Premium
Effect of Seed Orientation on Emergence and Growth of Corn 1
Author(s) -
Pattern G. P.,
VanDoren D. M.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1970.00021962006200050012x
Subject(s) - sowing , seedling , penetration (warfare) , wax , agronomy , irrigation , horticulture , epicuticular wax , biology , mathematics , biochemistry , operations research
Corn seed was planted in growth chambers and the field oriented proximal end down (D) and proximal end up (U). The D orientation averaged 10% greater and 3 days earlier emergence and 20% greater penetration of wax‐oil mix surface layers. Seedlings with five leaves or less averaged 15% greater root length, 300% greater vertical root penetration, and 20% greater leaf area with the D orientation. Increasing the planting depth from 2.5 to 5 cm decreased the difference in penetration of wax‐oil mix layers by 8%. Irrigation decreased the orientation induced differences in root length while good seed‐soil contact increased the differences. Seed orientation had no effect on growth with dry soil and poor seed‐soil contact. Orientation differences were greatest at an intermediate night‐day temperature regime of 15 C to 21 C. Seed orientation was not associated with any differences in mature growth when based on a common stand. Conclusions were: 1 ) Corn planted with D orientation will give earlier, more complete emergence with greater more rapid seedling growth and 2 ) Corn planted with D orientation is better able to overcome environmental deterrents to emergence and growth than the U orientation.