More early growth with Zn and Mn

12 September 1997

More early growth with Zn and Mn

MAIZE seed treated with trace elements has better early growth, according to SAC trials.

Two varieties were sown with and without Opticoat ZM manganese and zinc seed treatment on three separate sowing dates.

Dry matter yield of treated seed drilled in mid-April, was 23.6% higher than untreated seed when sampled on June 10.

Crops drilled later on Apr 30 had 11.2% more DM and mid May drilled maize an extra 7.2%.

SACs Katherine Leach says the benefit is more marked with earlier drilled crops because the treatment provides zinc and manganese which are less available when soil is colder.