Missouri 2007 Corn Performance Tests

Experimental Procedures

Test Descriptions:

Non-Irrigated Corn Test: This test consists of 5 locations each in the north and central regions of the state and 3 locations in the southwest. Corn hybrids not approved for export to Europe for feed cannot be entered in this test, but should be entered into the New Technology Corn Test (see description below).

Irrigated Corn Test: This test will have 2 locations each in the central and southwest regions and 3 locations in the southeast region of the state. Corn hybrids not approved for export to Europe for feed cannot be entered in this test, but should be entered into the New Technology Corn Test (see description below).

New Technology Corn Test: This test will evaluate hybrids not approved for export to Europe for feed (e.g. Herculex Xtra or Roundup Ready YieldGuard Plus hybrids). Information on current approval status of biotech events is available on the National Corn Growers Association website: www.ncga.com and click “Know Before You Grow.” Locations for this test include three non-irrigated locations in North and Central Missouri and 3 irrigated locations in Southeast Missouri. Entries will be compared to three high-yield standard hybrids. Grain from this test will be marketed into approved channels.

Entries: All producers of hybrid seed were eligible to enter the 2007 corn evaluation tests. Participation was voluntary and the test coordinators exercised no control over which, or how many hybrids were entered. To help finance the evaluation program, the participants paid $100 per location for each hybrid entered.

Plot Management: All tests were planted and harvested with commercial equipment modified for small plot work. Row spacing for all corn tests was 30 inches. Seeding rate for non-irrigated corn tests was 28,600 seeds/Acre and irrigated corn tests was 34,200 seeds/Acre. Preplant fertilizer was applied at each site at the discretion of the farmer or the station manager. Herbicides were used to control weeds, and additional hand weeding was done as required. Management details varied from location to location and are specified in the regional crop management summaries.

Data Recorded: Cornstalks of non-Bt hybrids were split to survey the natural infestation of corn borer. Counts were taken on border rows of the test for a random survey. Survey results are provided in the heading of each table. Plant stands were recorded mid-season and lodging was determined immediately before harvest. Plants leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical and those bent or broken below the ear were counted as lodged. During harvest, plot grain weights were measured and an electronic moisture tester was used to determine the moisture content of the grain. Yields were calculated from the data collected and reported in bushels (56 pounds) per acre at moisture of 15.5 percent.

Accessibility of Data: The results of the 2007 Crop performance tests are also available online at http://agebb.missouri.edu/cropperf/vartest/ . If you need assistance in accessing the system; call 573-882-4827 for the staff's help.

Field Plot Design: Full season hybrids were evaluated in non-irrigated and irrigated tests. Tests were arranged in lattice or randomized complete block field plot designs depending on the number of entries in each test. At all locations, plots were four rows wide and 25 feet long with a between the row spacing of 30 inches. Only the center two rows were harvested to determine yield.

Locations: On the basis of geographical characteristics, the state was divided into regions. Corn hybrid evaluation tests were located in the northern, central, southwestern and southeastern regions of the state. Test locations are shown on the adjacent map. In 2007, the locations for these tests were:

1. Steve Cunningham Farm near Craig in Holt Co.;
2. Hundley-Whaley Farm near Albany in Gentry Co.;
3. Beetsma Farm near Mooresville in Livingston Co.;
4. Greenley Memorial Center near Novelty in Knox Co.;
5. Roger Tiemann Farm near LaGrange in Lewis Co.;
6. John Williams Farm near Henrietta in Ray Co.;
7. Frank Swisher Farm near Marshall in Saline Co.;
8. Bradford Research & Ext. Center near Columbia in Boone Co.;
9. Kevin Freyer Farm near Laddonia in Audrain Co.;
10. Roy Cope Farm near Truxton in Montgomery Co.;
11. Bob Burkemper Farm near Annada in Pike Co.;
12. Doug Roth Farm near Harrisonville in Cass Co.;
13. Ron Bean Farm near Lamar in Barton Co.;
14. Kurt Gretzinger Farm near Urich in Henry Co:;
15. Glenn Nothdurft Farm near Oran in Scott Co.;
16. Dale Glenn Farm near Charleston in Mississippi Co.;
17. Delta Research Center near Portageville in Pemiscot Co.

Results are presented by region within the state. For each location, data on seed treatment, final plant stand, lodging, moisture at harvest, and yield adjusted for moisture is given for each hybrid. Growing season (April-August) rainfall and irrigation applied at each location are shown on individual data tables. In this report, hybrids are ranked according to yield.