PREDICTING VIGOROUS PLANTS OF MAIZE GROWN IN THE FIELD BY VIGOROUS SEEDLINGS EMERGED FROM SAND (SE/ 96 )

Abstract

To predict percent of vigorous plants expected to grow in the field from a seed lot of maize by percent of vigorous seedlings emerged from sand , seeds of two synthetics of maize ; B- 106 and 5018 stored for one year under poor storage were used. Zinc metal containers with dimensions of 24.5 × 24.5 × 5 cm were prepared . silica pure sand was used in these containers of 4 cm deep . At the same time , a wooden clamp of 100 fingers was made . Fingers were 5 cm long and 8 mm diameter .One hour after watering the containers the clamp was pressed on containers to have 100 holes for planting . Seeds were planted in these holes , covered with dry sand and watered . This test was replicated twenty times . Seeds of the two cultivars were also planted in the field with twenty replicates , each of 100 plants . Data was obtained after 96 h from planting on vigorous seedlings emerged in the containers , whereas , percent of vigorous plants were recorded after 6 weeks in the field . Data obtained was analyzed by t – test , then in a factorial analysis with RCBD of four replicates . Results obtained showed that percent of vigorous seedlings from the sand test ( SE /96 ) was a very good estimate to predict percent of vigorous plants in the field expected from a maize seed lot . It was recommended to use this test to predict percent of cultivar mean performance in maize or other seed crops in the future .