Sixteen accessions of Niger, Guizotia abyssinica, were obtained from the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station for evaluation in Western Illinois. Seeds were direct seeded with a two row cone planter at a rate of 6 lbs./acre on 5/29/2001. Field was prepared with 50lbs./acre nitrogen. A single ten foot row was planted for each accession due to limited seed supplies.

Seedling emergence in two days (5/31/2001)

To confirm whether birds contribute to the seed shattering of niger, bird netting was placed over the entire direct seeded plot. The transplanted niger had significant seed shattering with the goldfinches visiting daily. Cloth tarps were placed around the early flowering accessions of both transplants and direct seeding to collect seed.