Vol. 11, Issue 11 (2022)

To evaluate the adaptability of different seed shapes on paddy drum seeder slot modification during Rabi 2022, a calibration study and field experiment were conducted at Central Farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. The split plot design was used for the experiment. Varieties in the main plot include ADT 45 (Medium slender), MDU 6 (Long slender), and ASD 16 (Short bold), as well as the medium duration variety VGD 1. (Short Slender). Modifications to the drum seeder slot include round slots, oval slots, round slots with guiding pipes, oval slots with guiding pipes, and self metering slots were used in sub plot. To evaluate seed flow rate, total seed dispersion, seed dispersion rate, and seed rate, a calibration study was performed using a paddy drum seeder. When compared to other slot modifications, the oval slot with guiding pipe had a lower seed flow rate (2.8 g), total seed dispersion (84 seeds), seed dispersion rate (5.62 seeds m^-1) and seed rate (9.25 kg ha^-1). Because of the nature of the grain shape, VGD 1 had the lowest seed flow rate, total seed dispersion (297.6 g), and seed rate (31.01 kg ha^-1) of the varieties tested. While ASD 16 had a lower seed dispersion rate (11.07 seeds m^-1). The oval slot with guiding pipe had the lowest plant population m-2 (49.3 plants m^-2) and the highest ASD (16) (55.04 plants m^-2). When used with an oval slot fitted with guiding pipe, ASD 16 and MDU 6 responded similarly.