The natural process where mature seed heads, pods, or ears break apart and scatter their grain onto the ground. While beneficial for wild plant reproduction, shattering causes severe yield losses in commercial agriculture. Plant breeders actively select for shatter-resistant varieties so the crop holds its seed until the combine harvester processes it.
Heard on the job
We need to get the canola combined this week before a windstorm rolls through and makes the whole crop shatter.
Insider tip
Canola and soybeans are particularly notorious for shattering if left in the field too long after drying down.
Also heard as
- pod shatter