Potential shortage in seed supplies is a looming issue for producers in 2007.

While drought will have a significant impact on seed quantity it will also affect seed quality.

In practical terms, the seed needs to have reached soft dough stage to be sure that it is viable and able to germinate.

If grain-fill stops at this point it will shrink considerably as it dries down, producing a significantly smaller endosperm with potentially reduced germination capacity and less seedling vigour.

Germination levels of seed less than two millimetres wide can be quite low, often as low as 10 per cent.

Drought affected seed is likely to have low seedling vigour, even if the germination capacity is high.

Consequently, you should resist sowing this seed dry or too deep, and avoid pickles or herbicide treatments that may reduce coleoptile length.

However, the smaller seed size may allow you to reduce sowing rates in 2007.

Producers looking to harvest seed for sowing next year should:

• Choose varieties that are best suited to their area and needs. Don’t assume next year will also be a late break; so source seed from a range of maturity groups.
• Clean the header, silos and transport gear down thoroughly between seed paddocks to avoid varietal contamination. Make accurate records of what is stored where and mark this on the silo.
• Select seed from weed free paddocks where seed has reached at least soft dough stage and where the majority of seed is likely to be wider that two millimetres. Grading of seed can improve germination but may not always be cost effective.
• Store this seed under cool dry conditions until Christmas/New Year to allow the short term dormancy to break, then test it for germination capacity using a reliable testing laboratory. Home tests can be unreliable and will not identify weak or slightly damaged seedlings.
• Only use seed with high germination levels, ideally above 90pc. Where possible reject seed lots that are below 80pc. Seed lots with a germination below 70pc should only be used if no other source is available.
• Be aware of your responsibilities under Plant Breeders Rights. It should be noted that seed companies have attempted to move as much seed production as possible to irrigation areas to ensure supply, so check with your local supplier for seed availability.