Early-season growth responses of corn hybrids and inbred lines to a commercial seed treatment.
Since the early 20th century, areas of the Midwest have seen an increase in annual rainfall up to 10%, while approximately 20-25% of the global corn crop experiences drought each year. Climate variability has increased the demand for research on how management practices impact crop growth. An open-air greenhouse study was conducted in central Ohio in 2019 to determine if adding a seed treatment (Poncho 1250 +VOTiVO) would enhance early-season growth and increase root cortical aerenchyma (RCA). Two recombinant inbred lines and two commercial hybrids were selected for this study, with each corn line being treated with Poncho 1250 +VOTiVO or untreated prior to planting. Four runs of the experiment were conducted, each containing four replications of the eight treatments. Seeds were planted in 10-inch pots and grown until V4-V6. Leaf greenness (SPAD), plant height, growth stage, shoot and root biomass, root porosity, root length, and root surface area were measured on each plant at termination (V4-V6). Results show that the seed treatment only impacted root porosity for one commercial hybrid. Variation in growth staging, root length, plant height, and root surface area were the results of a plant response from genetics and seed treatment. In conclusion, treatment with Poncho 1250 +VOTiVO had minimal effect on measured parameters and may not be enough to increase the crops tolerance to environmental stresses like excessive wetness and drought.
Great presentation! Very nice poster presentation! Looking forward to your future studies.
Thank you!