Durum Seeding Methods, 1988

Abstract

WestBred 881 durum commands a premium price due to its superior quality, but it produces a lower yield than other commercially available cultivars. Studies conducted at Maricopa in 1987 suggested that yields of WestBred 881 may be increased by 3-inch row spacing. Studies were conducted at three commercial farms in an effort to mimic the effect obtained with 3-inch row spacing by using conventional grain drills to obtain more uniform plant spacing. Seeding twice in parallel directions did not result in the desired effect because the seed planted in the first pass was covered by extra soil from the second pass, and the seedlings emerged from cracks made by the disk openers from the second pass. Broadcasting on beds resulted in a poor stand and non- uniform plant distribution compared to drilling the beds. Planting twice in perpendicular directions to each other resulted in a more uniform plant distribution than drilling once, but a slightly poorer stand was achieved due to extra wheel traffic and yields were not significantly increased. The best method to obtain a more uniform plant spacing may be to seed with a 3-inch drill.