2008 Northwest Vermont Corn Hybrid Performance Trial Results

Transcription

1 2008 Northwest Vermont Corn Hybrid Performance Trial Results Dr. Heather Darby UVM Extension Agronomic Specialist

2 2008 NORTHWEST VERMONT CORN SILAGE HYBRID PERFORMANCE TRIALS Heather Darby, University of Vermont Extension In 2008, the University of Vermont Extension conducted a hybrid corn evaluation program, in cooperation with local farmers and seed companies. The purpose of the program is to provide unbiased performance comparisons of hybrid corn available in the northern part of Vermont. It is important to remember, however, that the data presented are a single test at only a few locations. Hybrid-performance data additional tests in different locations and often over several years should be compared before you make conclusions. T EST IN G PR O C E DUR E In 2008, silage performance trials were conducted at four locations in Northwest Vermont. Local farmers were asked to host the trials on their farms and seed companies submitted hybrids for evaluation in each location. Companies and contact names are listed in Table 1. Table 1. Participating Companies and Local Contact Information Mycogen Pioneer Seedway Claude Fortin District Sales Manager Highgate, VT Jacob Bourdeau Bourdeau Bros. Sheldon, VT Edmund Schillawski District Sales Manager Brandon, VT Dekalb/Monsanto Scott Walker Account Manager Ogdensburg, NY (315) Cell Wolf River Valley Marcel Moreau District Sales Manager Swanton, VT Location trials were either early or late maturity trials, based on the hybrid Relative Maturities provided by the companies. The specific hybrids and relative maturities are listed for each trial location in Table 2. Table 2. Hybrids evaluated at four Northwest locations Company Variety Location Hybrid R M T raits Alburgh d Sheldon d Westford d Addison 85-95d Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC RR2/YGCB X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC RR2/YGCB X X Dekalb/Monsanto DKC VT3 X X Mycogen TMF2L BT/RR X Mycogen F2F BT/BMR X Mycogen F2F BTRW/BMR X X Mycogen F2F BMR X X Mycogen F2F BT/RR/BMR X Mycogen TMF2W BT/BTRW/RR X X Mycogen TMF2N X X Mycogen F2F BMR X

3 Company Variety Location Hybrid R M T raits Alburgh Sheldon Westford Addison Pioneer 32T HXX, RR2-HX, X X LL, RR2, CB, Pioneer 33T HX1 Corn Borer, X X RR2 - Pioneer 33D HXX, RR2-HX, LL, RR2, CB, X Pioneer 35F HXX, RR2-HX, X LL, RR2, CB, Pioneer 33T RR2 X Pioneer 38P43 94 HXX, RR2-HX, X LL, RR2, CB, Pioneer 36Y26 99 HXX, RR2-HX, LL, RR2, CB, X Seedway SW 3704GT 97 GT X Seedway SW 3737BMR 96 BMR X Seedway SW 4704RR 102 RR2-NK603 X Seedway SW 3301L 93 Leafy X Seedway SW 5555BMR 106 BMR X Seedway SW 6601L 108 Leafy X Seedway SW X Seedway E390L 98 Leafy X X Seedway 4091LYG 102 Leafy, YG X Seedway SW 5501L 105 Leafy X Seedway SW 6601L 108 Leafy X Seedway SW 6801L 113 Leafy X Wolf River Valley WRV 2702L 102 Leafy X Wolf River Valley WRV 2701BMR 100 BMR, BT/LL X Seasonal precipitation and temperature recorded at weather stations close in proximity to the 2008 sites are shown in Table 3. This season brought cooler than normal temperatures and higher than normal rainfall patterns across the region. In general, silage yields were average to below average for most farms including our trial locations. Above average precipitation during June and July resulted in late season nitrogen deficiencies in many fields. In Addison County above average precipitation and severe hail damage resulted in corn yields far below average. However, yields still remained respectable on most farms. Table Temperature, Precipitation, and G rowing Degree Days Summary Location* May June July August September Temp. Precip. GDD Averag e Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depar t. norm al Temp Alburgh Precip GDD

4 Location* May June July August September Temp. Precip. GDD Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Average Depart. normal Temp Sheldon Precip GDD Temp Westford Precip GDD Temp Addison Precip GDD *Based on National Weather Service data cooperative observer stations in close proximity to field trials. Historical averages are for 30 years of data ( ). Average GDD was not available for Alburgh location. Accumulated GDD for each location ( planting date to harvest date) Planted Harvested GDD Alburgh May 23 Sept Sheldon May 13 Sept Westford May 12 Oct Addison May 16 Sept C U L T UR A L PR A C T I C ES The seedbed at each location was prepared by conventional tillage methods. Fertilizer and herbicides were applied based on the farms standard practices. Plots were planted with a six or four row corn planter. Plots were planted the length of the field and averaged 350 feet in length. The plots were harvested with a self propelled corn chopper. Yield was measured by weighing wagons on drive-up platform scales. A subsample of corn was taken and analyzed for forage quality by the Cumberland Valley Forage Laboratory in Pennsylvania. Information for each location is summarized in Table 4.

5 Table 4. Individual T rial Information Trial Information Addison Jake & Bert Gosliga T rial Location & Cooperator Westford Sheldon Don Pouliot & Andy Brouillette & Family Family Alburgh Roger Rainville & Family Soil type Clay Silt loam Sandy loam Silt loam Previous Crop Corn Corn Corn Corn Row Width (in.) Planting date 16-May 12-May 13-May 23-May Harvest date 23-Sep 6-Oct 26-Sep 29-Sep Harvest population (plants/acre) 30,000 30,000 32,000 32,000 Tillage operations Fall Plow Spring Chisel Spring chisel Spring Chisel Manure (gal/acre) Fall applied gal/acre Spring applied 8000 gal/acre Spring applied gal/acre Spring applied gal/acre Starter fertilizer (lbs/a) 200 lbs/a 200 lbs/a 150 lbs/a 150 lbs/a Other fertilizer (lbs/a) 100 lbs N/acre sidedressed 72 lbs N/acre sidedressed 45 lbs N/acre sidedressed 90 lbs N/acre sidedressed SI L A G E Q U A L I T Y Silage quality was analyzed using wet chemistry techniques at the Cumberland Valley Forage Laboratory in Pennsylvania. Plot samples were dried, ground and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 30h digestible NDF (dndf), and starch. Mixtures of true proteins, composed of amino acids, and nonprotein nitrogen make up the CP content of forages. The CP content of forages is determined by measuring the amount of N and multiplying by The bulky characteristics of forage come fiber. Forage feeding values are negatively associated with fiber since the less digestible portions of plants are contained in the fiber fraction. The detergent fiber analysis system separates forages into two parts: cell contents, which include sugars, starches, proteins, nonprotein nitrogen, fats and other highly digestible compounds; and the less digestible components found in the fiber fraction. The total fiber content of forage is contained in the neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Chemically, this fraction includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Because of these chemical components and their association with the bulkiness of feeds, NDF is closely related to feed intake and rumen fill in cows. Recently, forage testing laboratories have begun to evaluate forages for NDF digestibility. Evaluation of forages and other feedstuffs for NDF digestibility is being conducted to aid prediction of feed energy content and animal performance. Research has demonstrated that lactating dairy cows will eat more dry matter and produce more milk when fed forages with optimum NDF digestibility. Forages with increased NDF digestibility will result in higher energy values, and perhaps more importantly, increased forage intakes. Forage NDF digestibility can range 20 80%. The silage performance indices of milk per acre and milk per ton were calculated using a model derived the spreadsheet entitled, MILK2006 developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin. Milk per ton measures the pounds of milk that could be produced a ton of silage. This value is generated by approximating a balanced ration meeting animal energy, protein, and fiber needs based on silage quality. The value is based on a standard cow weight and level of milk production. Milk per acre is calculated by multiplying the milk per ton value by silage dry matter yield. Therefore milk per ton is an overall indicator of forage quality and milk per acre an indicator of forage yield and quality. Milk per ton and milk per acre calculations provide relative rankings of forage samples, but should not be considered as predictive of actual milk responses in specific situations for the following reasons: 1) Equations and calculations are simplified to reduce inputs for ease of use. 2) Farm to farm differences exists.

6 3) Genetic, dietary, and environmental differences affecting feed utilization are not considered. PR ESE N T A T I O N O F D A T A Results for individual locations are listed in Table 5, 6, 7, and 8. Dry matter yields were calculated and than adjusted to 35% dry matter for the report. Within each trial, hybrids are ranked by dry matter at harvest. The numbers presented in the tables are an average of two replications (unless otherwise noted). For each location, there is a figure displaying the relationship between milk per ton and milk per acre. The dotted line dividing the figure into four quadrats represents the mean milk per ton and acre for the location. Therefore hybrids that fall above the lines performed higher than the average and hybrids below the lines performed below average. Lastly, a table has been included for each location to report yields. Hybrids with the same letter were not statistically different in yield. L E AST SI G NI F I C A N T DI F F E R E N C E (LSD) Variations in yield and quality can occur because of variations in genetics, soil, weather, and other growing conditions. Statistical analysis makes it possible to determine, whether a difference among hybrids is real or whether it might have occurred due to other variations in the field. At the bottom of each table a LSD value is presented for each variable (i.e. yield). Least Significant differences (LSD s) at the 10% level of probability are shown. Where the difference between two hybrids within a column is equal to or greater than the LSD value at the bottom of the column, you can be sure in 9 out of 10 chances that there is a real difference between the two hybrids. Hybrids that were not significantly lower in performance than the highest hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. In the example below hybrid A is significantly different hybrid C but not hybrid B. The difference between A and B is equal to 1.5 which is less than the LSD value of 2.0. This means that these hybrids did not differ in yield. The difference between A and C is equal to 3.0 which is greater than the LSD value of 2.0. This means that the yields of these hybrids were significantly different one another. The asterisk indicates that hybrid B was not significantly lower than the top yielding hybrid. Hybrid Yield A 6.0 B 7.5* C 9.0* LSD 2.0

7 R ESU L TS Table 5. Addison Short Maturity Corn Silage Variety T rial Company Hybrid DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch Nel ton acre % T/A % % % % % Seedway SW3737 BMR * 43.9* 71.3* * Mycogen TMF2N Seedway SW4091LV * * Seedway E390L * Dekalb DKC * 43.5* Pioneer 36Y * Mycogen TMF2L * * * * Seedway SW3301L * * Pioneer 38P * 40.3* * * 8128 Mycogen F2F * 43.6* 69.8* * 5950 Dekalb DKC * 40.5* * Dekalb DKC * 13.5* 6.86* 41.5* * * Trial Mean LSD (0.10)** NS * Hybrids that did not perform significantly lower than the top performing hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another High Yield High Yield & Quality Milk per acre DKC48 37 SW 4091LYG TMF2L416 SW E390L TMF2N422 P36Y26 DKC45 79 DKC48 46 SW 3301L P38P43 F2F297 SW 3737BMR High Quality Milk per ton Dotted lines represent the mean milk per ton and milk per acre at the Addison location. The yield and quality of hybrids at the Addison site were severely compromised by harsh weather conditions.

8 16 65% moisture (tons/acre) F FG EF EF EF DE DE CDE BCD ABC AB A 0 Hybrid Hybrids differed significantly in yield at the Addison location. The Addison location received severe rain and hail damage in August. The results were small plants with very small ears. Table 6. Westford - Short M aturity Corn Silage Variety T rial Company Hybrid DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch Nel ton acre % T/A % % % % % Pioneer 35F Mycogen F2F * 65.9* 34.0* 0.74* Pioneer 33T Mycogen F2F * * Dekalb DKC Seedway SW3704GT Wolf River Vall. WRV2701BMR Dekalb DKC * Seedway SW4704RR * * 0.71* Dekalb DKC * * 0.73* Wolf River Vall. WRV2702L * 60.0* 35.6* 0.74* Seedway E390L 42.7* Mycogen TMF2N * * Trial Mean LSD (0.10)** 3.6 NS NS NS NS * Hybrids that did not perform significantly lower than the top performing hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another.

9 30000 High Yield High WRV Yield 2702L & Quality P33T55 Milk per acre TMF2N422 SW 390L SW 3704GT P35F44 SW 4704RR DKC54 20 DKC50 66 DKC52 59 F2F WEV 2701 F2F487 High Quality Milk per ton Dotted lines represent the mean milk per ton and milk per acre at the Westford location % moisture (tons/acre) Hybrid Hybrids did not differ significantly in yield at the Westford location. The field site was too variable due to adverse soil and weather conditions. As a result it was difficult to pick up statistical differences among the hybrids.

10 Table 7. Sheldon Late Maturity Corn Silage Variety Trial Company Hybrid DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch Nel ton acre % T/A % % % % % Pioneer 33T Dekalb DKC Mycogen F2F * * Seedway SW * Mycogen F2W * * Pioneer 32T Mycogen F2F * * 34492* Dekalb DKC * * 39669* Seedway SW5555BMR 35.2* * * Seedway SW6601L 36.8* 34.2* * Trial Mean LSD (0.10)** NS NS NS * Hybrids that did not perform significantly lower than the top performing hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another High Yield DKC High Yield & Quality Milk per acre T85 SW6601L SW6700 DKC P33T57 F2F568 F2W587 F2F610 SW5555BMR High Quality Milk per ton Dotted lines represent the mean milk per ton and milk per acre at the Sheldon location.

11 65% moisture (tons/acre) D CD CD BC BC BC BC BC AB A 0 Hybrid Hybrids differed significantly in yield at the Sheldon location. Table 8. Alburgh Late Maturity Corn Silage Variety T rial Company Hybrid DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch Nel ton acre % T/A % % % % % Seedway SW6801L Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC Mycogen X Pioneer 32T Mycogen F2F * * Pioneer 33T Mycogen F2F * * Pioneer 33D Seedway SW6601L Seedway SW5501L Trial mean LSD (0.10)** NS NS NS NS 4.6 NS NS 172 NS * Hybrids that did not perform significantly lower than the top performing hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another.

12 Milk per acre High Yield SW 6601L DKC59 64 SW6801L P33D14 P32T85 SW5501L X28866 DKC61 69 High Yield & Quality F2F610 F2F P33T57 High Quality Milk per ton Dotted lines represent the mean milk per ton and milk per acre at the Alburgh location % moisture (tons/acre) Hybrid Hybrids did not differ significantly in yield at the Alburgh location.

13 2008 C O RN SI L A G E H Y BRID M A T URI T Y D A T E PE R F O R M A N C E T RI A LS In 2008, the University of Vermont Extension conducted an experiment to evaluate yield and quality of a range of short and long season corn hybrids. It is important to remember that the data presented are a single test at only one location. Hybrid-performance data additional tests in different locations and often over several years should be compared before you make conclusions. T EST IN G PR O C E DUR E In 2008, the corn hybrid maturity trial was conducted at one location in Northwest Vermont. There were two replications of each variety. The seedbed at the location was prepared by conventional tillage methods. Fertilizer and herbicides were applied. Plots were planted with a four row corn planter. Plots were planted the length of the field and averaged 200 feet in length. The four row plots were harvested with a two row corn chopper. Yield was measured by weighing wagons on drive-up platform scales. A subsample of corn was taken and analyzed for forage quality Plot samples were dried, ground and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 30h digestible NDF (dndf), and starch. PR ESE N T A T I O N O F D A T A The results are reported as an average of the two replications. There were two replication of each hybrid at one location. The data are reported in Table 10. Dry matter yields were calculated and than adjusted to 35% dry matter for the report. There is also a figure displaying the relationship between milk per ton and milk per acre. The dotted lines dividing the figure into four quadrats represent the mean milk per ton and acre for the location. Therefore hybrids that fall above the lines performed higher than the average and hybrids below the lines performed below average. Lastly, a table has been included to report yields. Hybrids with the same letter were not statistically different in yield. A LSD value is presented for each variable (i.e. yield) comparing if hybrids with different relative maturities differed each other in yield and quality. Least Significant differences (LSD s) at the 10% level of probability are shown. If there is no significant difference (NS) this means that these hybrids did not differ one another. Table 9. Hybrids evaluated in maturity trial Company Variety Hybrid R M Pioneer P38N87 93 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC Pioneer DKC Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC Dekalb P37F Dekalb DKC Pioneer DKC Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC

14 Table 10. Impact of corn silage relative maturity on yield and quality. Hybrid Relative Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per maturity 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch Nel ton acre T/A % % % % % P38N * 39.0* * 3122* DKC * 40.2* * 3155* DKC * 39.2* * 3090* DKC * 40.6* DKC * * DKC P37F DKC DKC DKC * DKC * 37.9* * Trial Mean LSD (0.10)** NS NS NS NS * Hybrids that did not perform significantly lower than the top performing hybrid in a particular column are indicated with an asterisk. ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another High Yield 104 High Yield & Quality 98 Milk per acre High Quality Milk per ton Dotted lines represent the mean milk per ton and milk per acre. There was not relationship between corn hybrid relative maturity and yield and quality.

15 % moisture (tons/acre) Hybrid Relative Maturity Hybrids with varying relative maturities did not differ significantly in yield.

16 2008 C O RN H Y BRID SPE C I A L T Y T R A I TS PE R F O R M A N C E T RI A LS In 2008, the University of Vermont Extension conducted an experiment to evaluate yield and quality of corn hybrids with and without specialty traits. It is important to remember that the data presented are a single test at only one location. Hybrid-performance data additional tests in different locations and often over several years should be compared before you make conclusions. T EST IN G PR O C E DUR E In 2008, the corn hybrid specialty traits trials were conducted at one location in Northwest Vermont. The site had been in corn production for greater than 4 years. The seedbed was prepared by conventional tillage methods. Fertilizer and herbicides were applied. Plots were planted with a six row corn planter. Plots were planted the length of the field and averaged 350 feet in length. The six row plots were harvested with a self propelled corn chopper. Yield was measured by weighing wagons on drive-up platform scales. A subsample of corn was taken and analyzed for forage quality Plot samples were dried, ground and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 30h digestible NDF (dndf), and starch. PR ESE N T A T I O N O F D A T A There was one replication of each hybrid at the experiment site (Table 11). The data are reported in Tables 12 and 13. Dry matter yields were calculated and than adjusted to 35% dry matter for the report. In Table 12, the specialty trait hybrid is compared to its conventional counterpart. In Table 13, all specialty trait hybrids are compared to all of the conventional hybrids. A LSD value is presented for each variable (i.e. yield) comparing if specialty traits hybrids differed conventional hybrids. Least Significant differences (LSD s) at the 10% level of probability are shown. If there is no significant difference (NS) this means that these hybrids did not differ one another. Table 11. Hybrids evaluated in specialty traits trial Company Variety Hybrid R M T raits* Pioneer 38H67 97 None Pioneer 38H72 99 HXX, LL, RR2 Pioneer 35F RR2 Pioneer 35F HXX, LL, RR2 Pioneer 34A None Pioneer 34A HXX, LL, RR2 * HXX The HerculexXTRA insect protection trait offers a high level of resistance to European corn borer and fall armyworm. It also offers good resistance to black cutworm and western bean cutworm, and moderate resistance to corn earworm. Lastly it provides protection against Northern and Western corn rootworm. LL LIBERTY LINK CORN is tolerant to broadcast applications of Liberty herbicide, glufosinate ammonium. The gene that gives resistance to glufosinate came a naturally occurring soil bacterium, Streptomycin hygroscopicus. Glufosinate is a fast acting, post-emergent, foliar applied, non-selective contact herbicide that controls a broad spectrum of weeds. RR2 ROUND-UP READY CORN is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, a post-emergent, foliar applied, non-selective herbicide that controls a broad spectrum of weeds.

17 R ESU L TS Table 12. Specialty trait hybrids compared to their conventional counterpart. Hybrid Specialty DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per traits harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch ton acre % T/A % % % % 38H67 None H72 HXX, LL, RR F37 RR F44 HXX, LL, RR A85 RR A89 HXX, LL, RR Table 13. T rial means comparing hybrids with and without specialty traits. Specialty DM at Yield Forage Quality Characteristics Milk per traits harvest 35 % DM CP NDF dndf Starch ton acre % T/A % % % % None HXX, LL, RR LSD (0.10)** NS 2.0 NS NS NS NS NS 3821 ** See text for further explanation. NS - None of the hybrids were significantly different one another. UVM Extension would like to thank the Gosliga, Brouillette, Rainville, and Pouliot families for their generous help with the trials and Karen Hills and Erica Cummings for assisting with planting, harvesting, and data entry. University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

18