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FILMCOATING benefits
sweetcorn emergence

 
Grower Solutions Magazine
Lefroy Valley

Grower Solutions - Dec 2000

Comprehensive trials have been conductedin North Queensland for the 2000 season with blocks sown using a filmcoat treatment that provides a uniform seed coverage of polymer and fungicides. After 5 trials this season, the filmcoat treatment produced an average plant population increase of 7.04%. Useable cobs increased by 2.86%.

OVERVIEW
Replicated trials were carried out on two properties in North Queensland to determine if advantages could be gained from using a filmcoat seed treatment over the standard slurry seed treatment in replicated trials to support the initial trial results from 1999. All trials used the variety Goldensweet. Trials were carried out at differing times during the season to indicate if climatic variations could influence effects. Crops were irrigated by three different methods, overhead, drip and flood on a range of soil types. METHODOLOGY Counts of 100 seed spaces (21.6 - 22.5 meters) were used to determine plant population, i. e. 85 plants in the measured area = 85% plant stand. Counts were carried out in 5 locations in each planting, at least 20m from planted area margins. Each treatment was planted in 4 row blocks alternatively across the field and counts were taken on adjoining rows of each treatment to minimise field variables.

RESULTS - 
Plant Population Counts. 

Count Filmcoat Slurry Variation
1 84.4 79.4 5%
2 97.8 90.4 7.4%
3 85.6 76.8 8.8%
4 91.4 82.4 9%
5 91.6 86.6 5%
Average 90.16 83.12 7.04%
Average variation in plant stand of 7.04% in favour of the film- coated seed treatment.

Count Filmcoat Slurry
1 77 85
2 85 72
3 80 77
4 82 72
5 79 74
6 78 91
6 84 74
Average 80.71 77.85
Average variations of 2.86% increase in useable cobs in favour of the filmcoated seed treatment.

These results would have an influence of raising the usable cobs by (1630cobs/ ha) 660 cobs per acre on a plant stand of 32 inch rows and 8.5 inch plant spacings.

 

OBSERVATION
Counts with the bigger variations occurred in areas where water or temperature stress had an influence. In the film coated treatment a higher population of non- cob bearing plants (blinds) was evident. The cobs in the film coated treatment were of a more uniform size and maturity which would assist in mechanical harvesting.

David Vernon

Lefroy Valley - North Queensland

 
 
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