The Rural Voice, 1990-10, Page 31Based on test data, I'd choose a hybrid
with better standability even if it had
slightly less yield potential. Most
companies list a range of standability
scores for their hybrids, so you need to
determine how they apply to you.
STRESS TOLERANCE — Stress
tolerance can include such things as
seedling vigor, cold stress, and
drought stress. Again, consider your
cropping system, including planting
date, soil type, tillage and input levels,
as you evaluate which hybrids will
best fit your situation.
PEST RESISTANCE — Husk or
shuck coverage can influence how hy-
brids may differ in their ability to
withstand insects and disease. You
can avoid many insect and disease
problems if the ears are well protected
from infection.
Some hybrids seem to resist corn
borers readily, others easily break over
at the site of borer entry. Stalk cell-
ular strength and rind thickness plays
an important part as well as increased
internal levels of the natural pesticide
called Dimboa.
Grain quality is also an important
factor for pest resistance. Pericarp
thickness and test weight seem to dic-
tate pest resistance.
NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY —
With the emphasis on lower rates of
applied nitrogen, the plant's own
efficiency in using nitrogen is be-
coming a bigger issue. Some U.S.
companies now include this data.
HYBRID COMPARISON —You've
heard the talk that some hybrids are
'the same' as another. Only seed corn
breeders might know for sure. Choose
4 hybrids you think are similar to
compare across several locations.
Look at such things as Bilking date,
height, moisture at harvest, and yield.
If the data on three of the four ap-
pear to be very similar they may not
be the same hybrid but they are per-
forming the same. That's the impor-
tant point. Tests may not show much
statistical difference between several
hybrids, but with this information,
make selections based on other criteria
that are important to you.
HIGH PROTEIN — There is as
much as a 33 per cent difference in
protein content among commonly
grown hybrids. This can be very
important for corn grown especially
for livestock feed. Selecting higher
protein hybrids can cut protein re-
quirements and reduce feeding costs.
In summing up, I would say this:
every hybrid is a compromise. Maybe
stalk strength or cob shank strength
was compromised in favour of fast dry
down or high yield. I don't know of a
perfect hybrid. Each has a flaw,
although some have more flaws than
others.
In my Brucefield plots, I am
screening 78 varieties in 6 maturity
groups. The plots are on Hwy. #4 and
are well signed. Please feel free to
stop in and browse through them.0
LUCK
OW
EQUIPMENT FOR
HARVEST & CHORING
GRAIN BUGGY
Am
IP
• 3 models — 350, 400
and 600 bu.
• hydraulically operated
from the tractor
• Unloading capacity
400 bu. in 3 minutes
BALE SHREDDER
kg*
• 2 models — low profile
and high clearance
• Up to 6' diameter bales,
standard, larger options
available
• Low horse power
requirement
• Suitable for bedding,
feeding or stacking
Manufactured by
HELM WELDING LTD.
LUCKNOW ONT.
519-529-7627
OCTOBER 1990 27