What is primed seed?

Priming is proven technology from the vegetable sector, where the seed is soaked and brought almost to the point of germination under laboratory conditions, and then carefully dried down. The seed becomes physiologically more advanced so that when it is drilled it germinates more quickly and evenly. This allows the crop to get off to the best possible start and differences can often be observed in the field for several weeks afterwards. Rapid initial growth also means a shorter period of time when the crop is vulnerable to flea beetle attack.

The priming process is good for drier conditions as the seed as already taken in much of the moisture it needs to germinate.

Tennyson: data and results

Tennyson was newly added to the East and West Recommended Lists and tested for the first time last year. It has performed well in both official (104% treated, 45.24% oil) and Agrii trials (101% treated, 45.1% oil).

It has a fast autumn and spring growth habit, stiff canopy and outstanding disease resistance, which makes it a suitable variety for early drilling. It is the only variety available in the UK where the seed has been primed.

Suitable for all soils and best suited to the East and West regions of the UK, Tennyson can be drilled from early August right through to early September. It is of medium height, has good stem stiffness, lodging resistance and medium maturity.

Tennyson has excellent phoma/stem canker resistance, and the breeder, Elsoms, claims good tolerance against Verticillium wilt.

Results from the field indicate that Tennyson has performed well this year, despite hot and dry harvest conditions. More info here in this story in the Agronomist and Arable Farmer.

There’s also more information on Tennyson and seed priming in the Farmer’s Weekly article here.