b'performance based on a true genetic level, and not due to randomized field effects. For Steve Denys, director business management for Maizex Seeds, the way this type of technology will aid in precision planting in specific zones in a field may be useful as most corn test plots are usually placed on the best part of a farm. In some cases, the best hybrid in this plot might work everywhere, but odds are that a hybrid that does not do as well in an ideal setting, might actually be the best hybrid for the heavy clay or poorly-drained part of the farm, he says. So, while he notes multi-hybrid planting may allow the breeder to commercialize more varieties for different conditions, he says the challenge still remains the logistics of planting multiple varieties in the field.Specific Traits The vision of the Xaver seeding system is to have a trailer that is left at In terms of how super-precise planting could impactthe edge of the field containing little programmed bots and a charging the development of specific traits, Lynch centres in onstation. The system is controlled by cloud technology through a planting conditions in early spring. Traits related to earlysmartphone.germination will continue to be important to breeders, he says. The farmer wants earlier and earlier plantingThese polymers have been around already, but this and reduced risks from doing this. Were already breed- could represent an interesting option, he says. ing for fast emergence in traditionally harsh conditions, soLynch also points out that more precision in planting precision planting technology will be helpful. may enable corn breeders to help farmers further increaseHowever, Greg Stewart, lead agronomist at Maizexpopulation rates. Director of Global Commercial Crop Seeds, is of the view that improvements in plantingCare for AGCO (and agronomist) Darren Goebel believes precision will have little impact on the geneticthats true. improvement of corn.He notes Xaver can reduce risk of root and stock He notes that if one compares seeding technologylodging that can result from increased plant populations (equipment improvements, new precision ag approaches)in row planting scenarios, because with Xaver, growers to genetic advances in terms of yield achievements overand breeders can use pattern planting where plants are the last 40 years, its maybe a ratio of 25:75. Willequidistant to each other, for example 18 or 12 inches, moving to next level super-high precision planting changedepending on soil type and other factors. However, a that? he asks. I doubt it. specialized harvester would be required. He does think, however, if perhaps a super-high preci- Stewart takes a different point of view. He makes the sion planter was able to place seed in a field well beforepoint that current technology has plenty of capability to temperatures or moisture were suitable, then a seed treat- change population rates, and in fact, current technology ment that consists of some sort of polymer coating could variable rate seeding, multi-hybrid planters and so on preserve the seed until conditions were conducive to is still ahead of our ability to put it to use as effectively germination.as we would like. 28GERMINATION.CAJULY 2020'