Effects of Seed Tape and Seed Shape and Size on Hybrid Seed Corn Emergence.

Hybrid seed corn size and shape is determined by genetics, environment, and position on the ear. Seed corn companies discard up to 5% of their very small and large hybrid seed corn because it is difficult to space such seed uniformly within the row with existing planting technologies.  Extreme seed sizes may be spaced uniformly using seed tape. Seed tape is used currently to ensure uniform seed spacing for small seeded vegetable and flower species but little or no information is available on using seed tape for large seeded row crops. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of seed tape on the emergence of hybrid seed corn varying in size and shape (including very small and large seed presently discarded). A greenhouse study was conducted using seed lots from six corn hybrids obtained from four seed companies. Mean emergence time, emergence rate index, and percent emergence were measured to determine the rate and uniformity of seedling emergence after planting. Seed tape and seed size and shape effects on corn emergence varied with hybrids. Corn emergence was generally greater without seed tape. In some hybrids, large discards performed as well as medium rounds and flats which are normally used for planting. The seed tape × seed size and shape interaction was not significant and there was no evidence that there was a differential effect of tape on seed size and shape. Results suggest that it may be feasible to plant discard seed uniformly by using seed tape.