DIRECT SEEDING OF GUAYULE USING DRIP IRRIGATION

Abstract

Field trials were conducted in Tucson, Arizona to evaluate the effects of certain aspects of water and crop management on germination and stand establishment of directly seeded guayule (Parthenium argentatum), using drip irrigation. In a study in May, 1983, seed cover and seed placement were the principle experimental variables, under three irrigation frequencies and two water levels. Vermiculite covered seed plots had significantly more germination than the non-covered plots. Germination was higher in seed rows placed at 4 cm from the drip line than at 9 cm. In a study in October, 1983, irrigation frequency, irrigation water level, and seed placement were analyzed for their effect on stands during germination and post-emergence phases of growth. Significant differences were found as a result of seed placement and it's interaction with irrigation water level. Highest stands occurred under the low water level treatment, with seeds placed at a distance of 5 cm from the drip line.