ProCrop

Coleoptile Length and Planting Depth

A goal for small grain seeding depth is 1.5 to 2 inches. The objective of seed placement is to get the seed in a zone with ample moisture but shallow enough for the crop to emerge quickly. 

With the introduction of semi-dwarf varieties, depth control became even more important because of the shorter coleoptile of semi-dwarf wheat. The coleoptile is a leaf sheath which surrounds and protects the first true leaf as it grows from the seed towards the surface. If the coleoptile is shorter than the depth of planting, emergence will become difficult. The young seedling might not reach the surface and ultimately will die, resulting in stand loss.

There is a fairly good correlation between overall plant height and coleoptile length; taller cultivars tend to have longer coleoptiles. In other words, if you are planting a taller wheat cultivar, you have more layaway with the depth control on your planter. When planting shorter semi-dwarfs, depth control becomes absolutely critical.

The two tables below show the average coleoptile length in millimeters and inches for the most common wheat and barley cultivars in the region. You will note that on the average barley cultivars have shorter coleoptiles than wheat, demonstrating once again the need to carefully calibrate and monitor seeding depth.

Source: MN Crop News Vol 5, No. 6

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