Research on the Farm (ROTF)

Objective

The purpose of this project is to quantify the impact of Moddus, a plant growth regulator on height, lodging and yield of barley – 6 sites.

Summary

• The grower will manage their crop as per their normal best management practices.
• The grower will ensure that the PGR product being applied has market acceptance.
• The grower will spray PGR at the recommended rate at the growth stage (GS) 30 to 32 (5 to 6 leaf stage) timingon 4 strips, alternating with 4 untreated strips. An example is shown on the right.
• Strips should be full length of the field (minimum 1000ft.) and width to allow for a full “pure” pass with combine header.

Grower Requirements

• Accurately record soil test results, variety, seeding date and rate, previous cropping history (rotation, fertilizer rates), tillage practices, fertilizer rates and application timing.
• Accurately record where all treatments are applied,temperature at application, crop stage at application, and rainfall a week prior and one week after application.
• Note any significant weather events throughout the growing season, such as high winds, hail, or extreme precipitation events.
• Areas containing waterways and headlands should be avoided. Allother factors in the trial area must be treated the same.
• Notify project coordinator prior to application so fields can be scouted prior to and after application of product.
• Alert project coordinator of expected harvest date and ensure all treatments are harvested the same day into a weigh wagon/calibrated grain cart, and that grain samples can be secured for protein and moisture content analysis.
• Allow MCA to use data for research, educational and information purposes.
• Must be a member in good standing with the MCA.

MCA and Partners agree to:

• Be available during product application and harvesting.
• Take various measurements, including stand establishment, height, lodging and crop maturity.
• Provide a report analyzing treatment differences.

Research on the farm Coaches:

• Trial coordinator will work with local Research On The Farm coaches to collect field observations and harvest.
• Research On The Farm coaches may be local Manitoba Agriculture staff, retail or independent agronomists.

Benefits to Growers:

• Access to latest research that can be applied to their farm.
• Determine profitability of the practices.
• Learn accepted on-farm-testing procedures.

CAUTION:

Using a plant growth regulator on malt barley can have market access implications. Manipulator 620 carries a “be informed” rating for malt barley as a part of the Keep it Clean campaign. No market access issues have been identified for Moddus, however,if applying a PGR to malt barley, MCA recommends consulting your grain buyer prior to application.