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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 |
