Evaluation of AV-5055 as Seed Dresser in Lowland Rice Production

Abstract

This experiment was established in 2020 cropping season at National Cereals Research Institute experimental field at Badeggi in Guinea Savannah agro-ecological Zone, (Latitude 9 040 Longitude 6 070 E), to assess seed dressing effect of AV-5055 on rice seed. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD), replicated three times. It consisted of four (4) treatments: application of AV-5055 rate at 0.7L, 1.2L, 1.7L per 100kg of rice seed and no application of chemical as (control). Data was taken on plant height, tiller count, days to 50% flowering, bird damage, rodent damage panicle per meter square and grain yield. The result shows that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in plant height, tiller count, days to 50% flowering and bird damage. However, control plot had significantly (P < 0.05) lower rodent damage (0.00) and higher grain yield (2060.00kg/ha) compared to rodent damage and grain yield in treated plots (0.33-2.33) and (1789.00-1999.03) respectively. It was concluded from the result of analysis that AV-5055 offer protection to dressed seed against bird depredation from planted field as there was no significant difference on bird depredation among the various rates of AV-5055 application. However, various rates of AV-5055 application attract picking by rodents and subsequent reduction on yield. Thus it was recommended that AV-5055 should be applied in combination with rodenticides to give perfect seed protection against birds and rodents.