Does Corn Seed Size Really Matter?
On the cover of the March 2005 issue of Farm Journal was the rather startling headline “Seed Size Matters,” against a background photo of corn seed. Corn seed size and grade (the shape-size combination related to plantability, originally with different planter plates) have been the topic of research for decades, and the overwhelming conclusion of those (including me) who have done such research is that seed size and shape do not have consistent effects on seed quality. Good-quality seed will produce similar stands and yields, regardless of its size and shape. What could have changed to make seed size “matter” now? A look at the Farm Journal article showed that their “proof” consisted of finding a seed lot (hybrid and company not identified) where one grade (small rounds) had subpar cold and accelerated aging test scores. That grade apparently (and predictably) produced lower plant stands than the other grades, though how much lower was never stated. This reduced stand went on to produc
