2015 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews

 

In 2015, 215 corn hybrids representing 27 commercial brands were evaluated in the Ohio Corn Performance Test (OCPT). Four tests were established in the Southwestern/West Central/Central (SW/WC/C) region and three tests were established in the Northwestern (NW) and North Central/Northeastern (NC/NE) regions (for a total of ten test sites statewide).  Hybrid entries in the regional tests were planted in either an early or a full season maturity trial. These test sites provided a range of growing conditions and production environments.

 

The 2015 growing season in Ohio was characterized by record rainfall in June and July.  Rainfall at Van Wert totaled 23.8 inches. However, total rainfall and distribution of rainfall differed considerably across test sites. Although soil conditions were excellent at planting for emergence, excessive rainfall and protracted periods of soil saturation at several sites resulted in highly variable corn growth and development that was associated with stunted plants and nitrogen deficiencies. Depending on the test site, excessive rainfall occurred in the early vegetative stages through the mid-late vegetative and tassel/silk vegetative stages. At several sites, including Beloit, Wooster and S. Charleston, August rainfall was below average. Temperatures were generally near normal to slightly above normal in May and below normal to near normal June through August. Warm dry conditions in September promoted crop maturation and dry down resulting in drier than normal grain moisture and higher test weights. Disease and insect pests were not a major factor at most test sites and stalk lodging was generally negligible. Symptoms of northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot were evident during grain fill and foliar fungicides were applied at the Hebron and Washington CH test sites. Dry conditions in August helped limit extensive disease development at other sites. 

 

Yields were mixed across the state. Averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, grain yields were 251 bu/A in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region, 188 bu/A in the North Central/Northeastern region, and 197 bu/A in the Northwestern region. Yields at individual test sites, averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, ranged from 148 bu/A at Beloit to 280 bu/A at Hebron. Performance data for Upper Sandusky in the Northwestern region and Greenville in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region are not presented because excessive rainfall shortly after planting combined with poor drainage resulted in highly uneven crop growth and inconsistent yields.

 

Tables 1 and 2 provide an overview of 2015 hybrid performance in the early maturity and full season hybrid trials by region. Averages for grain yields and other measures of agronomic performance are indicated for each region. In addition, the range in regional test site averages is shown in parentheses. Complete results are available online at: http://oardc.osu.edu/corntrials/

 

As you review 2015 test results, it’s important to keep the following in mind. Confidence in test results increases with the number of years and the number of locations in which the hybrid was tested. Avoid selecting a hybrid based on data from a single test site, especially if the site was characterized by abnormal growing conditions (like the excessive rainfall in June and July that characterized the 2015 growing season). Look for consistency in a hybrid's performance across a range of environmental conditions.  Consider Table 10 “Combined regional summary of hybrid performance” which indicates the performance of hybrids common to all tests as well as those in western Ohio.  Differences in grain moisture percentages among hybrids at harvest can provide a basis for comparing hybrid maturity.  Yield, % stalk lodging, grain moisture, and other comparisons should be made between hybrids of similar maturity to determine those best adapted to your farm. Results of the crop performance trials for previous years are also available online at: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf/archive.htm