Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Producers, seedsmen, county extension agents, plant breeders, agronomists Changes/Problems:Water continues to be a very critical issue in agriculture. This makes it imperitive to evaluate hybrids under a different regime, especially in the Texas High Plains. Farmers will have an opportunity to select hybrids that perform well using less water, especailly under irrigated conditions. Some corn companies now have hybrids that have a drought tolerant gene that will help produce a crop under limited moisture. Water conservation will be essential and non-biased data will behelpful and useful. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Full-time staff of the program are encouraged to attend field days to present relevant information to agents, producers, and seedsman of any given geographic area. Student workers employeed by the Crop Testing Program have the opportunity to experience different agricultural production areas throughout Texas. They learn valuable skills such as communication, work ethic, and how to handle difficult situationswith confidence and tact. County agents are encouraged to use the data provided by the program to assist farmers in making hybrid selections that would best meet their individual needs. Also, plant breeders, entomologists, and pathologists are able to access all of these test sites to observe how different hybrids perform under various pressures. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The internet is the primary method of getting information out rapidly and en-masse. Trialdata is published on our website as soon as it is available, allowing any interested party access. Data can be accessed from the current year as well as previous years cataloged in our on-line archives. Facebook is another method we have started this year. With a single post we reach over 100 people instantaneously with updates throughout the growing season as well as when results are available. Field days are an interactive time when results/ season progress is shared with county agents, producers, and seedsmen. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to offer performance and supplemental testing for corn, grain sorghum, and sunflowers. This will continue to provide long-term data that can be useful in hybrid selection. Attend more field days to keep producers up to date with the latest developments. Keep our social media and website current with the most recent information.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Twelve corn, twelve grain sorghum, two sunflower, one corn silage, one sorghum forage, and two disease observation performance sites were planted throughout Texas in 2015, primarily on producers fields. Agronomic data for each test locationwas recorded at the apporopriate time from the staff at College Station, Texas, or from collaborators located near the various sites. The majority of the test sites were harvested with a plot combine equipped with an electronic HarvestMaster system that measured plot weight, moisture, and test weight. The sites that were not harvested with the combine were hand-harvested, threshed with a stationary thresher;plot weight, moisture, and test weight were determined with bench mounted equipment. After the tests were harvested, data was statistically analyzed and published on the Soil and Crop Sciences Departmental variety testing webpage. The data can be accessed by farmers, county agents, seedsmen, and any other interested individualsto assist in hybrid selection for a particular geographic region of Texas. A complete publication with all test locations for the year is made available after all test sites have been harvested and data is analyzed. Corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower supplemental tests were also offered, which gives commercial companies the opportunity to submit hybrids for evaluation before they enter the market place. The data generated from these tests isto be used for in-house purposes only andnotpublished. These tests are very useful to companies to test material before genetic traits are added. Seed companies also have the opportunity to have their grain sorghum hybrids/lines evaluated for disease information in two field sites. Plant breeders and pathologists use this data to evulate hybrids/lines to determine if disease pressure was observed.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Schnell, R.; Pietsch, D.; Murray, S.; Horn, K.; Moreno, J. (2015). 2015 Corn Performance Tests in Texas; http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/files/corn/2015varietytrials/yield_results/2015%20Corn%20Performance.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Schnell, R.; Pietsch, D.; Horn, K.; Moreno, J.; Rooney, W.L.; Peterson, G. (2015). 2015 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas, http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/files/grainsorghum/2015varietytrials/yield_results/2015%20Grain%20Sorghum%20022016.pdf
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Farmers,seedsmen, County Extension Agents, Plant Breeders, agronomists, Consultants Changes/Problems:Since water is an important issue, it will be imperative to evaluate hybrids under a different regime, especially in the Texas High Plains. Farmers will have to select hybrids that will perform well using less waer, especially under irrigated conditions. Water covnersation will be essential, therefore we must be prepared to evaluate hybrids from commercial seed companies. Non biased data will be very useful and helpful. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Student workers under the Crop Testing Program have an opportunity to experience first-hand various pests and diseases associated with a commodity at various sites across Texas. Also, county extension agents have the opportunity to use the various tests to educate farmers on how to select hybrids that fit into their farming operation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Internet continues to be a leading source of information whereby clientel can access information rapidly. Also, field tours offer non-agricultural individuals such as the media writers an opportunity to share with their audience the various aspects of research these tests offer. County extension agents disseminate the information via producer meetings, demonstration handbooks, or by fact sheets. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Work with extension agents and agronomists encouraging them to continue to make the data available.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Eleven corn, twelve grain sorghum, four sunflower, one corn silage, one sorage sorghum, and five dryland grain sorghum performance test sites were planted in the major production areas in Texas in 2015. Agronomic data for each commodity was recorded at the appropriate time by the staff from College Station or from collaborators located at the various sites. The majority of the test sites were harvested with a plot combine equipped with anelectronic sdfystem that measured plot weights, grain moisture, and test weight. The other remaining sites were hand-harvested, threshed with a stationary thresher, andgrain weighed, moisture determined, and test weight measured with the appropriate instruments. After the tests were harvested, data was statistically analyzed and posted on the Soil and Crop Sciences webpage. The data can be accessed by producers or any clientel to help in hybrid selection. A detailed publication combining all test sites is also made available through the department. Also, corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower supplemental tests were offered which gave commercial companies an opportunity to submit hybrids for evaluation before they enter the market place. The data generated from these tests were to be used for in-house purposes only and not to e published. Thefse tests are very useful to companies whereby hybrids are evaluatedbefore genetic traits are added. Seed companies also have the opportunity to have their grain sorghum hybrids/lines evaluated for disease information in two field sites and/or greenhouse tests. Plant breeders and pathologists also use the test sites to evaluate hybrids/lines if diease pressure was observed.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Corn Performance Tests in Texas; SCS-2014-09
Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas; SCS-2014-10
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers, seedsmen, County Extension Agents, Breeders, Agronomists, Ag. Consultants, Changes/Problems: Since water continues to be an important issue, it will be impertative to evaluate hybrids under a different regime, especially in the Texas High Plains. Farmers willhave an opportunity to select hybrids that perform well using less water, especially under irrigated conditions. Some corn companies now have hybrids that have a drought tolerant gene that will help produce a crop under limited moisture. Water conservation will be essential. Non-biased data will be helpful and useful. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student workers employed by the Crop Testing Program have an opportunity to experience different agricultural production throughout Texas. County agents have the opportunity to use the various tests to educate farmers on how to select hybrids that they can use in their farming operation.Also, plant breeders, entomologists, and pathologist can obtain useful information from a number of hybrids/lines from a replicated trial under the same environmental conditions. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The internet continues to be the primary source of disseminating information rapidly to the various sectors involved. Not only can data be accessed from the current year, they also can access archieved data in a timely manner. Also, field days or crop tours offer non-agricultural individuals such as newspaper or magazine outlets an opportunity to share with their audience the various aspects of research at a particular site. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue to offer performance and supplemental testing of corn, grain sorghum, and sunflowers. This will help in providing long term data that is useful in hybrid selection.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Twelve corn, twelve grain sorghum, four sunflower, one corn silage, one forage silage, and four Texas High Plains dryland grain sorghum performance sites were planted throughout Texas in 2014, primaril;y on producers fields. Agronomic data for each commodity was recorded at the appropriate time from the staff at College Station, Texas or from collaborators located at the various sites. The majority of the test sites were harvested with a plot combine equipped with an electronic system that measured plot weight, moisture, and test weight.The other remaining sites were hand-harvested, threshed with a stationary thresher, and plot weight, moisture, and test weight determined with bench mounted equipment. After the tests were harvested, data was statistically analyzed and placed on the Soil & Crop Sciences Departmental variety testing web page. The data can be accessed by farmers or any other clientel to help in hybrid selection. A detailed publication combining all sites is also made availabe at a later date. Also, corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower supplemental tests were also offered which gave commercial companies an opportuinty to submit hybrids for evaluation before they enter the market place. The data generated from these tests were to be used for in-house purposes only and not to be published. These tests are very useful to companies before genetic traits are added. Seed companies also have the opportunity to have their grain sorghum hybrids/lines evaluated for disease information in two field sites. Plant breeders and pathologists also use the test data to evaluate hybrids/lines if disease pressure was observed.
Publications
|
Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers, seedsmen, County Extension Agents, Breeders, agronomists Changes/Problems: Since water is an important issue, it will be imperative to evaluate hybrids under a different regime, especially in the Texas High Plains. Farmers will have to select hybrids that will perform well using less water, especially under irrigated conditions. Water conversation will be essential, therefore we must be prepared to evaluate hybrids from commercial seed companies. Non biased data will be very useful and helpful. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student workers under the Crop Testing Program havean opportunity to experience first-hand various pests and diseases associated with a commodity at various sites across Texas. Also, county extension agents have the opportunity touse the various tests to educate farmers on how to select hybrids that fit into their farming operation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Internet continues to be a leading source whereby clientel can access informationrapidly. Also, field tours offer non-agricultural individuals such as newspaper or magazine writers an opportunity to share with their their audience the various aspects of research the tests offer that they know nothing about. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Eleven corn, eleven grain sorghum, four sunflower, two corn silage,one sorghum forage, and four dryland grain sorghum performance sites were planted throughout Texas in 2013. Agronomic data for each commodity was recorded at the appropriate time by the staff from College Station or from collaborators located at the various sites.The majority of the testsites were harvested with aplot combine equipped with a electronic system that measured yield, moisture, and test weight. The other remaining sites were hand-harvested, threshed with a stationary plot thresher, andplots weighed, moistured, and bushel weight determined. After the tests were harvested, data was statistically analyzed and put on the Soil & Crop Sciences Department web page. The data can be used by farmers or any other clientel to help in hybrid selection. A delailed publication combining all sites is also made availabe through the department. Also, corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower supplemental tests were also offered which gave commercial companies an opportunity to submit hybrids for evaluation before they entered the market place. The data generated from these tests wereto be used for in-house purposes only and not to be published. These tests are veryuseful to companies whereby hybrids are evaluated before genetic traits are added. Seed companies alsohave the opportunity to have their grain sorghumhybrids/lines evaluated for disease information in twofield sites and/or two greenhouse tests.Plant breeders and pathologists also used the test sites to evaluate hybrids/lines if disease pressure was observed.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were planned for 11 corn performance tests of which 6 were irrigated (FI) and 5 were rain-fed (NI). All trials were planted, however data from only nine locations were posted on our website.The Dalhart(I)test was harvested but data not reported due to a high test C.V. The (NI) test located in San Patricio County had multiple agronomic issues and was not harvested. Trials were also conducted for eleven grain sorghum tests locations in Texas of which three were full irrigated(FI),4 were limited irrigated (LI), and 4 were rain-fed (NI). All locations were planted and harvested, but data collected from only 9 sites. Performance tests were also conducted for two (FI) corn silage tests and four sunflower tests 2 (NI) and 2 (I). Agronomic characteristics for corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower are collected at the appropriate times. In addition to the corn and sorghum agronomic characteristics, quality data was obtained for corn silage tests. Appropriate data was taken for the sunflower tests including oil content and confectionary grading.Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner. Results can also be accessed via the Internet at http://varietytesting.tamu.edu Variable weather conditions persisted throughout the Texas growing season.The mean from the 5(FI)corn tests was 182.9 bu/A. The top mean yield was 250.4 bu/A at College Station. The Dumas site suffered hail damage prior to the tassel-silk stage which reduced potential yields. Test mean yields from the 4(NI)sites averaged 128.7 bu/A. The 2(FI)grain sorghum sites had a mean yield of 7,735 lb/A with Monte Alto having a mean yield of 8,096 lb/A. The test at Uvalde was lost due to severe lodging. The 4(LI) grain sorghum tests had a mean yield of 6,167 lb/A with the top mean yield of 8,021 lb/A at Monte Alto. The 3(NI)sites had a mean yield of 5,120 lb/A with the top mean yield of 6,413 lb/A at Farmersville. The data from the Danevang site was not posted due to a high C.V. Outstanding sunflower yields were attained at Bardwell(NI).The test mean yield for the confectionary entries was 2,446 lb/A while the test mean yield for the oil entries was 2,289 lb/A. Drought conditions hampered yields at Corpus Christi. The confectionary mean yield was 946 lb/A and the mean oil yield was 695 lb/A. Due to the high test C.V., the oil results were not posted on the web site. Results from the (FI) sunflower tests have not been reported yet. The two(FI)corn silage sites posted good yields. The Etter site had a mean yield of 33.5 ton/A while the Halfway site had a mean yield of 27.8 tons/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity of enter hybrids in the corn and grain sorghum supplemental tests. New material is tested for adaptability before being made available on the market for planting. Grain sorghum disease screenings are also available for at selected sites. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites, maintain communication with seedsmen, agronomists, county agents, and plant breeders. Plant test sites, monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the Internet, harvest tests, process and analyze data in a timely manner, participate in producer meetings, meet with commodity groups when asked, and report to the Crop Testing Advisory Board during the Texas Seed Trade Conventions. Attend Texas Plant Protection Conference which emphasis new technology relating to various commodities as well as maintaining continued education hours pertaining to pesticides laws. Present programs at county sponsored field days. Orry Arthur (Research Assistant): assist in seed packing for the selected test sites, operate various machinery and equipment, maintain vehicles and equipment, assist in data collection, assist in analyzing data, and supervising student workers. Katrina Horn (Research Assistant): inventory seed, assist in seed packing and preparation, assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in data collection, assist in manuscript preparation, and maintain office. Dale Herrington (student Worker): assist in preparing test sites, assist in planting, and help maintain test sites, assist in data collection, maintain equipment, and assist in harvesting. Cameron Dorsett (Student Worker): assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair, and assist in data collection. Clint Borden (Student Worker): assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair, and assist in data collection. Ryan Perez (Student Worker): assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair, and assist in data collection. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Ronnie Schnell (Hired October), Grain Sorghum Cropping System Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas: Dr. Brent Bean (Retired March), Texas AgriLife Research Agronomist, Amarillo, Texas: Dr. Gary Peterson, Texas AgriLife Research Sorghum Breeder, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Agronomist, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Seth Murray, Corn Quantitative Genetics, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Texas Corn Producers Board and Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board provide insight to major production areas where tests are conducted. Also, maintain excellent working conditions with numerous AgriLife Extension Agents throughout Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to observe corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower hybrids in their respective regions or area either by attending field day tours or producer meetings. Also, seedsmen, county agents, plant breeders, consultants, and agronomists use the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on hybrid selection. Since hybrid selection is an important factor in selecting hybrids, we encourage clientle to use multiple year data for a respective hybrid or hybrids instead of single year data. We also encourage farmers to access our web site and look at multiple locations in their area for yield results. County agents are encouraged to provide the information to their clientle either in their demonstration handbook or in the newsletter directed to producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project will assist farmers in selecting a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area which could increase productivity, thus increase revenue.Yield is the predominant criteria used to select a hybrid, but other agronomic characteristics such as maturity are also important, especially if the optimum planting date has been delayed due to weather events. Also, corn hybrids, especially in the supplemental tests, are evaluated before any genetic traits are added. Genetic traits help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to the crop. Since a number of dairies continue to relocate to the Texas High plains, it is imperative that research efforts be conducted on corn silage hybrids for yield and quality despite a declining water table. Cattle feeding operations located in the Texas High Plains benefit from using the data derived from the corn silage tests to enhance their operations, thus increasing their revenue. Research on sunflowers is an important aspect to determine oil content that can be used for biofuels in the future. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin, which affects corn, can present a serious problem in marketing corn, especially in a drought year, thus reducing potential revenue. Commodity prices often dictate which crop a farmer may plant. So first-hand knowledge of selecting hybrids can be quite beneficial.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Arthur O., Horn, K., Schnell, R., and Murray, S. 2012 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2012-13.
- Pietsch, D., Arthur, O., Horn K., Labar, S., Rooney, W.L., and Peterson, G. 2012 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2012-14
- Xu, W., Marek, T., Howard, Wade, J., Breeden, J., Hardin, C., and Pietsch, D. 2012 State Silage Corn Performance Test on the Texas High Plains. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension-Lubbock Center Technical Report No.10-4.
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., Sutton, R. L., Pietsch D.R., and Abrameit, A. H. Grain Sorghum Yield Response to Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers and Additives. ASA-CSSA-SSCA, Cincinnati, OH. Session 407-3, Poster Number 2309, October 21-24, 2012.
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., Sutton, R. L., Pietsch D.R., and Abrameit, A. H. Grain Sorghum Yield Response to Enhanced-Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers. Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 6 & 7, 2012, Brazos Center, Bryan, Texas.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids is vital management decisions that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn grain sorghum and sunflower hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were planned for 11 corn performance tests of which 6 were irrigated (FI) and 5 were rain-fed (NI). All trials were planted, however data from only 8 locations were posted on our website. Two NI sites were not harvested due to the severe drought conditions and one NI site was harvested, but data not reported due to a high test C.V. Trials were also conducted for 11 grain sorghum tests locations in Texas of which 3 were full irrigated (FI), 4 were limited irrigated (LI), and 4 were rain-fed (NI). All locations were planted, but only 9 were harvested due to the drought. Performance tests were also conducted for 3 corn silage tests of which 1 was (NI)and 2 were (FI), 1 sorghum silage test (FI), 1 hay test (FI), 4 sunflower tests ( 2 NI and 2 FI). Agronomic characteristics for corn and grain sorghum were collected at the appropriate time. In addition to the corn and sorghum agronomic characteristics, quality data was obtained for the silage tests and the hay test. Appropriate data was taken for the sunflower tests including oil content and confectionary grading. Data is statistically analyzed and made available to agricultural clientel.Results can also be accessed via the Internet at http://varietytesting@tamu.edu. Adequate moisture was available at planting, however prolonged periods of hot and dry conditions rapidly depleted available soil moisture, thus causing severe plant stress and reducing potential yields. The mean yield from the six (FI) corn tests was 169.9 bu/A with the top test mean being 211.3 bu/A at Dalhart. The mean yield from the two (NI) corn sites was 80.9 bu/A. The (NI) test at Wharton was harvested, but the C.V. was very high, thus no data published. The (NI) tests at Corpus and Thrall were not harvested. Test mean yields from the grain sorghum tests were 5,424 lb/A for the (FI), 6,434 lb/A for the (LI), and 4,201 lb/A for (NI). The (NI) test at Danevang and Thrall was not harvested due to the drought. The (NI) sunflower tests had a mean yield of 1,648 lb/A for oilseed and 1,703 lb/A for confectionary. The confectionary results for Corpus Christi were not published due to a high test C.V. Results from the (FI) sunflower tests have not been reported yet. The (NI) corn silage test had a yield of 7.08 tons/A while the (FI) test at Etter had a mean yield of 33.0 tons/A. Results from the corn silage test at Halfway were not reported. Results from the hay tests have not been reported yet. Also, participating companies have the opportunity of enter hybrids in the corn and grain sorghum supplemental tests. New material is tested for adaptability before being made available on the market for planting. Grain sorghum disease screenings are also available for anthracnose or downy mildew at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not attained. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites, maintain communication with seedsmen, agronomists, county agents, and plant breeders. Plant test sites, monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the Internet, harvest tests, process and analyze data in a timely manner, participate in producer meetings, meet with commodity groups when asked, and report to the Crop Testing Advisory Board during the Texas Seed Trade Conventions. Attend Texas Plant Protection Conference which emphasis new technology relating to various commodities as well as maintaining continued education hours pertaining to pesticides laws. Attend National Sunflower Meetings as well as any corn or grain sorghum meetings. Steven Labar (Research Technician II, complete requirements for Bachelor's Degree): assist in seed packing for the selected test sites, operate various machinery and equipment, maintain vehicles and equipment, assist in data collection, assist in analyzing data, and supervising student workers. Dale Herrington (student Worker): assist in preparing test sites, assist in planting, and help maintain test sites, assist in data collection, maintain equipment, and assist in harvesting. Katrina Horn (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in seed packing and preparation, assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in data collection, assist in manuscript preparation, and maintain office. Joseph Fuller (Student Worker, graduated in May): assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair, and assist in data collection. Clint Borden (Student Worker): assist in planting and maintaining test sites, assist in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair, and assist in data collection. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Jurg Blumenthal (Retired May), Grain Sorghum Cropping System Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas: Dr. Brent Bean, Texas AgriLife Research Agronomist, Amarillo, Texas: Dr. Gary Peterson, Texas AgriLife Research Sorghum Breeder, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Agronomist, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Seth Murray, Corn Quantitative Genetics, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Texas Corn Producers Board and Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board provide insight to major production areas where tests are conducted. Also, maintain excellent working conditions with numerous AgriLife Extension Agents throughout Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to observe corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower hybrids in their respective regions or area either by field days tours or producer meetings. Also, seedsmen, county agents, plant breeders, consultants, and agronomists used the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on hybrid selection. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project assists farmers in selecting a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area. Yield is the predominant criteria used to select a hybrid, but other agronomic characteristics such as maturity are also important. Also, corn hybrids, especially in the supplemental tests, are evaluated before any genetic traits are added. Genetic traits help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to the crop. A number of dairies have been relocated to the Texas High Plains, and it is imperative that research efforts be conducted on both corn and sorghum silage hybrids for yield and quality despite a declining water table. Cattle feeding operations located in the Texas High Plains benefit from using the data derived from the corn and silage tests and hay tests to enhance their operations. Research on sunflowers is an important aspect to determine oil content that can be used for biofuels in the future. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin, which affects corn, can present a serious problem in marketing corn, especially in a drought year, thus reducing potential revenue. Commodity prices often dictate which crop a farmer may plant. So first-hand knowledge of selecting hybrids can be quite beneficial.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Labar, S., Arthur, O., and Murray, S. 2011 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2011-13.
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Labar, S., Arthur, O., Rooney, W.L., and Peterson, G. 2011 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2011-14.
- Xu, W., Marek, T., Yu, Y., Cranmer, A., Bean, B., and Pietsch, D. 2011 State Silage Corn Performance Test on the Texas High Plains. Texas AgriLife Research and Extension-Lubbock Center Technical Report No.11-4.
- Becker, J., Bean, B.W., Rooney, B., Blumenthal, J., Robinson, J., Brandon, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2010 Texas panhandle sweet sorghum for ethanol production. AREC 2011-13.
- Bean, B.W., Becker, J., Rooney, B., Blumenthal, J., Robinson, J., Brandon, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2010 Texas panhandle high-biomass sorghum trials. AREC 2011-76.
- Bean, B.W., Becker, J., Rooney, B., Blumenthal, J., Robinson, J., Brandon, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2010 Texas panhandle high-biomass sorghum water use. AREC 2011-75.
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., and Blumenthal, J.M., and Pietsch D.R. Managing Phosphorus for Grain Sorghum Production. ASA-CSSA-SSCA, San Antonio, TX, Session 126-7, Page 105, Poster Number 421, October 16-19, 2011.
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., and Blumenthal, J.M., and Pietsch D.R. Managing Phosphorus for Grain Sorghum Production. Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 5 & 6, 2011, Brazos Center, Bryan, Texas.
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., and Blumenthal, J.M., and Pietsch D.R. Managing Phosphorus for Corn Production: Summary of Three Seasons. Oral presentation at 2011 Stiles Farm Field Day, Page 26, June 22, 2011.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids are vital management decisions that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 11 corn performance tests of which six were irrigated (FI) and five were rain-fed (NI). Trials were also conducted for nine grain sorghum tests locations of which two were full irrigated (FI), three were limited irrigated (LI), and 4 were rain-fed (NI). Performance tests were also conducted for three corn silage tests of which one was (NI) and two were (FI), one sorghum silage test (FI), one hay test (FI), four sunflower tests ( 2 NI and 2 FI). Agronomic characteristics for corn and grain sorghum included days to silk, plant height, ear height, plant density, lodging, plot weight, moisture, test weight, and disease and insect resistance. In addition to the corn and sorghum agronomic characteristics, quality data was obtained for the corn and silage tests and the hay test. Appropriate data was taken for the sunflower tests including oil content. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, extension agents, and farmers. Results can also be accessed via the Internet at http://varietytesting.tamu.edu. Erratic weather patterns persisted throughout Texas during the growing season. In general, ample moisture was available at planting, however prolonged periods of hot and dry conditions rapidly depleted available soil moisture, especially in the NI sites, thus reducing potential yields. Excessive rainfall from several major weather events at the Danevang Grain Sorghum site reduced potential yields, although excellent weathering notes were obtained. The mean yield from the six (FI) corn tests was 203.6 bu/A with the top test mean being 273.6 bu/A at Dalhart. The mean yield from the four (NI) corn sites was 105.5 bu/A. The (NI) test at Leonard was harvested, but the C.V. was very high, thus no data published. Test mean yields from the grain sorghum tests were 4,606 lb/A for the (FI), 5,861 for the (LI), and 5,264 lb/A for (NI). The (NI) test at Leonard was harvested, but the C.V. was very high, thus no data published. The (NI) sunflower tests had a mean yield of 1,509 lb/A for oilseed and 1,502 lb/A for confectionary. Results from the (FI) sunflower tests have not been reported yet. The (NI) corn silage test had a yield of 14.74 tons/A while the (FI) tests had a mean yield of 30.83 tons/A. The grain sorghum silage test produced 24.3 tons/A while the hay test produced 5.07 tons/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity of enter hybrids in the corn and grain sorghum supplemental tests. New material is tested for adaptability before being made available on the market for planting. Grain sorghum disease screenings are also available for anthracnose or downy mildew at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not attained. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites; maintain communication with seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, and County AgriLife Extension agents. Also monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the Internet, harvest and process data in a timely manner, participate in county field day tours and report to the Crop Testing Advisory Committee during the Texas Seed Trade meetings. Steven Labar (Research Technician II): assist in packing seed for the selected test sites throughout Texas, supervise student workers, plant, monitor, and harvest test sites, assist in data collection and analyze field data, maintain vehicles and equipment and machinery. Dale Herrington (Student Worker): assist in preparing test sites, assist in planting, help maintain test sites, assist in data collection, maintain equipment, and assist in harvesting. Katrina Horn (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, assist in data collection, assist in analyzing data, assist in manuscript preparation, perform office duties. Joseph Fuller (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, help maintain equipment, assist in data collection. Clint Borden (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, help maintain equipment and vehicles, assist in data collection. Kayla Eisenmann (Student Worker, graduated in August): helped assist in analyzing data, assist in manuscript preparation, perform office duties, and inventory seed. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Jurg Blumenthal, Grain Sorghum Cropping System Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas: Dr. Brent Bean, Texas AgriLife Extension Agronomist, Amarillo, Texas: Dr. Gary Peterson, Texas AgriLife Research Sorghum Breeder, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Agronomist, Lubbock, Texas; Dr. Seth Murray, Corn Quantitative Genetics, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Texas Corn Producers Board and Texas Grain Sorghum producers Board provide insight to major production areas where tests can be conducted: and numerous AgriLife Extension Agents throughout Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to see how corn, grain sorghum, and sunflower hybrids perform in their respective region or area either by field day tours or producer meetings. Also, seedsmen, county agents, plant breeders, consultants, and agronomists used the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on hybrid selection. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project will assist farmers in selecting a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase revenue. Yield is the predominant criteria used to select a hybrid, but other agronomic characteristics such as maturity are also important, especially if the optimum planting date has been delayed due to weather events. Also, corn hybrids especially in the supplemental tests are evaluated before any modified traits are added. Modified traits help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to the crop. Since a number of dairies have been relocated to the Texas High Plains, it is imperative that research efforts be conducted on both corn and grain sorghum silage hybrids for yield and quality despite a declining water table. Cattle feeding operations located in the High Plains of Texas benefit from using the data derived from the corn and sorghum silage tests and hay test to enhance their operations, thus increasing their revenue. Research on sunflowers is an important aspect to determine oil content that can be used for biofuels in the future. Sunflowers are an excellent crop that can be planted in place of corn, especially in the Texas Blacklands. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin, which affects corn, can present a serious problem in marketing corn, especially in a drought year, thus reducing potential revenue. Commodity prices often dictate which crop a farmer may plant, so first-hand knowledge of selecting hybrids can be quite beneficial.
Publications
- Bean, B., Becker, J., Strawn S., Blumenthal J., and Pietsch, D. Dryland Grain Sorghum Variety Trial Perryton, Tx, 2010. AREC 2011-5
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., Pietsch D.R., and Blumenthal, J.M. Managing Phosphorus for Corn Production. ASA-CSSA-SSCA, Long Beach, CA, Session 110, Poster Number 6, October 31-November 3, 2010.
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Labar, S., and Murray S. 2010 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2010-10.
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Labar, S., Rooney,W.L., and Peterson, G. 2010 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2010-13.
- Bean, B., Becker, J., Blumenthal, J., Robinson, J., Brandon, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. Texas Panhandle Sorghum Hay Test, 2010. AREC 2011-4
- Bean, B., McCollum, T., Becker, J., Blumenthal, J., Robinson, J., Brandon, R., Buttrey, E., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2010 Texas Panhandle Forage Sorghum Silage Trial. AREC 2011-3
- Bean, B., Becker, J., Robinson, J., Blumenthal J., and Pietsch, D. Dryland Grain Sorghum Variety Trial Bushland, Tx, 2010. AREC 2011-6
- Coker, D.L., McFarland, M.L., Provin, T.L., Pietsch D.R., and Blumenthal, J.M. Managing Phosphorus for Corn Production. Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 6&7, 2010, Brazos Center, Bryan, Texas.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were scheduled to be conducted for 12 corn locations of which 7 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI). However, due to lack of moisture from extended drought conditions, the Corpus Christi (NI) test was not planted. Grain sorghum consisted of 11locations of which 4 were full irrigated (FI) and 4 (NI), and 3 limited irrigated (LI), 1 (NI) corn silage test, 2 (FI) corn silage test, 1 (FI) sorghum hay test, and 1 (FI) sorghum silage test, 2 NI sunflower test and 2 FI sunflower test. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at most sites. Quality analysis was also secured in the silage forage and hay test. Oil content as well as fatty acid analysis was secured on sunflower entries. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county AgriLife Extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at:http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/corn&grainsorghum/resources.htm. Erratic weather conditions throughout Texas resulted in very poor yields at the 3 NI corn sites. The mean yield from (NI) sites was only 53.3 bu/A. The 7 (I) sites had a mean yield of 189.8 bu/A with the highest yield of 262.9 bu/A at Dalhart. The 1 (NI) corn silage test at Hillsboro had a mean yield of only 12.5 tons/A while the 2 (I) corn silage tests at Etter and Halfway had a mean yield of 30.9 tons/A. Erratic weather conditions hampered both (I) and (NI) grain sorghum production. Fourteen-grain sorghum sites were planted with 12 harvested. The NI test at Gregory was planted, but not harvested due to the prolonged drought. The Granger (NI) test was harvested but results were not published due to the high variability in the test block. The five (NI) sites had a mean yield of 3,796 lb/A; the 3 (LI) sites had an average of 5,118 lb/A while the 4 (FI) sites had a mean yield of 6,951 lb/A. A sorghum silage test was conducted at Bushland, Texas where 49 hybrids were evaluated for yield and quality traits. The mean yield was 19.5 tons/A. Also, a sorghum hay test was planted at Bushland. Hay was analyzed for various quality traits as well as yield. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites; maintain communication with seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, and County AgriLife Extension agents. Also monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the Internet, harvest and process data in a timely manner, participate in county field day tours and report to the Crop Testing Advisory Committee during the Texas Seed Trade meetings. Steven Labar (Research Technician): assist in packing seed for the selected test sites throughout Texas, supervise student workers, plant, monitor, and harvest test sites, assist in data collection and analyze field data, maintain vehicles and equipment and machinery. Dale Herrington (Student Worker): assist in preparing test sites, assist in planting, help maintain test sites, assist in data collection, and assist in harvesting. Erica Delk (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, assist in data collection. Joseph Fuller (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, assist in data collection. Clint Borden (Student Worker): inventory seed, assist in packing seed, assist in planting and maintaining test site, assist in data collection. Kayla Eisenmann (Student Worker): assist in analyzing data, assist in manuscript preparation, perform office duties, and inventory seed. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Jurg Blumenthal, Grain Sorghum Cropping System Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas: Dr. Brent Bean, Texas AgriLife Extension Agronomist, Amarillo, Texas: Dr. Gary Peterson, Texas AgriLife Research Sorghum Breeder, Lubbock, Texas: Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Agronomist, Lubbock, Texas; Dr. Seth Murray, Corn Quantitative Genetics, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas: Texas Corn Producers Board and Texas Grain Sorghum producers Board provide insight to major production areas where tests can be conducted: and numerous AgriLife Extension Agents throughout Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to see how corn and grain sorghum hybrids perform in their respective region or area either by field day tours or producer meetings. Also, seedsmen, county agents, and agronomists used the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on hybrid selection. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project will assist farmers in selecting a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increasing revenue. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to the crop. Since a number of dairies have been relocated to the Texas High Plains, it is imperative that research efforts be conducted on both corn and sorghum silage hybrids for yield and quality despite a declining water table. Research on sunflowers is an important aspect to determine oil content that could be used in biofuels in the future. Research on sweet sorghum will also be used for biofuel research.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Labar, S., Felcman M., and Mayfield, K. 2008 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2009-17.
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Murray, S., Labar, S., and Mayfield, K. 2009 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2009-18.
- Bean, B.W., Villarreal, B., Blumenthal, J., Robinson,.J., Brandon, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2009. 2009 panhandle sorghum hay trial. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo. AREC 0910-34.
- Bean, B.W., Villarreal, B., Blumenthal, J., and Pietsch, D. 2009. Dryland grain sorghum variety trial-2009. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo. AREC 0910-24.
- Bean, B.W., McCollum T., Villarreal, B., Blumenthal, J., Robinson,.J., Buttrey, R., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch, D. 2009. 2009 panhandle sorghum sorghum trial. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo. AREC 0910-43.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 12 corn locations of which 7 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 13 grain sorghum locations of which 2 were full irrigated (FI) and 7 (NI), and 4 limited irrigated (LI), 1 (NI) corn silage test, 2 (FI) corn silage test, 1 (FI) sorghum hay test, and 1 (FI) sorghum silage test, 1 NI sunflower test and 1 FI sunflower test. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at most sites. Quality analysis was also secured in the silage forage and hay test. Oil content as well as fatty acid analysis was secured on sunflower entries. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county AgriLife Extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at:http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/corn&grainsorghum/resources.htm. Prolonged periods of drought conditions throughout Texas resulted in below normal yields at the 5 NI corn sites. The mean yield from (NI) sites was only 74.3 bu/A. The 7 (I) sites had a mean yield of 186.0 bu/A with the highest yield of 282.4 bu/A at Dalhart. The 1 (NI) corn silage test at Hillsboro had a mean yield of 15.78 tons/A while the 2 (I) corn silage tests at Etter and Halfway had a mean yield of 25.0 tons/A with the highest mean yield being at Etter of 29.32 tons/A. Due to erratic weather conditions yields were below average especially in the NI sites. Thirteen grain sorghum sites were planted with 12 harvested. The NI test at Bushland was harvested but the data was discarded due to the high variability within the test block. The six (NI) sites had a mean yield of 4,865 lb/A; the 2 (LI) sites had an average of 5,833 lb/A while the 4 (FI) sites had a mean yield of 6,056 lb/A. A sorghum silage test was conducted at Bushland, Texas where 69 hybrids were evaluated for yield and quality traits. The mean yield was 19.6 tons/A. Also, a sorghum hay test was planted at Bushland. Hay was analyzed for various quality traits as well as yield. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites, maintain communication with seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, county AgriLife Extension agents. Also monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the internet, harvest and provide data in a timely manner. Steven Labar (Research Technician): assist in packing corn and grain sorghum seeds to be planted at performance test locations throughout Texas. Plant, monitor,and maintain test sites throughot Texas, assist in data collection, harvesting , and analyzing data. Maintain vehicles, equipment, and manage student workers. Michael Felcman (Research Assistant):Assist in inventorying seed, planting of test plots, monitoring test sites, maintaining plots, harvesting, and data collection. Erica Delk (Student Worker): inventory seed, package seeds, maintain test sites, and data collection. Brittany Martin(Student Worker): package seeds, inventory seeds, data analysis, maintain tests. Raleigh Smith (Student Worker): prepare tests, data entry, data analysis, maintain tests. Joseph Fuller (Student Worker): maintain equipment, data collection, maintain tests. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Jurg Blumenthal, Grain Sorghum Cropping System Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas; Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas; Dr. Brent Bean, Texas AgriLife Extension, Agronomist, Amarillo Research Station, Amarillo, Texas; Dr. Gary Peterson, Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Research Station, Lubbock; Texas Corn Producers Board and Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board provide insight to major production areas where tests can be conducted; and numerous AgriLife Extension Agents throughout Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to see how corn and grain sorghum hybrids perform in their respective region or area either by field day tours or producer meetings. Also, seedsmen, county agents, and agronomists used the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on hybrid selection. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increasing cash flow. Also,some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn. Since a number of dairies that have been relocated to the Texas High Plains, it is imperative that research be conducted on both corn and grain sorghum silage hybrids for yield and quality even with a declining water table. Research on sunflowers is an important aspect to determine oil content that could be used in biofuels in the future. Research on sweet sorghum will be used for biofuel research.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Blumenthal, J., Felcman, M., Dusek, T., and Mayfield, K.2008. 2007 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2007-03.
- Bean, B.W., McCollum T., Villareal,B., Robinson F., Brandon, R., Buttrey,E., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch,D. 2008 Texas panhandle forage sorghum silage trial. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo, AREC08-75.
- Bean, B.W., McCollum T., Villareal,B., Robinson F., Brandon, R., Buttrey,E., VanMeter, R., and Pietsch,D. 2008 Texas panhandle hay trial. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo, AREC08-76.
- Bean, B.W. Villarreal, B., and Pietsch,D. 2008. Dryland grain sorghum variety trial-2007.Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Amarillo. AREC08-04.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 11 corn locations of which 6 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 15 grain sorghum locations of which 3 were full irrigated (FI) and 7 (NI), and 5 limited irrigated (LI), 1 (NI) corn silage test, 1 (FI) corn silage test, 1 (FI) sorghum hay test, and 1 (FI) sorghum silage test. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at most sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and AgriLife Extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet
at:http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/corn&grainsorghum/resources.htm. The 6 (FI) corn sites had a mean yield of 206.7 bu/A with the highest mean yield being 280.7 bu/A at Dalhart and the lowest yield was recorded at Weslaco which at a mean yield of 156.5 bu/A. The 5 (NI) sites had a mean yield of 155.5 bu/A with the highest mean yield of 181.5 bu/A at Wharton. The lowest mean yield was recorded at Corpus Christi where 113.4 bu/A were produced. The 1 (NI) corn silage test at Hillsboro had a mean yield of 15.6 tons/A while the 1 (FI) corn silage test at Etter had a mean yield of 30 tons/A. Of the 15 grain sorghum sites, 5 were grown under a (FI) scenario, 3 under (LI) and 7 under rain-fed conditions. Good yields were achieved at all of the (FI) sites with the average test mean being 6,486 lb/A. The highest (FI) yield occurred at Perryton where the test mean yield was 8,902 lb/A. The 3 (LI) tests averaged 6,557 lb/A with the highest yield occurring also at Perryton, which produced, 8,268
lb/A. Of the 7 (NI) sites, only 5 were harvested and had averaged 3,784 lb/A with the highest yield being 5,390 lb/A at Prosper, located in the Northern Blackland Region of Texas. Due to mechanical errors, the test at Gregory was harvested, but no yield data reported due to a high C.V. The test at Danevang was not harvested due to severe grain sprouting and grain mold damage from prolonged periods of rainfall during the grain fill stage. A sorghum silage test was conducted at Bushland, Texas where 69 hybrids for evaluated for yield and quality traits. The mean yield was 18.4 tons/A. Also, a sorghum hay test was planted at Bushland for the first time. Hay was analyzed for various quality traits as well as yield. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in corn or grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in
disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Pietsch (PI): Provided the necessary leadership in coordinating tests, select location sites, maintain communication with seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, farmers, county AgriLife Research agents. Also monitor test sites, provide updated information on the test sites via the internet, harvest, and provide data in a timely manner. Michael Felcman (Research Assistant): Assist in packing corn and grain sorghum seeds to be planted at performance test location throughout Texas. Plant, monitor, and maintain test sites throughout Texas, assist in data collection,harvesting, and analyzing data. Ted Dusek (Research Associate): Assist in inventorying seed, planting of test plots, monitoring test sites, maintaining plots, harvesting, and data collection. Stacey Caffey (Student Worker): Assist in seed preparation, maintaining test sites, data collection, and data input to computers. The Crop Testing Program collaborated with Dr. Juerg Blumenthal, Grain Sorghum Cropping
Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension, College Station, Texas; Dr. Bill Rooney, Grain Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research College Station, Texas; and Dr. Gary Peterson, Grain Sorghum Breeder, Texas AgriLife Research, Lubbock, Texas. These individuals provided insight into plant density studies, plant disease identification, and pedigrees adapted to specific productions sites in Texas. A number of our test sites were used for farm tours whereby farmers and producers were given a first-hand observation of various hybrids. Also, presentations were made on how to determine if a hybrid was adapted for their region or area.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers and producer groups were given an opportunity to see how corn or grain sorghum hybrids were adapted to their area, either by field day events or by producer meetings. Also, seedsmen and agronomists used the data generated from the performance tests to educate various commodity groups on how to select hybrids.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: We did not experience any major changes that would affect our program.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increasing cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn. Since a number of dairies have been relocated to the Texas High Plains, it is imperative that research be conducted on both corn and grain sorghum silage hybrids for yield and quality even with a declining water table.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Blumental, L., Felcman, M., Dusek, T., and Mayfield, K. 2006 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2006-15
- Pietsch, D., Blumental, L., Felcman, M., Dusek, T., and Rooney,W. 2006 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2006-16
- Blumenthal, J., and Pietsch, D. 2007 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2007-12
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) either limited (LI) or full (FI) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 12 grain sorghum locations of which 4 were full irrigated (FI) and 4 (NI), and 4 limited irrigated (LI), 1 (NI) corn silage test and 1 (FI) sorghum silage test. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at most sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at:
http://tamu.edu/croptesting/. Severe drought conditions persisted throughout much of Texas except for Upper Coast Region. Yields for this region were outstanding. Data was obtained from 9 corn sites. Due to lack of moisture at planting, the test was moved to Tynan under center pivot irrigation. Unfavorable growing conditions in addition to feral hog damage resulted in abandoning the test site; therefore no data was obtained from this site. The five (I) sites had a mean yield of only 170 bu/A while the five (NI) sites had a mean yield of 103 bu/A. The highest (I) yield was recorded at College Station, which had a mean yield of 192 bu/A and the lowest (I) yield was at Weslaco, which had a mean yield of 112 bu/A. The highest (NI) yield was attained at Wharton, which had a mean yield of 168 bu/A. The corn silage test conducted at Hillsboro (NI) suffered through extended periods of hot and dry conditions and had a mean yield of only 8 ton/A. Erratic yields were attained from the 12 grain
sorghum sites. Of the 12 sites, 4 were grown under a (FI) scenario, 4 under (LI) and 4 under rain-fed conditions. Good yields were achieved at all of the (FI) sites with the average test mean being 6,742 lb/A. The highest (FI) yield occurred at Hereford where the test mean yield was 8,892 lb/A. The 4 (LI) tests averaged 5,899 lb/A with the highest yield occurring at College Station, which produced, 7,484 lb/A. Grain yields at Halfway were poor due to fertilizer not being applied to the test block. The four (NI) sites averaged 3,646 lb/A with the highest yield being 5,575 lb/A at Danevang, located in the Upper Coast Region. Due to prolonged drought conditions, the test at Gregory was planted in a dry seedbed but did not emerge until several months later. Erratic plant stands and severe armyworm damage resulted in the test not being harvested. A sorghum silage test was conducted at Bushland, Texas where 98 hybrids for evaluated for yield and quality traits. Also, participating companies
have the opportunity to enter hybrids in grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. The Corn and Sorghum disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Blumenthal, J., and Pietsch, D. 2005 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests in Central Texas. SCS-2006-01
- Pietsch, D., Owen, J., Blumenthal, J., Dusek, T., Betran, J., and Mayfield, K. 2005 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-2006-02
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 13 grain sorghum locations of which 4 were full irrigated (FI) and 5 (NI), and 4 limited irrigated (LI), 1(I) food corn test, 1 (NI) corn silage test and 1 (FI) sorghum silage test. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at most sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at:
http://tamu.edu/croptesting/. Due to drought conditions, corn yields were below average. Data were obtained from 9 test sites. Data from the NI test at Corpus Christi was not published due to a high C.V. The five (I) sites had a mean yield of only 158 bu/A while the five (NI) sites had a mean yield of 114 bu/A. The highest (I) yield was recorded at Dalhart, which had a mean yield of 211 bu/A and the lowest (I) yield was at Weslaco, which had a mean yield of 122.1. The highest (NI) yield was attained at Wharton, which had a mean yield of 153.1 bu/A. One food corn test (I), conducted at Castroville had a mean yield of 134 bu/A. The corn silage test conducted at Hillsboro (NI) had a mean yield of 18.3 ton/A. Erratic yields were attained from the 13 grain sorghum sites. Of the 13 sites, 4 were grown under a (FI) scenario, 4 under (LI) and 5 under rain-fed conditions. Excellent yields were achieved at all of the (FI) sites with the average test mean being 6,785 lb/A. The highest (FI) yield
occurred at Perryton where the test mean yield was 8,451 lb/A. The 4 (LI) tests averaged 5,817 lb/A with the highest yield occurring at Perryton, which produced, 8,780 lb/A. Grain yields at Halfway were poor due to unexplainable reasons. The five (NI) sites averaged 5,386 lb/A. Lubbock data was not published due to a high C.V. A sorghum silage test was conducted at Bushland, Texas where 74 hybrids for evaluated for yield and quality traits. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease
readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Owen, J., Blumenthal, J., Dusek, T., Betran, J., and Mayfield, K. 2004 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2004-23
- Pietsch, D., Owen, J., Blumenthal, J., Dusek, T., and Rooney, W.L. 2004 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2004-24
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 13 grain sorghum locations of which 4 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 4 limited irrigated (LI), and 1 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, moisture, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at: http://tamu.edu/croptesting/. Excellent corn yields were attained from the 10 sites. The five
(I) sites had a mean yield of 192.14 bu/A while the five (NI) sites had a mean yield of 144.0 bu/A. The highest (I) yield was recorded at Dalhart, which had a mean yield of 271.95 bu/A. The highest (NI) yield was attained at Bardwell which had a mean yield of 160.38 bu/A. Erratic yields were attained from the 13 grain sorghum sites. Of the 13 sites, 4 were grown under a (FI) scenario, 4 under (LI) and 5 under rain-fed conditions. Unfortunately, weather conditions were not favorable for sorghum production. The 4 (FI) tests averaged 5,158 lb/A. The Hereford site suffered 3 hailstorms, extended periods of record rainfall in addition to snow resulting in severe lodging, grain sprouting, and weathering. Results from this site were analyzed, but not published due to a high C.V. The 4 (LI) tests averaged 5,784 lb/A. Grain sprouting and weathering occurred from above average rainfall near harvest at all four sites except Weslaco. The five (NI) sites averaged 4,029 lb/A. Danevang and Lubbock
suffered grain mold damage and sprouting from extended periods of rainfall. Lubbock data was not published due to a high C.V. One food corn test was planted at Castroville and samples were collected for food quality investigations. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in grain sorghum supplemental tests at all sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Betran, J. Owen, J. and Mayfield, K. 2003 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2003-13.
- Pietsch, D., Owen, J., Rooney W.L., and Rosenow, D.T. 2003 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2003-14.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 13 grain sorghum locations of which 4 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 4 limited irrigated (LI), and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at: http://tamu.edu/croptesting/. Excellent yields were attained at the eight (I) grain sorghum tests,
which included both full irrigated and limited irrigated tests. Results from only 2 (NI) test sites were published and they had a mean yield of 5,073 lb/A. The test at Gregory was harvested, but the test C.V. was high, thus results were not published. The Danevang Sorghum Test had severe lodging, sprouting, and grain weathering from Hurricane Claudette and results were not published. The Lubbock test suffered through a severe drought and likewise, had a very high test C.V. All corn tests were harvested. The five (I) tests had a mean yield of 161.7 bu/A. The 5 (NI) tests had a mean yield of 118.1 bu/A. The five food corn tests that were offered had very little to no participation by commercial companies. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a non-irrigated corn and/or grain sorghum supplemental test at selected sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to
participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Betran, J., Owen, J., and Mayfield, K. 2002 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2002-18.
- Pietsch, D., Owen, J., Rooney W.L., and Rosenow, D.T. 2002 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2002-19.
- Pietsch, D., Rooney, L.W., Owen, J., Betran, J., and Mayfield, K. 2002 Texas Foodcorn Performance Tests. SCS 2002-23.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 13 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 3 limited irrigated (LI), and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at: http://soilcrop.tamu.edu/research/crops/corn-sorghum/croptesting/. Excellent yields were recorded at
most (NI) locations except for Corpus Christi Corn. This test was not harvested due to drought. This is the third year a test at Corpus Christi has not been harvested due to drought. Limited grain sorghum tests were conducted at Weslaco, Halfway, and Etter and had a mean yield of 5,644 lb/A. Excellent corn yields were attained at most (I) sites except at Springlake. The 5 (I) corn tests had an average yield of 168.0 bu/A while the (NI) sites yielded 121 bu/A. Seven Food Corn Tests were evaluated with the 5 (I) tests having a mean yield of 131.7 bu/A and the two (NI) sites having a meal yield of 103 bu/A. The five (I) grain sorghum sites averaged 7,043 lb/A while the (NI) averaged 3,624 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a non-irrigated corn and/or grain sorghum supplemental test at selected sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating
companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
IMPACT: This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, some corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Betran, J. Coffman, C. and Mayfield, K. 2001 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2002-01.
- Pietsch, D., Rooney W.L., and Rosenow, D.T. 2001 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS 2002-02.
- Pietsch, D., Rooney, L.W., Gualberto, D., Owen, J., Betran, J., and Mayfield, K. 2001 Texas Foodcorn Performance Tests. SCS 2002-03.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 11 corn locations of which 6 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 12 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 2 limited irrigated (LI), and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at: http://soilcrop.tamu.edu/research/crops/corn-sorghum/croptesting/. Excellent yields were recorded at
most (NI) locations except for Corpus Christi Corn and Lubbock Grain Sorghum. Both of these tests were not harvested due to drought. Limited grain sorghum tests were conducted at Weslaco and Dumas and had a mean yield of 3,149 lb/A and 5,990 lb/A respectively. Excellent corn yields were attained at most (I) sites except at Halfway and Springlake. The 5 (I) corn tests had an average yield of 138.8 bu/A while the (NI) sites yielded 102.8 bu/A. The 5 (I) food corn tests had an average of 136.5 bu/A. The five (I) grain sorghum sites averaged 6,049 lb/A while the (NI) averaged 5,100 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a non-irrigated corn and/or grain sorghum supplemental test at selected sites. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their
corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The field trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and anthracnose at selected sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area, which could increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI), 12 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 2 limited irrigated (LI), and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via the Internet at: http://soilcrop.tamu.edu/research/crops/corn-sorghum/croptesting/. Excellent yields were recorded at most
(NI) locations except for Corpus Christi Corn and Lubbock Grain Sorghum. Limited grain sorghum tests were conducted at Weslaco and Dumas and had a mean yield of 5,460 lb/A and 4,517 lb/A respectively. Excellent corn yields were attained at most (I) sites except at Weslaco and College Station. The 5 (I) corn tests had an average yield of 153.5 bu/A while the (NI) sites yielded 124.3 bu/A. The 5 (I) food corn tests had an average of 137.9 bu/A. The five (I) sites averaged 5,628 lb/A while the (NI) averaged 4,645 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a corn or grain sorghum supplemental test. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for either/or
downy mildew, head smut, and rust at selected field sites. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area which could increase productivity, thus incerease cash flow. Also, corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Synatschk L., Betran, J. and Fojt, Frank III. 2000 Corn Performance Tests in Texas.
- Pietsch, D., Synatschk L., Rooney W.L., and Rosenow, D.T. 2000 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas.
- Pietsch, D., Rooney, L.W., Suhendro Elly L., Synatschk L., and Fojt, Frank III. 2000 Texas Foodcorn Performance Tests.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrid(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 11 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I), 5 (NI), and 1 limited irrigated (LI) and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers, and county extension agents. Results can be accessed via Internet at www.tamu.edu/croptesting. Excellent yields were attained at most (NI) locations except for Lubbock Grain Sorghum.
A (LI) grain sorghum test was conducted for the first time this year at Weslaco and had a mean yield of 5,819 lb/A. Excellent yields were attained at most (I) sites except at Weslaco Corn and Halfway Grain Sorghum. The 5 (I) corn sites had a mean yield of 154.3 bu/A while the 5 (NI) sites had a mean yield of 120.5 bu/A. The 5 (I) food corn tests had a mean yield of 146.5 bu/A. The 5 (I) grain sorghum sites had a mean yield of 5,742 lb/A while the 5 (NI) grain sorghum sites had a mean yield of 5,005 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a corn or grain sorghum supplemental test. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test and data sent to participating companies. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids is disease observation trials. The trials screen for either/or downy mildew,
head smut, and rust as selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also, samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
This project will help farmers select a hybrid(s) that will be adapted to their area which will increase productivity, thus increase cash flow. Also, corn hybrids that are evaluated in the performance tests have been genetically modified that could help in protecting the environment by reducing the number of insecticides applied to corn.
Publications
- PIETSCH, D., ROONEY, L.W., SUHENDRO, E., SYNATSCHK, L., BETRAN, J., and FOJT, FRANK III. 1999 Texas Foodcorn Performance Test. SCS-1990-26.
- PIETSCH, D., SYNATSCHK, L., BETRAN, J., and FOJT, FRANK, III. 1999 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-1999-25.
- PIETSCH, D., SYNATSCHK, L., ROONEY, W.L., and ROSENOW, D.T. 1999 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. SCS-1999-27.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrid(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated (I) and 5 were non-irrigated (NI), 10 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I) and 5 (NI) and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers, and county extension agents. Results scan be accessed via Internet at www.tamu.edu/croptesting. Severe drought conditions persisted in Texas resulting in very poor yields especially at the NI corn sites. The 5
(I) corn sites had a mean yield of 163.0 bu/A while the 5 (NI) sites had a mean yield of only 55.6 bu/A. The 5 (I) food corn tests had a mean yield of 150.5 bu/A. Excellent grain sorghum yields were attained at the following (I) sites: Weslaco, Castroville, Halfway, and Dumas. The 5 (I) sites had a mean yield of 6, 768 lb/A while the 5 (NI) sites had a mean yield of 3,745 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a corn or grain sorghum supplemental test. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test. The data obtained is sent only to the participating company which they use for in-house purposes only. Most companies use this test in their advanced stage before they put a hybrid on the market. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids is disease observation trials. The trials screen
for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and rust as selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also, samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pietsch, D., Rooney, L.W., Synatschk, L., Betran, J., and Fojt, Frank III. 1998 Texas Foodcorn Performance Test. DTR 98-06.
- Pietsch, D., Synatschk, L., Betran, J., and Fojt, Frank, III. 1998 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 98-07.
- Pietsch, D., Synatschk, L., Rooney, W.L., and Rosenow, D.T. 1998 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 98-08.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI), 10 grain sorghum locations of which 5 were (I) and 5 (NI), and 5 (I) food corn tests. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, plant density, lodging, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Excellent yields were recorded at most test sites in 1997. The 5 (I) corn tests had an average yield of 184.7 bu/A while the (NI) sites yielded 111.3 bu/A. The 5 (I) food corn tests
had an average of 173.6 bu/A. Excellent grain sorghum yields were attained at most grain sorghum sites except Prosper (NI) and Halfway (I), where extended periods of erratic weather conditions hampered grain production. Record yields were attained at Castroville (I) and College Station (I). The (I) sites averaged 6,532 lb/A while the (NI) averaged 4,198 lb/A. Also, participating companies have the opportunity to enter hybrids in a corn or grain sorghum supplemental test. This test is planted adjacent to or behind the performance test and handled exactly like the performance test. The data obtained is sent only to the participating company which they use for in-house purposes only. Most companies use this to test materials in their advanced stage before they put a hybrid on the market. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for
either/or downy mildew, head smut, and rust at selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated. Also samples from the food corn tests are obtained for food quality investigations and reported in a publication.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- PIETSCH, D., SYNATSCHK L., and FOJT, FRANK III. 1997 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 96-10.
- PIETSCH, D., ROONEY, L.W., SYNATSCHK L., SUHENDRO ELLY L., and FOJT, FRANK III. 1997 Texas Foodcorn Performance Tests. DTR 96-11.
- PIETSCH, D., SYNATSCHK L., ROONEY W.L., ROSENOW, D.T., and PETERSON, G.C. 1997 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 96-12.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 10 corn locations of which 5 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and 5 NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents.Drought conditions persisted throughout Texas which drastically reduced corn yields at most "NI" sites. Two "NI" sites were not harvested due to the drought. Yields at the "I" sites were
above normal. The 5 "I" sites averaged 168.6 bu/A while the 3 "NI" sites averaged only 49.2 bu/A. Excellent grain sorghum yields were attained at most grain sorghum sites except Gregory and Granger. Extended periods of hot and dry conditions hampered grain production. The "I" sites averaged 6,759 lb/A while the "NI" averaged 3,371 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for eit.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- PIETSCH, D., BOCKHOLT, A. J., SYNATSCHK L. and FOJT, FRANK III. 1995 Corn Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 96-01.
- PIETSCH, D., SYNATSCHK L., ROSENOW, D. T., and PETERSON, G.C. 1995 Grain Sorghum Performance Tests in Texas. DTR 96-02.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 9 corn locations of which 4 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and 5 NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Hot and dry weather conditions resulted in below normal corn yields at Weslaco, Corpus Christi, and Bardwell. A late planting due to extended periods of wet weather resulted in poor yields at
Denton. The 4 "I" sites averaged 147.5 bu/A while the 5 "NI" sites averaged only 109 bu/A. Excellent grain sorghum yields were attained at all grain sorghum sites except Lubbock. Extended periods of hot and dry conditions hampered grain production. The "I" sites averaged 6,539 lb/A while the "NI" averaged 5,149 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 9 corn locations of which 4 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and 5 NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Excellent yields were achieved at most NI corn sites. The mean yields ranged from 92.8 bu/A to 144.0 bu/A with the overall mean being 117.6 bu/A. The I sites ranged from 161.2 bu/A to 202.4
bu/A. The mean yield from all I sites was 172.3 bu/A. Ten grain sorghum tests were planted but only eight were harvested. The NI tests at Thrall and Lubbock were lost due to unseasonably hot and dry conditions. The three NI grain sorghum tests averaged 4,962 lb/A while the five I sites averaged 6,464 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 9 corn locations of which 4 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and 5 NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Excellent yields were achieved at most NI corn sites. The mean yields ranged from 84.1 bu/A to 144.0 bu/A with the overall mean being 114.9 bu/A. The I sites ranged from 111.5 bu/A to 192.6
bu/A. The mean yield from all I sites was 161.2 bu/A. The five NI grain sorghum tests averaged 4,731 lb/A while the five I sites averaged 6,051 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and rust at selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 9 corn locations of which 4 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and 5 NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Excellent yields were achieved at most NI corn sites. The mean yields ranged from 122.0 bu/A to 163.7 bu/A with the overall mean being 143.3 bu/A. The I sites ranged from 148.3 bu/A to 188.0
bu/A. The mean yield from all sites was 168.0 bu/A. The five NI grain sorghum tests averaged 4,254 lb/A while the five I sites averaged 6,766 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and rust at selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrids(s) is a vital management decision that must be addressed by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Replicated trials were conducted for 9 corn locations of which 4 were irrigated(I) and 5 were non-irrigated(NI). Performance trials were also conducted at 10 locations for grain sorghum of which 5 were I and NI. Agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, bushel weight, insect and disease resistance are collected at all sites. Data is statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, agronomists, consultants, farmers and county extension agents. Excellent yields were achieved at most NI corn sites. The mean yield ranged from 93.5 bu/A to 166.0 bu/A with the overall mean being 132.9 bu/A. The I sites ranged from a low of 105.5 bu/A at Weslaco to
199.1 bu/A at Dumas. The mean yield from all I sites was 155.5 bu/A. The five NI grain sorghum tests averaged 3,969 lb/A while the five I sites averaged 5,813 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials. The trials screen for either/or downy mildew, head smut, and rust at selected field sites or in the greenhouse. Disease readings are collected for a respective test but yields are not calculated.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Unbiased and timely information pertaining to the performance of corn and grain sorghum hybrids is one of the major objectives of this program. Replicated trials were conducted at none corn and 10 grain sorghum sites located in the major production areas of Texas. Both irrigated (I) and non-irrigatred (NI) sies were used. Characteristics such as yield, maturity, plant height, insect and disease resistance data are collected. All tests are statistically analyzed and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, farmers, extension agents, agronomists and agricultural consultants. The nine corn performance test sites were composed of four (I) and five (NI) test sites. The (I) tests had a mean yield of 147.7 bu/A while the (NI) test sites had a mean yield of 63.4 bu/A. Below normal yields were achieved at most of the (NI) sites due to prolonged drought conditions. The test at Corpus Christi was lost due to extended drought conditions the past two
years. The grain sorghum performance test consisted of five (I) and five (NI) test sites. The (I) tests had a mean yield of 5,620 lb/A while the (NI) tests had mean yield of 3,201 lb/A. Below normal yields were attained at most of the (NI) test sites due to extended periods of hot and dry conditions. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and/or grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Each year farmers are faced with the difficult decision of selecting a hybrid (or several hybrids) that will fit into their operation. With the large number of commercial hybrids available, this can be a very laborious process. The crop testing program aids farmers in making this important decision by providing timely and unbiased agronomic information. Irrigated and non-irrigated test sites are planted in the major production areas of Texas, and characteristics such as yield, maturity, plant and ear height, and bushel weights are obtained from all test sites. All tests are replicated and statistically analyzed and made available to seedsmen, plant breeders, county agents and agronomists in a timely manner. With the constant emphasis of producing corn and grain sorghum for food production, samples are obtained and used for food quality studies. In 1989, ten grain sorghum performance tests and eight corn performance tests were conducted. Of the ten grain sorghum test
sites, five were irrigated and five were non-irrigated. Yields at the irrigated sites ranged from 5,174 lb/A to 7,346 lb/A, for a mean yield of 6,184 lb/A. The non-irrigated sites had a mean yield of 4,152 lb/A, with yields ranging from 2,401 lb/A to 5,407 lb/A. Of the eight corn test sites, four were irrigated and four were non-irrigated. Excellent yields were secured in the irrigated tests with yields ranging from 112.7 bu/A to 212.9 bu/A. Yields at the non-irrigated sites ranged from 64.7 bu/A to 133.3 bu/A.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrid(s) is a vital management decision thatmust be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consist of obtaining unbiased and timely agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids conducted in the major production areas of Texas. Both irrigated and non-irrigated test sites were used. Characteristics such as yield, maturity, plant height, insect and disease resistance data are collected. All tests are replicated, statistically analyzed, and made available in a timely manner to seedsmen, plant breeders, farmers, extension agents, agronomists, and agricultural consultants. The eight corn performance tests were composed of four irrigated and four non-irrigated test sites. The irrigated tests had a mean yield of 155.4 bu/a with the range being from 125.1 bu/A at Castroville to 206.9 bu/A at Dumas. The non-irrigated test sties had a mean yield of 110.5 bu/A with the range being from 53.1 bu/A at
Corpus Christi to 169.3 bu/A at Wharton. Below normal yields were achieved at the Corpus Christi test site due to prolonged drought condititons. The grain sorghum test sites consisted of five irrigated and five non-irrigated test sites. The irrigated test sites had a mean yield of 6,115 lb/A and the non-irrigated test sites had a mean yield of 4,383 lb/A. In addition to conducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunty to enter their corn and grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hydrid(s) is a vital management decision thatmust be made by producers annually. In selecting a hybrid, it is advisable that producers look at several years of data & compare such agronimic characteristics as yield potential, maturity, standability, disease & insect resistance between hybrids. Objectives of this program are to provide unbiased and timley information pertaining to commercial corn and/or grain sorghum hybrids adapted to a respective area. Commericial companies have the opportunity to submit their material to be tested in the major production areas of Texas at specific test sites. All tests are replicated, data collected, statistically analyzed, & results made available to famers, seedmen, plant breeders, and agricultural consultants. Either irrigated or non-irrigated test sites are used depending on location of the test site. Results have been compiled for eight corn and for six grain sorghum test sites. The corn
tests consisted of four irrigated and four non-irrigated test sites. The mean yield for the irrigated sites was 133.2 bu/A, compared to the test mean yield of 116.9 bu/A for the non-irrigated tests. Five irrigated grain sorghum test sites had a mean yield of 5,996 1b/A, while the 3 non-irrigated test sites had a mean yield of 4,263 1b/A. In addition to coducting performance tests, individuals or companies have the opportunity to enter their corn and grain sorghum lines/hybrids in disease observation trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
Unbiased and timely information pertaining to the performance of corn and grain sorghum hybrids is one of the major objectives of this program. Replicated performance tests were conducted at eight corn and eight grain sorghum test sites representing the major production areas in Texas. Both irrigated and/or non-irrigated test sites were used. Data such as yield, maturity, plant height, head exsertion, lodging, bushel weight, disease and insect resistance are some of the agronomic characteristics that must be addressed annually by farmers in order to select a hybrid(s) adapted to a respective area. Data from the performance tests are statistically analyzed and results made available to farmers, county agents, plant breeders and seed dealers. The eight corn performance locations were composed of four irrigated and four non-irrigated test sites. The irrigated tests had an average of 71 entries and a mean yield of 142.1 bu/A with the range being from 122.2 bu/A to
184.2 bu/A. The non-irrigated test sites had a mean yield of 116.9 bu/A with the range being from 72.7 bu/A to 158.2 bu/A. Results have been compiled for four irrigated and two non-irrigated grain sorghum test sites. Yields ranged from 4027 to 6721 lb/A for irrigated tests and from 3845 to 4033 lb/A for the non-irrigated test sites with mean yields of 5980 lb/A and 3939 lb/A for each respective test.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrid(s) is a vital management decision thatmust be addressed annually by producers. Work involved with this project consists of obtaining unbiased and timely agronomic information for corn and grain sorghum hybrids where performance tests are conducted. Characteristics such as yield, maturity, plant height, and insect and disease resistance data are collected. All tests are replicated, statistically analyzed and results made available to seedsmen, plant breeders, farmers, and extension personnel in a timely manner. Climatic conditions were favorable for maximum production at the non-irrigated corn and grain sorghum test sites for 1985. Test results were completed for eight corn (4 irrigated - 4 non-irrigated) and eight grain sorghum (5 irrigated - 3 non-irrigated) test sites. Mean yield for the irrigated corn tests ranged from 107.3 bushels per acre to 151.6 bushels per acre; and non-irrigated corn yields ranged from 116.9
bushels per acre to 133.8 bushels per acre. The mean yield for the irrigated grain sorghum tests ranged from 5220 pounds per acre to 7039 pounds per acre, while the two non-irrigated test mean yields ranged from 3792 pounds per acre to 6785 pounds per acre. Selected corn samples were obtained from all test locations for food quality investigations by the Cereal Chemistry Laboratory. Various performance test sites were used for field tour stops sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station or various commodity groups.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Unbiased and timely agronomic information pertaining to the performance of corn and grain sorghum hybrids is one of the major objectives of this program. Performance tests for corn and grain sorghum hybrids are conducted statewide in the major growing areas of Texas. Agronomic data such as maturity, plant height, insect and disease readings and yield are recorded. All tests are replicated and statistically analyzed. Data from these test are used by farmers, seedsmen, plant breeders and extension personnel. Limited rainfall at a number of the non-irrigated test sites reduced potential yields. II. Samples of corn were obtained from all locations for food quality investigations by the Cereal Chemistry Laboratory. III. Some test sites were used for field day tour stops sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and various commodity groups.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
Work done under this project includes all statewide efforts to obtain objective data for statewide corn and grain sorghum hyrid performance and adaptation. Yield maturity, plant height, insect and disease damage, and standability are recorded. All tests are replicated, statistically evaluated with timely publications of unbiased data for use by farmers, seedsmen and plant breeders. Yield Results for 1983 are as follows: 1 Dryland test at Thrall was abandoned after replanting due to unfavorable soil moisture temperature and soil crusting. Samples of selected hybrids of corn and grain sorghum at selected locations were obtained for continuing food quality investigations by Cereal Chemistry Laboratory. Insect and disease pressure were minimal. Unfavorable weather conditions resulted in severe root lodging at some locations. Test sites were used at field days sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station or by various Commodity groups pertaiing to these
crops.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/82 to 12/30/82
Outputs
Performance test data were completed in 1982 for six corn and seven grain sorghum locations in Texas. Three irrigated and three non-irrigated corn tests consisted of 305 entries (hybrids X locations) and had a mean yield of 7078 pounds/acre (7947 kg./ha.) and 5785 pounds/acre (6495 kg./ha.) respectively. The grain sorghum performance test evaluated 562 entries in four irrigated and three non-irrigated test locations. Irrigated test mean yields ranged from 5561 pounds/acre (6244 kg./ha.) to 7311 pounds/acre (8208 kg./ha.) with the average for all four irrigated tests being 6487 pounds/acre (7283 kg./ha.). Non-irrigated test mean yields ranged from 1227 pounds/acre (1378 kg./ha.) to 3655 pounds per acre (4104 kg./ha.). The average yield from the three non-irrigated grain sorghum tests was 2564 pounds per acre (2879 kg./ha.). Disease and insect pressure was severe in corn at the Weslaco (Lower Valley) location. Elsewhere, disease and insect infestations were light.
Grain sorghum samples from certain hybrids were obtained for food quality investigations at all test locations. Grain samples, from certain hybrids at all locations, were obtained for food quality investigations. Annual field plantings of these crops are made for observations and monitoring of disease developments. Results of this work provide a continuous performance evaluation of corn and grain sorghum hybrids with both old and new parent combinations by plant breeders.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/81 to 12/30/81
Outputs
Selection of corn or grain sorghum hybrid(s) for a respective area is a vital management decision that must be made annually by producers. In selecting a hybrid, producers should look at several years of data and consider such differences as yield potential, maturity, disease and insect resistance. Results from six corn and seven grain sorghum locations were completed in 1981 and compiled in separate publications for each crop in the major production areas. Twenty-five companies entered 143 grain sorghum hybrids and 28 companies entered 121 corn hybrids in the 1981 Texas Performance trials. Excellent test yields were achieved at all locations for both corn and grain sorghum. The four irrigated grain sorghum performance tests had a test mean yield of 5810 pounds per acre (6523 kg/ha) while the three non-irrigated tests had a mean yield of 3804 pounds per acre (4271 kg/ha). High and low yields in the four irrigated tests were 9021 pounds/acre (10128 kg/ha) and 2817
pounds/acre (3163 kg/ha) while in the non-irrigated tests the highest yield was 6107 pounds/acre (6857 kg/ha) and the lowest yield was 1187 pounds/acre (1333 kg/ha). The highest test mean average for an irrigated corn performance test was 9968 pounds per acre (11191 kg/ha). Four non-irrigated corn performance had a test mean yield of 7885 pounds per acre (8853 kg/ha). The extreme yield range in the irrigated corn trials was 9190 pounds/acre (10317 kg/ha) and 4323 pounds/acre (4854 kg/ha) in the non-irrigated corn trials.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/80 to 12/30/80
Outputs
Field and location performance evaluations are essential for selection and improvement of lines and hybrids of corn and grain sorghum. Data obtained from work under this project is an aid to plant breeders, seedsmen and to farmer consumers. Test sites were completed for six corn (3 irrigated-3 dryland) test locations and seven grain sorghum (5 irrigated-2 dryland) test locations across Texas in 1980. Mean yields for the irrigated corn tests ranged from 5778 kg/ha to 7146 kg/ha and non-irrigated corn yields ranged from 2730 kg/ha to 6548 kg/ha. The mean yields from the irrigated grain sorghum tests ranged from 1871 kg/ha to 6916 kg/ha while the two non-irrigated grain sorghum tests had a mean yield of 4364 kg/ha. Average difference between low and high test yields for irrigated grain sorghum is 3582 kg/ha; dryland is 3079 kg/ha. Corresponding yield differences from irrigated corn is 3389 kg/ha; dryland corn 2528 kg/ha. Climatic conditions were not favorable for
maximum production on most dryland locations. The incidence of plant disease insect damage was low throughout all locations. Eighty-five percent of corn and grain sorghum hybrids on the market had a germination percent of 90 or above.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/78 to 12/30/78
Outputs
Selection of grain sorghum and corn hybrids to plant is one of the major annual decisions for Texas farmers. Performance evaluations were made for 168 corn and 218 grain sorghum hybrids in the major production areas of Texas. Average kg/hectare differences of the lowest and highest producing hybrids were as follows: Corn: (dryland, 2 locations) 3237, (irrigated, 5 locations) 3995; grain sorghum: (dryland, 3 locations) 3267, (irrigated, 5 locations) 3913. Hybrids classed as "susceptible" to greenbugs show a slight edge in yields over "resistant" hybrids for greenbug levels encountered in 1978. Greenbugs and aphids destroyed the first planting of grain sorghum at College Station. Midge were destructive in late maturing and late planted grain sorghum. Downy mildew and head smut levels are low. Charcoal rot was serious under moisture stress conditions.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/77 to 12/30/77
Outputs
There are over 200 grain sorghum hybrids and more than 150 corn hybrids available from several seed companies for farmers to plant. Data for agronomic performance, area adaptability, reaction to diseases and insects are summarized for location across the state. Six non-irrigated grain sorgum locations with an average of 76 hybrids in each location had a maximum mean yield difference of 2867 kg/ha (2554 lbs./ac). Five irrigated grain sorghum locations with an average of 96 hybrids in each location had a maximum mean yield difference of 4897 kg/ha (4362 lbs./ac.). The two non-irrigated corn tests had a maximum yield difference of 2043 kg/ha (1820 lbs./ac.) due to row spacing and moisture differences. Five irrigated locations had an average of 58 entries per location and had a maximum mean yield difference of 4087 kg/ha (3640 lbs./ac.) maximum and minimum yield for locations are even greater than the above. Grain samples were taken for hybrid multiplied by location
seed weight determinations. MDMV, downy mildew, corn and grain sorghum head smut nursery evaluation were made for a limited number of hybrids.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/75 to 12/30/75
Outputs
Corn and grain sorghum hybrids which are available to farmers for planting as well as advanced commercial and TAES experimentals were test planted in the major production areas of Texas. Primary values of these windespread plantings of several different lines are as follows: Agronomic and yield evaluations; As a monitor Provide both location and material samples of known origin and cultural background for quality investigations; Supporting and direct information to assist in directing research and educational programs; and Planting seed quality information. Samples were supplied from the one 1975 location to be used for studies associated with determining US market grades forgrainsorghum. Local, state, U.S. and foreign requests by agriculturists are received for this information.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/74 to 12/30/74
Outputs
Several new grain sorghum and corn hybrids were evaluated in the testing program; some as named, marketable hybrids and others as experimentals. Proper use of these evaluations enable farmers and seed dealers to choose from the bestperforming hybrids and assists breeders in directing their efforts. The new hybrids are different in characters such as grain color, endosperm, disease and insect resistance. Significant advances in yield with the new grain sorghum hybrids are not apparent except as compared to older and once widely used hybrids that evidently became more susceptible to adverse environmental factors.The 1974 yields in the test location at College Station are, to my knowledge, a record high and considered due to improved cultural practices. Corn entry numbers remained stable in South and Central Texas and increased in the irrigated locations on the High Plains. Highest yields are in the range 200-250bushels per acre. Head smut, MDMV, MCDV and downy
mildew readings from the testing program locations indicate a relatively low level in 1974.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/73 to 12/30/73
Outputs
Twenty-six seed companies entered 189 grain sorghum hybrids and sixteen companies entered 101 corn hybrids for evaluation in 1973. These figures indicate a necessity that Texas farmers have reliable performance data to selecthybrids for planting. Participation in the grain sorghum trials, statewide, wasthe highest on record; number of corn entries were up 30% on the High Plains with a slight drop in number of entries for South and Central Texas. There was an increase in number of TAES experimentals evaluated. A recent company survey indicated that 44% of Texas farmers use this information to select their hybrids. Our goal is 70%. Downy mildew and head smut evaluations were about the same as in previous years while there was about a 75% increase in hybrids for MDMV evaluation. A critical evaluation of this project in 1973 by TAES Administration and seedsmen indicated a need for reducing number of locations and total expenditures. The alternative to drop this
program as a function of TAES did not receive serious consideration. Fees for entries were approximatelyone-half of the total expenditures for operation and salaries.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/72 to 12/30/72
Outputs
A total of 143 grain sorghum and 65 corn hybrids were evaluated in every major production area in Texas. Twenty-eight U.S. seed companies were represented. Approximately one-third of these hybrids are new for the Texas seed market. Twenty-three grain sorghum and 28 corn lines from University breeders were included in the 1972 program. Observation planting for downy mildew, M.D.M.V., corn blight and a laboratory evaluation for Periconia (milo disease) were conducted. Average of the highest grain sorghum yields for South, Central and East Texas location was 5180 pounds and the average low yield was 2994 pounds per acre. Corresponding figures for corn were 128 and 84 bushels per acre. These differences are due to hybrids that change in response to environment; thus, it is quite important to base the selection of a hybrid on current performance data. Results are sent to participating seed companies, cooperatorsand to Agricultural Extension Service within 90 days
after a test is completed.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/71 to 12/30/71
Outputs
Corn performance tests planted at 7 locations in Texas and harvested at 6. Silage test destroyed by hail. Average of 15 commercial, 10 TAES corn hybrids in each test. An average of 56.6 bushels per acre difference in performance between 25 hybrids in 2 tests completed. Grain sorghum tests planted at 15 locations in Texas and harvested at 13. Average of 35 commercial and 8 TAES hybrids in each test. Observations other than general agronomic and disease performance data indicate that: (1) performance of the same hybrid changes overa 3-5 year period; (2) performance of present hybrids under ideal conditions in South and Central Texas is below their performance on the High Plains; (3) thereis a wide range in the regression of yield on days to bloom between locations which is not altogether explained by available moisture; (4) seed quality differences between years may influence performance of the hybrid (initial attempts for field evaluation of this factor were
unsatisfactory but will be continued).
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/70 to 12/30/70
Outputs
Grain sorghum, corn, and forage (clipping and silage) performance and observation trials were planted at 41 dryland and irrigated locations in Texas. Thirty-nine of these trials were completed. Agronomic performance data were obtained for all of these tests while disease and insect information was read oncertain tests. The number of new commercial and/or experimental hybrids in the 1970 test, by crop, was as follows: grain sorghum-80; corn-40; and forage-11. Yellow kernel hybrids in the grain sorghum tests was again higher in 1970. Morecommercial entries of corn hybrids were in the High Plains tests in 1970. The average number of forage entries remained about the same as for previous years. Seed company participation in the downy mildew observation planting was good while participation in the MDMV plantings (artificially and naturally inoculates) was low. Data for the test "Effect of Downy Mildew on Grain Sorghum" have not been summarized. Evaluations are in
progress for grain, planttissue, and soil samples from certain tests in this program.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/69 to 12/30/69
Outputs
Performance trials and observation plantings for grain sorghum, corn and forage (clipping and silage) were initiated at 45 and completed at 41 locations. This information is made available to participating companies and to the Ext. Servicebefore the end of each year. Participation in 1969 was grain sorghum (29), corn(12) and forage 7. Four companies entered 14 experimental grain sorghum hybrids. Twelve experimental corn hybrids from TAMU were planted at various locations. More yellow grain sorghum hybrids were in the 1969 tests than in previous years. An artificially inoculated MDMV trial with grain sorghum was conducted at College Station for the first time. Twenty three of the 26 inoculated hybrids produced less than the non-inoculated hybrids. Average high yields for all grain sorghum test locations was 61% above the average farm yields. High average corn test yields were 77.0 bu. higher than average farm yields. Sampels of RS hybrids from all locations
were collected for quality evaluations by Cereals Lab.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/68 to 12/30/68
Outputs
Performance trials and observation plantings for grain sorghum, corn and forage (clipping and silage) were completed at 41 locations in Texas during 1968. Participation by number of commercial seed companies and total fees remitted fordifferent crops are as follows: grain sorghum (27 companies, $10,765.00); corn (8 companies, $2,670.00) and forage (11 companies, $2,231.00). The number of experimental hybrids from commercial companies entered in the 1968 grain sorghumlocations was larger than in previous years. Entries of standard hybrids in numbers and locations appears to be relatively constant. Hybrids for eight locations in South and Central Texas had an average high yield of 4800 pounds and an average low yield of 2600 pounds per acre. Corresponding figures for theRolling and High Plains dryland locations were 3871 (high) 2507 (low); irrigatedlocations 6059 (high) 2253 (low).
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/67 to 12/30/67
Outputs
Grain sorghum performance tests completed at 20 locations and corn performance tests were completed at 8 locations in the state. The number of grain sorghum hybrids entered at the various locations ranged from 17 to 66. Twenty-five cornhybrids were planted in each of the corn tests. Commercial and experiment station entries were included in all tests. Agronomic and disease information from these tests are being prepared for publication. Participation by the seed companies in this program on an entry fee basis for the first time in 1967 was very good in the performance tests and very limited in the observation plantings.
Impacts
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