Niger Breeding Study
The focus of the 2003 breeding study was to evaluate 18 individual
populations of niger selected for early flowering, reduced height, and
non-shattering traits. All seed was planted using a Hege 1000 Series
Drill/Planter on 30 inch rows on May 14. Seedlings emerged in 3 days.
Isolated pollination of desired selections was achieved through the use of
pollination cages and honey bees. Caged plants were hand harvested,
threshed, and cleaned with the seed to be evaluated in 2004 field trials. |
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Niger Bulk Seed Increase
The objective of this study was to allow open pollination of 3 bulk
populations of niger (2nd year open-pollinated) for evaluation, selection,
and seed increase. The seed was sown on May 14 with the Hege planter
on 30 inch rows and at a rate of 6 pounds per acre. Weed control was
achieved through mechanical and hand cultivation. Several applications
of insecticide were applied to control flea beetles and to prevent stalk
boring weevils. Plots were harvested with a Gleaner combine in early
September and dried for approximately one week. The seed was then
cleaned with a Clipper Eclipse Model 324 seed
cleaner. The seed will be evaluated again in 2004 field trials.
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