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cases it can be applied by itself or tank-
mixed with herbicides, appealing to
producers looking to optimize yields.
With Manipulator
expected to enter
the marketplace in
2015, the company
has already done
considerable research
with the product
across Western
Canada.
“We are planning
more extensive field trials again in
2014, not only to demonstrate the
product to producers, but also to
further support our registration,”
he said. “Our main focus in research
trials this year will be to increase
fertilizer rates to further test the
effectiveness of the product. So our
trials this year will be looking at rates
ranging from 10 to 25 to 50 and
even up to a 100 per cent increase in
fertilizer rates, with different varieties,
to see where the limit is.”
Tregunno said
that while the
main purpose of
Manipulator is to
reduce the risk of
lodging under higher
fertility rates, in many
trials they have seen
that the product itself
appeared to improve
yield without added fertility.
When Manipulator was applied with
no fertility over the regular rates, wheat
trials conducted at AAFC Indian Head
Research Farm produced up to a seven
per cent yield increase between 70 and
80 per cent of the time, said Tregunno.
“It is primarily intended to reduce
lodging but the thinking is that, because
plants are shorter and putting fewer
nutrients into longer stems, they are
putting more resources into seed
development.”
Since varieties can respond differently
to the PGR, Tregunno said the reduction
in plant height can range from five to 20
per cent, depending on the variety.
“We see it as a tool benefiting farmers
looking to make use of good growing
conditions, who are prepared to supply
the inputs, provided they can keep
the crop standing,” he said. “And it is a
product that offers flexibility. If you have
improved growing conditions this year,
then increase your fertilizer rates to take
advantage of those conditions and apply
Manipulator to keep the crop harvestable
and capture that increased yield.”
Tregunno said the initial registration
will be for all classes of wheat, including
winter wheat, and Engage Agro may look
at adding barley to the registration down
the road.
The challenge for
producers with a lot
of acres is to use the
product at the proper
time on every acre.
PART OF YOUR
FARM
’
S
FINANCIAL
PLAN
25
eligible crops
$
400
,
000
maximum
$
100
,
000
interest-free
18month
repayment period
The cash advance program administered
by CCGA is made available to Canadian
farmers through Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada’s Advance Payments Program.
Cash advance applications for 2014 crops are availableMarch 1st
LEARN MORE AT WWW.CCGA.CA
OR CALL 1-866-745-2256
Whether you’re
just getting started
or have been farming for
years, the flexibility of
a cash advance can
benefit your farm’s
financial plans.