HISTORIC NOTE
The publications in this collection do
not reflect current scientific knowledge
or recommendations. These texts
represent the historic publishing
record of the Institute for Food and
Agricultural Sciences and should be
used only to trace the historic work of
the Institute and its staff. Current IFAS
research may be found on the
Electronic Data Information Source
(EDIS)
site maintained by the Florida
Cooperative Extension Service.
Copyright 2005, Board of Trustees, University
of Florida
\
Agricultural Research Center, Ona __- *
Research Report RC-1976-6 iJ L A" September, 1976
OU iLJd I I
COMMERCIAL CORN VART.ETY TESTING RESULTS OM
SOUTH-CEN LL FLORI A 9, Forid
P. Mislevy, R. S. Kalmbacher, Jones and P. H. Everett
Corn can be extremely valuable in a livestock feeding program. With its
rapid growth and high yielding ability, corn harvested and stored as silage, can
supplement perennial grasses at times when their production is low. This crop
may follow winter vegetables or be used in a pasture renovation program, High
quality corn silage '..-. provide cattle with a substantial carbohydrate input,
possibly reducing high grain-costs and also providing growing calves with quality
feed.
Well managed corn harvested for silage at the proper stage of maturity can
produce 7-10 tons of dry matter per acre in a 3.5 to 4 month period. This would
allow the land to be free for the growth of other crops over the remaining eight
months.
Corn silage harvested at the hard dent stage is usually high in energy,
carotene, vitamin D, but low in minerals, with a protein content of about 8%. To
produce high yields of quality corn, adapted hybrids, proper seeding date, high
fertility, water control, correct plant populations, and weed and insect control
are necessary.
The purpose of these studies was to evaluate commercial corn hybrids for
silage and/or grain production at various locations in South Central Florida.
Experimental Procedure
The experiments were conducted in Orange and Manatee counties and at the
Agricultural Research Centers (ARC) at Ona and Immokalee. The experimental
design at Orange and Manatee was a randomized complete block with four replica-
tions. The Ona study was replicated five times and the Immokalee study three
times.
The experiment was seeded on Immokalee fine sand on March 4 at the
Immokalee ARC; Myakka fine sand on March 3 in Orange county; Ona fine sand on
March 5 at ARC, Ona; sandy muck on March 8 in Manatee county.
Fertility: All cultural practices (preparing seedbed, fertilization, etc.)
were conducted by the cooperators at the Orange and Manatee county locations.
Calcium and pH levels were adequate in all experimental sites. Fertilization
practices carried out by the Orange county cooperator were 200-70-210 Ib ./acre
Nitrogen(N)- phosphorus(P205)- Potassium (K20), with N being applied in 3
I/ Assistant Professors, Agricultural Research Center, Ona; Professor,
Agricultural Extension Service, Gainesville; and Professor, Agricultural
Research Center, Immokalee.
2
applications: 40 lb/A preplant and 80 lb/A in two additional applications.
Fritted micronutrients FTE 503 2/ and magnesium were also applied at a rate of
20 and 40 lb/A, respectively. Fertilization practices carried out in Manatee
county were 150-100-200 lb/A. All fertilizer was.broadcast applied preplant.
At Immokalee, 2000 lb. per acre of dolomite was applied prior to seeding.
Fertilization practices included a total of 270-120-240 lb/A N-P20 -K20,
respectively. Prior to seeding 600 lb. 0-10-20 plus 20 lb. FTE 503 was broad-
cast,per acre. At seeding 200 lb/A 10-30-10 was banded in the row. Prilled
ammonium nitrate was applied at a rate of 50 lb. N/A at emergence (corn 2");
100 lb. N/A when corn was 6-8 inches tall; 100 lb. N/A when corn was 18-20
inches tall. Additionally, 50 lb./A K20 was applied in 2 applications when
corn was 6-8 inches tall and again at 18-20 inches.
At Ona fertilization practices were 50-113-226 lb/A at seeding followed
by 100 lb/A actual N when corn was 8 inches high and an additional 100 lb/A
N when corn reached height of 24 inches tall.
Irrigation: Corn was irrigated as needed at the ARC, Ona, with a total
application of 8.0 inches of water, over the first 75 days of the growing season
Irrigation ceased in mid-May as rainfall was received periodically. In Orange
county limited irrigation was applied to the experimental area. No irrigation
was applied at the Manatee county site, due to the sandy muck soil. At
Immokalee ARC corn was irrigated with a seepage system. Ditches were on 50
foot centers. Plants were watered weekly.
Plant Populations and Weed Control: Corn at all locations was seeded on
36" rows, except the Manatee county site which had 30 inch rows. Final plant
populations at all locations were 22 000 plants per acre. The herbicide used
in Orange county was 5 lb/A Lasso (R) (commercial product) applied in a seven
inch band pre-emergence. Two and one-half lb/A active Aatrex (R) and 2 qts/A
Lasso R) was applied pre-emergence over the entire experimental area at Ona and
Manatee county locations. At Immokalee ARC, Aatrex (R 2.5 lbs, (commercial
product) and Lasso (A) 3.0 qt. (commercial product) were applied per acre pre-
emergence. On March 23 the trial was sprayed with 1.5 Ib of Lannate (R)
(commercial product)/acre to control bud worms. The insecticide nematicide
Furidan 10 G (R) was applied in a seven inch band at seeding at the rate of
10 lb/A (commercial product) at the Orange county experimental area. Furidan
10 G (R) was also applied on four replications, at the ARC, Ona at the rate
of 60 lb/A commercial product. This was the first time a nematicide was applied
to the experimental area after 5 consecutive years of growing corn.
2/
FTE 503 having the following elemental content: Iron 18.0%; Zinc 70%
Manganese 7.5%; Copper 3.0%; Boron 3.0% and Molybdenum 0.2%.
Maturity at Harvest: Corn. at all locati
the kernels were at the hard dent stage of ma
approximately 31% dry matter. This was coinc
formation in. the kernel. A corn grain expert
and Immokalee, Ears contained approximately
lodging was observed among varieties.
ons was
turi ty,
idental
ment was
36% mois
harvested for si
with plants cont
with black layer
also conducted
ture at harvest.
large when
gainingg
at Ona
No *.-:
Results
and -Discussion
Significant differences
varieties was
highest dry ma
the: loiest dry
yielding varie
among the earl
since early ma
chance of wet-i
adequate time
in dry matter production of
obtained in Orange county (Table
tter yield, averaging 7.4 tons p
matter yield, averaging 3.9 ton
ties, Funk G-4810 and Helena Gol
iest maturing varieties. This c
turning varieties can be harvest
soil problems. Early harvesting
to :establish the next crop.
I). Funk
er acre.
s per acre
den Harves
hatacteris
d sooner,
G-4810 produced
Dekalb
The
t 2775
tic is
thus r
also allbnws
XL 74 produced
two highest
, 'were also
quite important,
educing the
the producer
iThere were
commercial corn
the twenty-five
Coker 7? produce
matter pet acre,
lowest yielding
varieties in thi
respond
signi ficant
varieti
corn va
ed the
respect
variety
s study
es gro
rietie
high
tively
in th
were
differences in dry matter production
wn at the Manatee county location (Ta
s that were tested at thti .location,
st yield, averaging 9.9 and 9.8 tone
. The early maturing Dekalb XL 74 wa
e experiment. Many of the highest yi
full season hybrids, indicating that
to locations.
among cne
ble 2). 0
PAG 751 an
of dry
s again th
elding...
corn varie
Significant differences in dry
hybrids were obtained at Ona (Table
ed by Funk 'G 5945 and Coker 77 which
74 was the lowest yielding variety,
variety was an early maturing hybrid
dry matter production.
matter production among come
3).. Highest dry matter yield
averaged 10.7 tons per acre.
averaging 6.5 tons per acre.,
which may partially account
racial c
s were
Dekal
The la
for the
orn
produc-
b XL
tier
low
S One replication in;flt i
insecticide Furidan 100G ".
replication 'to observe the
corn was grown for 5-consec
corn hybrids; Asgrow RX 14,
yields when Furidan 10G(R)
.s study was not treated with
, This chemical was pyposel
effect of. Furidan lOG1" on
:utive years on the same site
and Dekalb EX80 A produced
was deleted.
the nematicide-
deleted from one
orn production, where
Two early maturing
significantly lower
Southern corn rust (Puccinia
leaves of several hybrids in late
rust has been observed at the ARC
infestation, the rust did not spr
uavrn onu Qr Mhria fnla1kch 191a A
polysora Underw)was
April. This was th
, Ona. However, fol
ead. Dekalb EX 80 A
oArraAn rnln A 1"/
observed
I earliest
owing thi
contained
nae a- se-n A
on the bo
Southern
s early
the most
n f'Vel n
ttom
corn
rust,
2\
differently
e
ties
commercial
corn
L
s
Dekalb XL 74 produced significantly
addition to being the highest grain
the lowest grain moisture at harvest
lower yields averaging 136 bu/A. In
yielder, Asgrow RX 114 contained next to
averaging 32.8%.
At the Immokalee ARC corn silage and grain yields were considerably lower
than those at Ona ARC. (Table 5). High silage yielding hybrids were PAG 751 and
Coker 7U (6.9 and 6.6T/A respectively) Augrow RY 114 wa3 th lowest yielding
hybrid (3.6T/A).
Corn
2750 (105
varieties.
worms resu
within the
grain yields(@ 15.5% moisture) were higher for Helena
bu/A). However, this was not significantly different
Insect damage to the ear was very bad. Such damage
Cited in low yields and a great deal of variability am
test.
Golden
from th
from co
rng hybr
Harvest
e other
rln ear
'ids
It was f
control, etc.
yields were n
fertilizer, w
sub-surface o
receivee adequ
onnvement was
over
evid
tsymp
:: :ppl
help
May
emph
'-head
enced
toms
icati
ed to
corn
size
ot
r<
sub-surface
]
II
that
th
were more
ot achieved
as surface
r seepage i
1
La
N during
;ely upw
system. F
Erom a cru
Ef N deficit
t:of N. (7.
alleviate
responded t
the point
irrigation.
erti
e cultural practice
than adequate for a
. Nitrogen,
applied in a
irrigation it
g the first
ard, as oppo
lizer elemen
exc
dry
was
1 t,
sed
ts a
formed on .th
il they were
applied as 20-
problems
Wit
s, such as
good corn c
for 20 lbs.
rm (prilled
lived that.
months of t
a downward mT
ted to the s
otils' surf a
" tall. On
-20) was mad
h additional
d fertilizat
1
fertilization rates,
rop.
/A app
ammoni
the se
he tri
ovemen
surface
ce. C
April
e. Th
rains
ion. 'T
However, desirable
lied. as a starter
um nitrate). With
edlings did not
al. Water
t of water from an
remained there as
ornolants showed
a foliar
s applica
in late A
his probi
warranted
1
i
practices may be
tion
pril
em
with
Conclusion
Commercial corn
different locations
the performance of c
variety to be grown.
early maturing varie
high .yields, adequatet
and insect control,
varieties dif
in South Centr
orn.varieties
It is genera
ty with high g
e fertility, p
and management
fe
al
ca
11
ra
ro
a
r
in their yielding ability when grown at
Flo
refu
y be
in y
per
t ha
rida
lly
st t
field
plan
rves
Commercial g
rior to purcha
select a high
ng ability. T
Populations,
-time are requ
rowers
sing s
silag
0 obta
water
ired.
should
eed of
e yield
in cons
control
study
a
ing,
istenctly
, weed
"elt
st which
ency unt
5 Ib/A a
nitrogen
the previously apple
that different cultural
weed
Table 1. roXmercial corn varieties harvested as silage in Orange County, 1976.
Brand Variety Yield
Dry matter T/A
Funk G-4810 E t 7.4 a*
Helena Golden Harvest 2775 E 7.0 ab
P.A.G. 751 6.7 ab
Dekalb XL 395 6.6 ab
Coker 77 6.6 ab
Funk G-5945 6,5 abc
Greenwood 747 6.4 abc
McNair 508 6.4 abc
Dekalb 1214 A 6.4 abc
Asgrow RX 114 E 6.3 abcd
Coker 56 6.3 abcd
Dekalb EX 80A E 6.2 abcd
Helena Golden Harvest 2750 E 6.0 bcde
Funk G-4864 E 6.0 bcde
Dekalb XL 94 5.9 bcde
Dekalb XL 394 5.9 bcde
McCurdy 72-227 5.8 bcde
Pioneer 3152 E 5.3 cde
McCurdy 67-14 5.1 de
Pioneer 3030 4.9 ef
Dekalb XL 74 E 3.9 f
* Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significantly
different at the 0.05 level according to Duncans Multiple Range Test.
t E = earlier maturing variety.
Table 2. Comaercial corn varieties harvested as silage in Manatee County, 1976.,
",-
Brand Variety Yield
Dry matter T/A'
i i i i
P.A.G.
Coker
McNair
Dekalb
Dekalb
Funk
McCurdy
Dekalb
Asgrow -
Greenwood
Coker
Pioneer
McCurdy
Funk
Asgrow
Funk
Dekalb
Helena Go]
Asgrow
Pioneer
Dekalb
Asgrow
Helena Go]
Asgrow
Dekalb
Lden Harvest
Lden Harvest
751
77
508
XL 94
XL 395
G-4810
67-14
1214 A
XX 140 A
747
56
3030
72-227
G-5945
RX 132
G-4864
XL 394
2775
RX.114
3152
EX 80A
RX 450
2750
XX 115A
XL 74
9.9
9.8
9.3
8.8
8.8
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.1
7.9
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.5
S7.3
7.0
7.0
6.3
a *
a
ab
abc
abc
abcd
abcd
abcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
bcd
cde
cde
cde
cde
cde
cde
cde
de
e
* Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significantly
different at the 0.05 level according to Duncans Multiple Range Test.
t E = earlier maturing variety.
Table 3. Silage production and rust on commercial corn varieties grown at
the ARC, Ona 1976.
Brand Variety Yield Southern Corn rust
Dry matter T/A % plant coverage
Funk G 5945 10.7 a* 6
Coker 77 10.7 a 3
Dekalb XL 395 10.6 ab 5
McNair 508 10.4 abc 4
Helena Golden Harvest 2750 :E 10.1 abcd 5
Funk G-4810 E 9.9 abcd 6
Greenwood 747 9.8 abcd 4
Dekalb XL 94 9.8 abcd 5
Funk. G-4864 E 9.7 abcd 5
McCurdy 72-227 9.6 abcd 7
Dekalb XL 394 9.6 abcd 7
Helena Golden Harvest 2775 E 9.5 abcd 6
Dekalb 1214 A 9.5 abcd 1
Coker 56 9.4 abcd 6
P.A.G. 751 9.2 abcd 6
Dekalb EX 80 A E 8.9 bcd 9
McCurdy 67-14 8.8 cd 6
Asgrow RX-114 E 8.6 d 5
Pioneer 3152 E 8.6 d 5
Pioneer 3030 8.6 d 7
Dekalb XL 74 E 6.5 e 6
* Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significantly
different at the 0.05 level according to Duncans Multiple Range Test.
t E earlier maturing variety.
Table 4. Grain production of commercial
ARC, Ona 1976.
corn varieties grown at the
Brand Variety Shelled corn
15.5% moisture
bu/A
+ I ^'
Asgrow RX 114 E 7 a*
Dekalb EX 80A E 174 a
McNair 508 173 ab
Dekalb XL 94 173 ab
Dekalb XL 394 172 abc
Funk G-4810 E 171 bc
P.A.G. 751 164 bc
Helena Golden Harvest 2775 E 163 bc
Coker 56 162 c
McCurdy 67-14 161 d
Coker 77 161 d
Helena Golden Harvest 2750 E 159 d
Pioneer 3152 E 159 d
Funk G-4864 E 159 d
Dekalb XL 395 154 ef
McCurdy 72-227 153 f
Dekalb 1214 A 150 fg
Greenwood 747 145 gh
Pioneer 3030 142 hi
Funk G-5945 137 ij
Dekalb XL 74 E 136 j
* Means within the column followed by the same letter are not significantly
different at the 0.05 level according to Duncans Multiple Range Test.
tE = earlier maturing variety.
Table 5. Forage and grain production of commercial corn varieties grown
at the ARC Immokalee, 1976.
Forage Yield
Dry matter T/A
Grain Yield
15.5 moisture
bu/A
P.A.G.
Coker
Helena Golden Harvest
Helena Golden Harvest
Funk
Dekalb
Pioneer
Funk
Pioneer
McNair
McCurdy
Dekalb
Greenwood
Asgrow
751
77
2750
2775
G-5945
XL 395
3369 A
G-4810
3152
S-338
72-227
XL 394
747
RX 114
6.9 a*
6.6 ab
6.3 abc
6.2 abc
6.1 abcd
6.1 abcd
5.7 abcde
5.6.bcde
5.5 bcde
5.2 cdef
4.9 def
4.5 efg
4.2 fg
3.6 g
* Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly
different.
(K=100: Duncans new least significant difference test.)
SE = earlier maturing variety.
Brand
Variety
89 a*
78 a
105 a
81 a
86 a
80 a
94 a
93 a
65 a
86 a
75 a
77 a
90 a
60 a
|