Plant growth regulators and biostimulants for use in varying management systems to improve corn grain yield

Sible, Connor Nelson

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/104895 Copy

Description

Title

Plant growth regulators and biostimulants for use in varying management systems to improve corn grain yield

Author(s)

Sible, Connor Nelson

Issue Date

2019-04-22

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Below, Fred E.

Committee Member(s)

• Martin, Nicolas Federico
• Butts-Wilmsmeyer, Carolyn

Department of Study

Crop Sciences

Discipline

Crop Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• PGR
• Biostimulant
• Corn

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and biostimulants are product chemistries that have recently become popular in the agricultural market. There is no concrete evidence however, for their best place in a management system to optimize their return on investment and crop yield potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield to in-furrow and foliar applications of PGRs and biostimulants, and to determine if PGRs and biostimulants impact yield differently under varying management systems. Field studies were conducted in the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons across three locations: Harrisburg, Champaign, and Yorkville in Illinois. Corn was grown under two different management conditions, a standard or an intensive input system. The standard management was implemented with a standard planting population, fertility based on soil test values, and with no foliar fungicide. The intensive input system used an increased plant population, added fertility through nitrogen side-dress and foliar micro fertilizer applications, and provided a fungicide application at the VT growth stage. The PGRs (Ascend SL or Optify/Stretch) were applied in-furrow at planting, and either Ascend SL, or a biostimulant (Toggle or Voyagro) was applied to the foliage at the V5 growth stage. Corn plants grown in the intensive input system out-yielded those grown in the standard system by 1 kilogram hectacre-1 (15 bushels acre-1) on average, showing that grain yield can be increased through management. Plant growth regulators and biostimulant applications resulted in few significant impacts on yield and yield components, with responses being both positive and negative. Therefore, PGRs and biostimulants can influence corn grain yield, but these responses vary and their effects were greatest when applied in an intensive input system.

Graduation Semester

2019-05

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/104895

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 Connor Sible

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