Missouri 2007 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests
Experimental Procedures
Entries: All producers of hybrid seed were eligible to enter hybrids in the 2007 evaluation tests. Participation was voluntary. The testing coordinator exercised no control over which hybrids or how many hybrids were entered. However, to help finance the evaluation program, a fee of $100 per location was charged for each hybrid entered by the seed producer.
Plot Management: The test plots were planted and harvested with equipment designed for small-plot work. Row spacing for grain sorghum tests in the Central/West Region was 15 inches. Row spacing for grain sorghum tests in the Southeast Region was 30 inches. Seeding rate for the 15 and 30 inch row spacing was 122,000 seeds/acre. Fertilizer was applied at each site at the discretion of the farmer. Herbicides were used for weed control and plots were hand weeded as necessary. Management details varied from location to location and are specified in the regional crop management summaries.
Data Recorded: Agronomic characteristics were evaluated at harvest. Lodging was taken immediately before harvest. Interpretation of the scale is as follows: 1 = all plants erect, 3 = all plants leaning moderately or 20% to 50% down, 5 = all plants down. Yield is measured in bushels (56 pounds) per acre at a moisture content of 14.0 percent. An electronic moisture tester is used for all moisture readings.
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 help.
Field Plot Design: Statistical designs used to analyze the field data included randomized lattice with 3 replications and randomized complete block with 4 replications, depending on the size of the test. Individual plots were four rows wide. Row length was 25 feet for both 15 and 30 inch row spacing. All four rows of each plot were harvested for the 15 inch row spacing test and only the center two rows of each plot were harvested for the 30 inch row spacing to determine yield.
Locations:On the basis of geographical characteristics, the state is divided into regions. Grain sorghum hybrid evaluation tests are located in the Centra/West and Southeast regions of the state. In 2007, the locations for these tests were as follows:
Central/West
1. Beetsma farm, Mooresville (Livingston Co.)
2. Bill Cason farm, Macon (Macon Co.)
3. Bradford Research & Ext. Center, Columbia (Boone Co.)
4. Kenny Tevis farm, Hughesville (Pettis Co.)
5. Mike Honey farm, Webb City (Jasper Co.)
Southeast
6. Glenn farm, Bertrand (Mississippi Co.)
7. Delta Research Center (Clay and Loam), Portageville (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.