Rose Vagedes – Sustainable Plant Systems

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.

 

Undergrad Research Poster Presentation

2 thoughts on “Rose Vagedes – Sustainable Plant Systems

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *