Seed Orientation at Planting

Stephanie Myslik, Sales Agronomist at PRIDE Seeds, discusses the significance of proper seed orientation during planting and its impact on crop performance

Seed orientation plays a critical role in achieving uniform emergence, optimizing early seedling development, and ultimately supporting maximum yield potential in corn production. The physiological orientation of a corn seed—specifically the positioning of the embryo and radicle—directly influences the direction and efficiency of root and shoot growth following germination.

When seeds are properly oriented in the soil, with the embryo facing upward and the radicle directed downward, seedlings can emerge more uniformly and expend less energy navigating through the soil profile. This efficient emergence supports consistent stand establishment, which is a key determinant of final yield in row crop production. Conversely, improper orientation can delay emergence, cause erratic growth, or in severe cases, result in underground leafing—where the coleoptile fails to reach the surface—leading to stand loss and reduced productivity.

Uniform emergence is particularly important in corn, as plants that emerge even a few days later than their neighbors can become less competitive for light, water, and nutrients, ultimately functioning more like weeds than productive crop units. Therefore, ensuring correct seed orientation—especially in precision agriculture or small-scale planting scenarios—can enhance crop uniformity and performance.

While modern commercial planters typically do not control seed orientation due to high-speed operational demands, emerging technologies and research into precision seed placement continue to explore its potential benefits for maximizing crop efficiency and yield consistency.

Watch below!

FIELD TALK Steph on seed orientation