months.

4Management

Carry out a different handling than commercial lots:

• Intensify biological control of stem borer insects (Diatraea).
• Perform sprinkler irrigation to reduce populations of virus vector aphids.
• Perform fertilization based on soil tests.

5 Monitoring

Monitor the origin of the seed and the status of commercial lots aged between five and seven months, in order to make a diagnosis of RSD, LSD and SCYLV. If necessary, use them as an alternative seed source.

Information letter Year 3 / Number 2 / July 2015 Full text in version: PDF | Animated