| Popis: |
Seed coating, or pelleting, is a technology used to improve seed germination and provide more uniform stands and higher yields. In recent years, the use of coated or pelleted seed has increased in vegetable cultivation. Information on sowing of coated, or pelleted seed, with planters are needed. This research was carried out to determine the performance of a precision vacuum planter designed for large seed for sowing pelleted and bare onion (Allium cepa L.) seed. A laboratory experiment was performed to evaluate seed distribution uniformity for forward speeds of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m s-1. For the laboratory test using a sticky belt test setup, pelleting of onion seed generally increased seed distribution uniformity of the planter. Optimum forward speed was 1.5 m s-1 for pelleted and 1.0 m s-1 for bare seed. The planter was operated at the forward speed of 1.5 m s-1 for pelleted and 1.0 m s-1 for bare seed for field trials. Pelleting of onion seed decreased percentage emergence from 73.6 to 62.5% for field conditions. Percentage emergence of pelleted seed in the field decreased more than bare seed, but it was considered acceptable for precision sowing with planter as indicated percentage emergence being over 60%. |
