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2023 Extension Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results

Filed Under:
Publication Number: P4015
View as PDF: P4015.pdf

Coordinator: Dr. Erick Larson

Extension Associate: Nolan Stapleton

MSU Extension Supervisors: Preston Aust, Dr. Amee Bumguardner, Dr. Bill Burdine, Alex Deason, Chad Hankins, Kyle Lewis, Randall Nevins, Michael Pruden, Tracy Boone, Dr. Mark Shankle, and Tyler Soignier.

Grower Cooperators: Miles Bridgers, Brown Farms, Dantzler Pilkinton and Phillips Farm, DRIII Farms, Dunn Farms, Cecil Ferrell, Guedon Farms, Ben Harlow, David Hey, Hopeso Farms, Long Lake Farms, McClain Farms, Matthew Poe, Shellmound Farms, and Triple Run Farms.

Program Objectives: The MSU Extension Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program is intended to provide growers, crop consultants, and other agricultural professionals a first-hand opportunity to observe the performance of elite hybrids and generate information to better assess performance and adaptability in Mississippi. This program provides a unique opportunity to observe and evaluate plant characteristics and environmental responses of our best corn hybrids in local, on-farm demonstration plots representing our production systems.

Program Methodology: Hybrids voluntarily entered in this program must be validated by producing superior grain yield in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials or be a relevant market standard. Hybrids are selected annually and grouped into two distinct sets based on performance in dryland or irrigated culture, since both these cropping systems are prevalent in Mississippi and can affect adaptability. Seed companies are granted the discretion to enter hybrids that have demonstrated superior performance in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials, or a newly released hybrid that they believe is more promising or better adapted. This establishes an elite group of corn hybrids for evaluation in the program. Each standardized set of hybrids is grown at numerous field locations representing Mississippi cropping systems. Mississippi State University Extension regional agronomic crop specialists and county agricultural agents coordinate locations with grower cooperators and supervise plots. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station scientists also grow some trials on branch stations.

Grain Yield Data: Hybrids evaluated in this program are generally planted in “strip trials.” Yield data generated from a single location are not as reliable as when treatments are replicated numerous times. Treatment replication reduces the effect of numerous factors that can impart variability and that may affect performance and confound results. Thus, average yields are calculated from data collected at multiple locations and presented in this publication to better assess yield performance related to hybrid genetics. Analyses of yield data were performed with SAS using GLM procedures, and means are separated at the 0.05 level. This yield data derived from numerous, diverse environments is intended to supplement data generated in university hybrid trials.

Technology Traits: All hybrid entries are glyphosate tolerant. Inclusion of other traits is optional and primarily based on product availability and the discretion of the respective seed companies. Corn borer protection normally enhances yield at locations where corn borers are present. All seed are commercially treated with an insecticide seed treatment, which is at the discretion of each respective seed company. Seed treatments are used to minimize damage from insect pests during seedling establishment.

Relative Maturity: Maturity is measured and reported as the number of days to tassel, as well as grain moisture at harvest. Grain moisture is represented for locations where grain was still actively drying at harvest.

Plant Height: Full plant height is measured after tassel emergence. Plant height is one of several factors that may affect light interception, which is critical to photosynthesis and grain yield. Short plant height may limit potential light interception, particularly in wide rows. Tall plants are generally more likely to lodge and will likely have higher water demand during the growing season.

Ear Height: Ear height is measured and represented as a mean height above the soil surface. High ear placement may promote more efficient energy use in the plant, as leaves in the upper canopy intercept more light and produce more photosynthetic energy for the developing ear. However, high ear placement may make plants top-heavy and thus more prone to lodge when exposed to strong wind.

Root Strength: Root strength is an evaluation of a hybrid’s ability to resist root lodging, which occurs when the force caused by wind exceeds the roots’ ability to stabilize plants and keep them erect. Thus, the entire stalk leans or completely falls to the ground, often dislodging part of the roots from the soil. This may promote a “domino effect,” causing root lodging across a field. This may greatly hinder harvest efficiency, because plants lay nearly flat on the ground and are partly uprooted, making stalks very difficult to gather into a combine to harvest.

Stalk Strength: Stalk strength is an evaluation of a hybrid’s ability to resist stalk lodging, which is when the lower stalk bends, collapses, or breaks above ground level. Stalk lodging often increases when plants are stressed or harvest is delayed, which promotes stalk deterioration. Stalk lodging is usually more prevalent than root lodging but may be less troublesome because timely harvest might help mitigate issues.

Stalk Integrity: Stalk integrity is a characterization of the plant’s ability to maintain physical integrity after maturity, and it can predict potential harvest issues. Poor stalk integrity typically appears as weak or broken stalks, particularly above the ear, and torn and tattered leaves.

Greensnap: Greensnap is a relative rating of resistance to stalk breakage during vegetative growth stages. Corn is most sensitive to this problem during mid- to late vegetative growth stages when stalks are rapidly developing, and thus may be brittle and vulnerable to break if exposed to high winds. The outcome normally severs the stalk below where the ear should develop, so damaged plants rarely produce a viable ear.

Disease Resistance: Disease resistance represents a hybrid’s ability to resist infection from a specific pathogen. Southern rust and Curvularia leaf spot were rated based on disease presence.

Yield Components: Corn grain yield is determined by the total number of kernels produced and kernel weight. Kernel number is the number of kernel rows an ear produces and the number of kernels per row. Each of these traits is determined during different growth stages. Kernel row number is determined during late vegetative stages and is the first yield component determined. Kernel number is primarily determined during the first few weeks after pollination as young kernels develop until the milk stage. Kernel weight is the final yield component settled and is dependent upon favorable conditions from milk stage until physiological maturity.

Test Weight: Test weight is a measurement of grain bulk density and an indicator of general grain quality. It is a standard component used to assess official grain grade for commercial trade.

2023 Grain Yield Summary (bu/a)

Table 1a. Irrigated locations.

Brand

Hybrid

Fairview

Inverness

Schlater

Dockery*

Morgan City

Friars Point

MSU* Starkville

Average Yield**

AgriGold

A647-79

236

244

231

223

221

169

248

229 BC

DEKALB

DKC66-06

242

248

253

221

190

194

260

235 B

DEKALB

DKC68-35

249

254

239

234

213

191

269

242 A

DEKALB

DKC70-45

247

247

254

220

221

179

250

234 B

Dyna-Gro

D54VC14

239

231

206

206

175

173

225

211 F

Dyna-Gro

D56TC44

240

239

227

210

184

167

245

221 DE

Dyna-Gro

D57VC53

241

245

247

211

182

170

245

224 CDE

Great Heart

HT-7499

214

234

211

214

185

179

244

218 E

Innvictis

A1689

221

235

226

216

190

192

258

227 CD

Pioneer

P0953

237

237

232

206

198

153

240

219 E

Pioneer

P1511

234

243

211

213

209

159

243

221 DE

Progeny

PGY 2118

239

241

237

214

177

177

248

224 CDE

Progeny

PGY 2215

239

242

234

204

188

170

238

220 E

REVERE

1307

237

233

226

213

203

181

246

224 CDE

REVERE

1627

237

253

243

221

193

198

260

235 B

*Trials at this location were grown with replications of hybrid treatments.

**Grain yields were analyzed and average yield values represented with any combination of the same letter are not significantly different (P < 0.05).

Table 1b. Irrigated cultural information.

Location

Location Average

Soil Type

Planting Date

Fairview

237

Brittain silt loam

24-Mar

Inverness

242

Dundee silt loam

24-Mar

Schlater

232

Dubbs loam

23-Mar

Dockery

215

Sharkey clay

18-Apr

Morgan City

195

Dubbs-Dundee loam

13-Apr

Friars Point

177

Commerce silty clay

18-Apr

MSU Starkville

248

Catalpa silty clay loam

19-Apr

Average Yield

226

N/A

2023 Plant Characteristic Ratings

Table 2. Irrigated entries.

Brand

Hybrid

Days to Tassel

% Grain Moisture

Plant Height (feet, 10ths)

Ear Height (feet, 10ths)

Root Strength

Stalk Strength

Stalk Integrity

Southern Rust Resistance

Curvularia Leaf Spot Resistance

Test Weight (lb/bu)

Yield Components

Kernel Rows

Kernels per Row

Seed Weight (g/250)

AgriGold

A647-79

63

16.3

9.2

4.4

High

High

High

Medium

Med-Low

60.4

16.0

34.3

86.9

DEKALB

DKC66-06

63

16.6

9.5

4.3

Medium

Med-High

Med-High

Med-Low

High

59.6

16.6

33.7

87.3

DEKALB

DKC68-35

65

16.7

9.1

4.3

High

High

High

Med-Low

High

59.9

16.0

34.1

90.4

DEKALB

DKC70-45

64

18.1

9.5

4.5

High

Medium

Med-High

Med-High

High

60.2

17.1

33.4

92.4

Dyna-Gro

D54VC14

61

15.5

8.8

4.2

Med-Low

Medium

Med-Low

Medium

Low

60.0

15.9

36.9

85.7

Dyna-Gro

D56TC44

63

15.1

9.4

4.3

Medium

Medium

Low

Med-High

Very Low

59.8

15.9

36.0

81.1

Dyna-Gro

D57VC53

63

17.6

9.0

4.3

Medium

High

High

Medium

Medium

60.9

17.7

32.1

86.5

Great Heart

HT-7499

63

17.4

9.2

4.5

Medium

Medium

Med-Low

Med-High

Med-High

59.0

15.5

33.7

87.1

Innvictis

A1689

63

16.3

9.2

4.3

Med-Low

Medium

High

Medium

Med-High

60.5

16.4

31.3

93.2

Pioneer

P0953

65

14.6

9.2

4.1

Low

Medium

Med-Low

Med-High

High

59.0

15.8

36.7

78.8

Pioneer

P1511

64

18.3

9.2

4.5

Medium

Med-High

Medium

Med-High

Med-High

58.5

15.4

36.2

83.1

Progeny

PGY 2118

63

17.7

9.1

4.3

Medium

High

High

Medium

Medium

60.8

17.5

32.7

87.2

Progeny

PGY 2215

63

16.3

9.6

4.4

Med-High

Med-High

Med-High

Medium

Med-High

60.0

15.0

34.3

85.8

REVERE

1307

62

15.8

9.0

4.4

Medium

Medium

Med-Low

Med-Low

Med-Low

58.9

16.3

34.5

85.9

REVERE

1627

63

16.8

9.4

4.4

Med-Low

Medium

Med-High

Med-High

Medium

59.6

16.4

32.6

89.2

Average

63

16.6

9.2

4.3

N/A

59.8

16.2

34.2

86.7

2023 Grain Yield Summary (bu/a)

Table 3a. Dryland locations.

Brand

Hybrid

Natchez

Artesia 30K Pop

Artesia 36K Pop

Utica

Brown Loam Station

Greenwood

Strong

Pontotoc

Pontotoc Station

NMREC Verona

MSU* Starkville

Average Yield**

AgriGold

A643-52

199

216

225

146

151

150

163

155

179

147

212

182 F

DEKALB

DKC66-06

244

227

230

142

164

153

212

221

207

173

235

206 AB

DEKALB

DKC68-35

250

240

261

148

165

156

218

193

216

157

256

213 A

DEKALB

DKC70-45

244

229

244

129

167

177

183

180

210

165

238

203 BC

Dyna-Gro

D54VC14

237

216

234

141

128

176

197

184

201

156

218

194 CD

Dyna-Gro

D56TC44

211

231

233

133

151

164

208

222

195

137

208

193 D

Dyna-Gro

D58VC65

237

209

207

117

162

159

190

180

190

149

216

188 DEF

Great Heart

HT-7317

203

211

212

127

133

164

173

157

172

145

227

183 F

Innvictis

A1551

234

217

233

143

158

171

140

211

198

128

233

195 CD

Pioneer

P0953

200

218

235

141

141

155

150

197

192

125

243

191 DEF

Pioneer

P1170

201

219

233

129

163

166

185

192

185

135

243

195 CD

Progeny

PGY 9114

227

210

223

142

150

166

186

203

201

146

223

194 CD

Progeny

PGY 2215

215

207

214

121

142

151

175

166

175

142

220

182 F

REVERE

1307

235

210

221

155

153

170

154

184

205

152

220

192 DE

REVERE

1627

226

240

233

146

181

178

188

211

210

150

256

210 AB

*Trials at this location were grown with replications of hybrid treatments.

**Grain yields were analyzed and average yield values represented with any combination of the same letter are not significantly different (P < 0.05).

Table 3b. Dryland cultural information.

Location

Location Average

Soil Type

Planting Date

Natchez

224

Adler silt loam

24-Mar

Artesia 30K Pop

220

Okolona silty clay

24-Apr

Artesia 36K Pop

229

Okolona silty clay

24-Apr

Utica

137

Calloway silt loam

24-Apr

Brown Loam Station

154

Loring silt loam

12-Apr

Greenwood

164

Adler silt loam

18-Apr

Strong

182

Vaiden silty clay

25-Apr

Pontotoc

190

Iuka loam

18-Apr

Pontotoc Station

196

Falkner silt loam

18-Apr

NMREC Verona

147

Marietta loam

17-Apr

MSU Starkville

230

Leeper silty clay loam

19-Apr

Average Yield

195

N/A

2023 Plant Characteristic Ratings

Table 4. Dryland entries.

Brand

Hybrid

Days to Tassel

% Grain Moisture

Plant Height (feet, 10ths)

Ear Height (feet, 10ths)

Root Strength

Stalk Strength

Stalk Integrity

Southern Rust Resistance

Curvularia Leaf Spot Resistance

Test Weight (lb/bu)

Yield Components

Kernel Rows

Kernels per Row

Seed Weight (g/250)

AgriGold

A643-52

61

17.7

9.0

4.0

Med-Low

Low

Med-High

Medium

Med-Low

58.1

15.6

33.0

90.1

DEKALB

DKC66-06

63

18.2

9.6

4.3

Medium

Medium

Med-Low

Med-Low

High

58.9

16.8

34.6

86.2

DEKALB

DKC68-35

64

18.1

9.5

4.4

High

High

Medium

Low

High

59.5

16.6

33.9

91.2

DEKALB

DKC70-45

64

19.7

9.3

4.3

High

Med-High

Low

Medium

High

59.5

17.0

32.3

90.4

Dyna-Gro

D54VC14

61

17.4

8.9

4.1

Medium

Medium

Medium

Med-High

Low

59.1

15.9

34.5

87.6

Dyna-Gro

D56TC44

63

17.2

9.4

4.4

Low

Low

Medium

Med-High

Low

59.0

15.6

36.2

83.1

Dyna-Gro

D58VC65

62

17.7

8.8

4.0

Med-High

Med-High

Low

Medium

Medium

59.0

16.5

32.3

88.5

Great Heart

HT-7317

65

17.7

9.6

4.4

High

High

Med-High

Med-Low

Med-High

59.1

15.1

32.8

89.8

Innvictis

A1551

62

18.2

9.1

4.3

Medium

Medium

High

Med-Low

Medium

57.0

15.9

33.5

88.3

Pioneer

P0953

65

16.6

9.4

4.2

High

Med-Low

High

High

High

58.6

15.1

35.7

79.8

Pioneer

P1170

66

16.3

8.9

4.3

High

Medium

High

Med-High

High

59.2

15.5

36.2

78.1

Progeny

PGY 9114

61

17.3

8.9

4.1

Medium

Medium

Medium

Med-High

Low

59.0

15.8

34.2

88.8

Progeny

PGY 2215

63

18.0

9.7

4.5

High

Med-High

Medium

Medium

Med-High

59.1

15.1

34.3

84.7

REVERE

1307

61

17.3

9.1

4.3

Low

Low

Med-High

Med-Low

Med-Low

57.7

16.3

33.0

81.6

REVERE

1627

63

18.3

9.3

4.3

Med-High

Med-High

Medium

Med-High

Med-High

58.9

16.4

32.9

88.4

Average

63

17.7

9.2

4.3

N/A

58.8

15.9

34.0

86.4


Publication 4015 (POD-08-24)

By Erick Larson, PhD, Extension/Research Professor, Plant and Soil Sciences.

Department: Plant and Soil Sciences
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Authors

Portrait of Dr. Erick J. Larson
Extension/Research Professor
Associate Agronomist/Specialist - Corn, Grain Sorghum and Small Grains

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Portrait of Dr. Erick J. Larson
Extension/Research Professor