Abstract

This project is designed to study the effect polymer-coated seed has on corn emergence and yield. The coating technology used is the Intellicoat® Early Plant Seed Coating Technology. Intellicoat is derived from natural, biodegradable fatty acids that act as temperature-sensitive switches. Thus when soil temperatures warm above 55°F for several days the polymer allows water to permeate the seed and germination proceeds. There is interest in this technology because it opens up the window for earlier planting. Often in southeast Iowa it is dry enough to plant during the second half of March or the first half of April, but producers usually wait because the soil is too cool. Unfortunately, when soils do warm later in the spring, wet conditions may occur as well, resulting in planting delays. The Intellicoat technology is designed to allow producers the opportunity to plant when soils are cool but otherwise fit.

How to Cite:

Jensen, J. & Van Dee, K., (2004) “Planting Date and Polymer-Coated Seed Effects on Corn”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2003(1).