“Ultra-early” Corn Performance

 

Confronted with June planting dates, some Ohio corn growers planted hybrids with relative maturity ratings earlier (less than 102 days) than those of our commonly grown maturities.  At the Hoytville OCPT test site, we evaluated 27 ultra-early hybrids with maturities ranging from 93-101 days.  Yields averaged 190 bu./A and ranged from 163 to 219 bu/A; harvest grain moisture averaged 19.3 and ranged from 18.3-20.3%; and test weight averaged 56.6 and ranged from 53.3-58.5.  In contrast, a 107 day commonly grown maturity hybrid included as a check yielded 220 bu/A with a 22.9 % harvest moisture and test weight of 51 lb/A.  The Hoytville test site planted June 12 and harvested November 18, benefited from favorable growing conditions with timely rains.  Pest injury was negligible.  Several hybrids were subject to severe animal damage and not considered in this performance overview.