PROJECT RESULTS

agronomic Development of Canamaize

Applicant: 

David S. Rourke

Ag-Quest, Inc.

Minto, Manitoba  R0K 1M0  Canada

Table of Contents:

• Background and Objective
• Procedure and Project Activities
• Results and Discussion
• Conclusion

ARDI Project:

#99-295

Project Status:

Completed February, 2004

Background and Objective:

CanaMaize Seed Inc. introduced a new low input concept for growing corn.  Using shorter plants higher populations could be planted creating a quicker crop canopy eliminating the need for in crop cultivating and row crop equipment for planting and harvest.  As with many new concepts, there were some kinks that had to be worked out to ensure a successful crop for growers across the growing region.

Procedure and Project Activities:

In 2000 it became evident that proper planting methodology needed to be developed to ensure a viable crop emergence even through cool spring weather.  The effects of planting date, plant populations, and seed placement were all studied.  Grain trials across southern Manitoba were located in Reston, Minto, Swan Lake, Elm Creek, and Beausejour. 

Many of the problems associated with planting in 2000 were eliminated in 2001 due to better planting methodology.  Later seeding dates into warmer soil ensuring the seed is not placed more than 1 ½ inches deep had faster emergence and improved seedling vigour.  Real field results indicated the same pattern.  Planting during the middle weeks of May reduces the risk of soil temperatures dropping after seeding.  Proper seed placement and timing can greatly improve emergence rates.

In 2002 these findings were implemented across Manitoba in small plot and strip trials.  Findings here confirmed what earlier trials showed.  In the field the growers who followed the recommendations had very few problems with emergence.  Planting populations were also increased to help form a canopy quicker and eliminate weed competition sooner.  This helped increase yields.

Results and Discussion:

Trial data and field results were very similar, averaging 68 –69 bushels per acre across Manitoba.  Most fields were between 60 and 75 bushels per acre.  With lower input costs CanaMaize does make a good alternative feed grain for producers to grow in Manitoba.

Consumer interest in annual grazing products to extend the fall grazing season created a rapidly growing demand for early season corn.  CanaMaize has very low lignin making a more palatable stalk with more digestible grain.  This new use also created a need for a new agronomic package to maximize efficiency.  Field scale and small plot studies were carried out to determine the optimal plant populations and seeding dates for planting grazing corn.  It appears earlier planting dates provide more tonnage but later dates have more digestive grain.  More work will have to be done on harvest procedures to see if swathing or using a haybine at the proper time will provide the optimal feed value.  Dry matter yields averaged around 5 tons of dry matter per acre and feed quality looks very good and is more than adequate to sustain cattle in the winter months. 

Conclusion:

CanaMaize corn has a great fit in Manitoba outside the traditional corn growing area, and by planting correctly yields can consistently be productive.  Lower inputs mean higher returns.  By planting later and making sure the soil temperatures are warmer, emergence is faster.  It is also important to make sure the depth is between ¾” to 1 ½” and no deeper to ensure good seedling vigour.  Higher plant populations allow planting with any type of seeder, air drill, or planter.

For more information or to receive your own agronomic information package contact CanaMaize Seed Inc. toll free 1-877-262-4046 or email info@canamaize.com.

Acknowledgement:

This project was made possible due to funding from the Governments of Manitoba and Canada through the Canada-Manitoba Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (ARDI).

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