Evaluation of drum cavity size and planter tip on singulation and plant emergence in maize (Zea mays L.)

Thirty million hectares of maize (Zea mays L.) in the developing world are planted and harvested by hand. Indigenous planting encumbers placing two to three seeds per hill and this results in uneven spacing and decreased yields. Oklahoma State University (OSU) built a new hand planter to deliver single seeds with each strike (singulation). This planter includes a range in cavity sizes so as to accommodate different seeds. At all sites, the OSU internal drum resulted in similar emergence as the checks were planted by hand, and a John Deere vacuum planter. Developing world maize producers can use the OSU hand planter with drum “450S” if seeds are in the 2500–4000 seeds/kg range using a conventional metal tip. This planter also removes the chemically treated seed from producer's hands, reduces health risks, and serves as a mid-season fertilizer applicator.