Seed Inoculation, Coating and Precision Pelleting

Gerald M. Bennett, John Lloyd

CHAPTER ONE. World Importance Gradually Being Realised. Selection, Certification and Distribution of Rhizobium. International Inoculation Standards. Strains. Inoculant Quality. An Acceptable Standard for Legume Inoculants. Inoculated & coatedseed standards. Inoculant Carriers. Economics of Inoculant Use. Strains and Cross Inoculation Groups. Manufacture of Legume Plant Inoculants. ICMP [International collection of Micro-Organisms from Plants]. Mother Culture Supply in New Zealand. The Current NZ Rhizobia Strains Recommendation. A Practical Guide to Manufacture of Commercial Inoculant. Quality Control - Measuring Rhizobium Viability. Enumeration of Viable Rhizobia in Legume Inoculants and Inoculated Coated Seed. Assessment of Nodulation Potential - Seedling Tube Method. Most Probable Number (MPN) Testing Method. Materials and Equipment Required for MPN (Plant Infection). Testing. CHAPTER TWO. Production of Coated Seed in New Zealand. Commercial Considerations. Uncultivated Pastoral Agriculture. Planning Required. Germination of Coated Seed. Fertilisers, Mixing and Avoiding Damage. Aerial Considerations. "The Wizard" of Aerial Oversowing. Formula for Successful Surface Sowing of Seed. A Timely Note About Soil and Fertilisers. Responsibilities of Government. Ionisation (Covalent bonding) and Phosphate "Fixation". Possibilities and Limitations of "Pasture Pellets". Materials and Test Services Essential for Development. Good Quality Inoculant Manufacturers Need Encouragement. Coated Seed Use. Mixing Intelligently. On Farm Mixing. Mix Accurately. Aerial Safety. Warmer Climates. Developing Nations Must Make a Start. The Facts about Oversowing Seed. Clovers: Controversy, Confusion & the Danger of Misleading Research. Seed Quantities and Varieties for Oversowing. The "Bottom line". Best Research Approach. Manufacturers Need Laboratory Quality Control. The absolute reality of clover inoculation, coatings, Oversowing benefits, seeding rates a