One of the most important choices a grower will make during the process of raising corn is deciding which corn hybrids to plant for next season.

The biggest mistake growers make is assuming they can select a single hybrid to meet all their needs. Every field is different and has a different sequence of conditions during the growing season. In addition, every hybrid has different life cycles and growth characteristics.

Evaluating multiple plots

Many growers evaluate hybrids based on farm strip plots alone. However, if a hybrid does well on a strip plot, it may only mean that it was a good hybrid for that field, during that particular year, in specific field conditions. It doesn’t mean the same hybrid will be ideal for next season’s growing environment and field types.

Strip plots are still an important evaluating tool because they can provide some local data. But instead of looking at local plots right in one area, growers should look at performance within a larger area. Is the hybrid showing stable performance across a wide range of conditions? Also, use data from multiple years when evaluating hybrids. The more locations and years being evaluated, the more accurate the data will be. Using 25 or more locations will provide true genetic potential and even out variability.

Look at more than yield

While maximum yield is the ultimate goal for growers, growers should look at all the factors that contribute to yield and price per acre when evaluating hybrids. They should look at stalk quality, plant health, root strength, moisture differences and test weights as well. Measuring these factors will give growers a more accurate assessment of the crop and the performance of the hybrid.

To properly choose a hybrid, growers must first understand the type of field, their style of management, fertility levels, soil types, and pest and weed problems. Once those issues are identified, a hybrid can be matched to meet those needs.

Trait technology considerations

When considering seed purchase options for next season, growers should base their initial selection decision on what hybrids (genetics) are right for their operation. But once the right hybrids have been selected, growers should focus their efforts on evaluating what level of insect protection is needed to help maximize the success of the selected hybrids.

Bt hybrids can give growers timely insect control with less labor. While insect pressure varies from field to field and year to year, Bt hybrids help ensure that maximum yield potential is attained. It is critical for growers to assess the cost and value of the various trait technology options based on the specific level of insect control they provide. G3 powered by YieldGard VT Triple offers the widest range of insect, seed treatment and herbicide crop safety in the Great Lakes lineup.

Seed treatment options

Growers utilizing treated seed don’t have to worry about handling, mixing or properly coating the seed. The seed arrives at the grower ready for planting as is. Seed treatments also work in variable weather conditions and are effective at low rates, reducing the stress on young seedlings. In addition, treated seed typically shows more uniformity and better stand protection than its nontreated counterpart.

By protecting the plant stand during early growth, seed treatments deliver the protection seeds need to start off right – for improved stand establishment, healthy development and vigorous plant growth. Treated crops often reap the benefits of greater density, height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves per plant and higher, more consistent plant yields.

By using a range of hybrids, growers can diversify their acres and minimize potential environmental stresses, insect pressures and diseases for the upcoming season.