2000 General Information, Seed Sources, Weather Tables
Test Program
Selection of entries. Each year, producers of hybrid seed corn and sorghum
varieties in Illinois and surrounding states are invited to enter hybrids in
the Illinois performance trials. Financing is provided thru entry fees. Entrants
are required to enter their corn hybrids regionally at a fee of $200 each corn
hybrid entered in a region or $80 per hybrid for the Urbana Roundup Ready and
white corn tests. Fees for sorghum hybrid testing were $75 per location for
each hybrid. Most of these hybrids are commercially available, although a few
experimental hybrids are also entered.
Number and location of tests. In 2000, hybrid corn entrants were required
to enter one of 4 regions each consisting of 3 locations with a total of 12
locations in the state (see map). These sites represent the major soil and climatic
areas of the state.
Hybrids. There were 459 corn hybrids from 59 companies and 21 sorghum
hybrids from 6 companies tested in 2000.
Field plot design. Three replications of an alpha lattice design were
used to give each entry an equal chance to show its merits.
Planting Methods. All trials were planted by a modern four row planter
modified for small plot work. A soil insecticide (Force) was applied in furrow
at planting for all trials. Corn plots were over planted by 10 percent and later
thinned to desired stands. Sorghum plots were planted at a rate to achieve 4-6
plants per foot of row at harvest. Each plot was four rows wide and either 23
or 25 feet long. The center two rows of each plot were harvested to determine
yields.
Fertilization. All test fields were at a high level of fertility. Additional
fertilizer was plowed down or side dressed as needed to ensure top yields.
Method of harvest. All corn plots were harvested with a custom-built,
self-propelled, corn plot combine. Sorghum plots were harvested with a sorghum
plot combine. Grain collected from each plot was weighed, and tested for moisture
content. An electronic moisture monitor was used in the combine for all moisture
readings. No allowance was made for grain that might have been lost in harvest.
Performance Data
Grain Yield. Grain weight and moisture was converted to bushels per
acre of No. 2 shelled corn (15.5 percent moisture) while sorghum was reported
using 56 pounds per bushel at 14 percent moisture.
Moisture content. Occasionally, hybrids too late in maturity for a given
area are entered in these tests. These hybrids are often high in yield, but
their moisture content may make them poor choices for farm use unless proper
drying or storage facilities are available.
Erect plants. The number of erect plants in each plot of a hybrid was
determined at harvest time. Any plant leaning at an angle of more than 45 degrees
or broken below the ear was considered lodged. Plants broken above the ear were
considered erect.
Population. Corn plots were over planted and thinned to the desired
population. Stand differences may be caused by failure to germinate or by damage
from diseases, insects, cultivation, or rodents.
Head Exertion. Sorghum hybrids were measured in late August for length
of seed head exertion from the flag leaf to the base of the seed head (expressed
in inches).
Plant Height. Sorghum hybrids were measured in late August from the
ground to the top of the seed head (expressed in inches).
Head Compactness. Sorghum hybrids were rated in late August for seed
head compactness. A rating of 1 was given for tightly compacted seed heads,
2 for moderate compactness, 3 for loose compactness.
Suggestions for Comparing Entries
It is impossible to measure performance exactly in any test of plant material.
Harvesting efficiency may vary, soils may not be uniform, and many other conditions
may produce variability. Results of repeated tests, like those reported here,
are more reliable than those of a single-year or a single-strip test. When one
hybrid consistently out yields another at several test locations and over several
years of testing, the chances are good that this difference is real and should
be a consideration in choosing a hybrid. When comparing yields, however, grain
moisture content, percentage of erect plants, and plant population must also
be considered.
A number of statistical tests are available for comparing hybrids within a
single trial. One of these tests, the least significant difference (L.S.D.),
when used in the manner suggested by Carmer and Swanson1 is quite
simple to apply and is more appropriate than most other tests. When two hybrids
are compared and the difference between them is greater than the tabulated L.S.D.
value, the hybrids are judged "significantly different."
The L.S.D. is a number expressed in bushels per acre and presented following
the average yield for each location. An L.S.D. level of 25% is shown. Find the
highest yielding hybrid within the regional table or single location table of
interest, subtract the 25% L.S.D. value from the highest yielding hybrid, every
hybrid with a greater yield than the resulting number is 'statistically the
same' as the highest yielding hybrid. Consider the merits of the hybrids in
this group when making hybrid selections.
In a study of the frequencies of occurrence of three types of statistical
errors and their relative seriousness, Carmer2 found strong arguments
for an optimal significance level in the range = 0.20 to 0.40, where is the
Type I statistical error rate for comparisons between means that are really
equal. Herein, a value of = 0.25 is used in computing the L.S.D. 25- percent
level shown in the tables.
To make the best use of the information presented in this circular and to
avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation of it, the reader should consider
an additional caution about comparing hybrids. Readers who compare hybrids in
different trials should be extremely careful, because no statistical tests are
presented for that purpose. Readers should note that the difference between
a single hybrid's performance at one location and its performance at another
is caused primarily by environmental effects and random variability. Furthermore,
the difference between the performance of hybrid A in one trial and that of
hybrid B in another is the result not only of environmental effects and random
variability, but of genetic effects as well.
1Carmer, S.G. and M.R. Swanson. "An
Evaluation of Ten Pairwise Multiple Comparison Procedures by Monte Carlo Methods."
Journal of American Statistical Association 68:66-74. 1973.
2Carmer, S.G. "Optimal Significance
Levels for Application of the Least Significant Difference in Crop Performance
Trials." Crop Science 16:95-99, 1976.
2000 Test Fields
Mt. Morris
- Location: Horst farm, Ogle county, North of Mt. Morris, north central Illinois.
- Cooperator: William Horst
- Soil type: Tama-Muscatine-Sable.
- Planting date: April 27.
- Harvest date: October 10.
- Nitrogen: 150 lbs. as 28% (spring).
- Herbicides: Post-Round-Up,2-4D,Fultime.
- Tillage: no-till.
DeKalb
- Location: University of Illinois, Northern Illinois Research Center, DeKalb
county, southwest of DeKalb.
- Cooperators: Lyle Paul, research director; David Lindgren, farm foreman.
- Soil type: Flanagan silt loam (dark brown,adequately drained, highly fertile).
- Planting date: April 28.
- Harvest date: October 11.
- Nitrogen: 200 lbs. as anhydrous (fall applied).
- Herbicides: Epic+Aatrex.
- Tillage: spring- mulch finisher.
Erie
- Location: Slaymaker farm, Whiteside county, west of Rock falls, northwestern
Illinois.
- Soil Type: Beaucoup silty clay loam.
- Cooperator: Robert Slaymaker.
- Planting Date: April 27
- Harvest Date: October 9.
- Nitrogen: 200 lbs. anhydrous (spring applied).
- Herbicides: PPI- Frontier+Marksman.
- Tillage: fall- chisel, spring- field cultivate.
Monmouth
- Location: University of Illinois, Northwestern Illinois Agricultural Research
and Demonstration Center, Warren county, northwest of Monmouth.
- Cooperator: Eric Adee, research director; Martin Johnson, farm foreman.
- Soil type: Muscatine silt loam.
- Planting date: April 25.
- Harvest date: Not harvested due to severe lodging.
New Berlin
- Location: King farm, Sangamon county, north of New Berlin, central Illinois.
- Cooperator: Ike King.
- Soil type: Sable silty-clay loam.
- Planting date: April 18.
- Harvest date: September 16.
- Nitrogen: 220 lbs. anhydrous (fall applied), 100 lbs. 18-46-0 (spring applied).
- Herbicides: Pre- Bicep II Magnum, Post- Basagran
- Tillage: fall- chisel, spring- field cultivate.
Perry
- Location: University of Illinois, Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration
Center, Pike County, west of Perry, west-central Illinois.
- Cooperators: Glenn Raines, research director; Mike Vose, farm foreman.Soil
type: Rozetta silt loam.
- Planting date: April 18.
- Harvest date: September 15.
- Nitrogen: 225 lbs. (Fall applied).
- Herbicides: Post- Bicep II.
- Tillage: fall- deep chisel, spring- field cultivate.
Dwight
- Location: Zabel farm, Livingston County, northwest of Dwight, northeastern
Illinois.
- Cooperators: Larry and Louis Zabel.
- Soil type: Elliott silty clay loam.
- Planting date: April 26.
- Harvest date: September 27.
- Nitrogen: 180 lbs anhydrous (fall applied).
- Herbicides: PPI- TopNotch, Post-Marksman.
- Tillage: fall-chisel, spring-field cultivate.
Goodfield
- Location: Wurmnest farm, Woodford county, north of Goodfield, central Illinois.
- Cooperator: Mike Wurmnest.
- Soil Type: Ipava silt loam.
- Planting date: April 26.
- Harvest date: September 14,15.
- Nitrogen: 170 lbs. as 28% (spring & fall applied).
- Herbicides: Pre- Harness Xtra. Post-Laddock.
- Tillage: fall- chisel, spring- field cultivate.
Urbana
- Location: University of Illinois, Crop Sciences Research and Education Center,
Champaign County, at Urbana, east-central Illinois.
- Cooperators: Robert Dunker, superintendent; Mike Kleiss, farm foreman.
- Soil type: Flanagan silt loam.
- Planting date: April 29.
- Harvest date: September 28.
- Nitrogen: 180 lbs. as 28% (spring applied).
- Herbicides: PPI- Harness Extra, Post- Basagran
- Herbicide (Round-Up trial): Round -Up
- Tillage: fall- chisel, spring- field cultivate.
Brownstown
Carbondale
Belleville
- Location: Southern Illinois University Research Center, east of Belleville,
St. Clair county.
- Cooperators: Dr. Ed Varsa, research director; Ron Krausz, field manager.
- Soil type: Herrick silt loam.
- Planting date: April 21.
- Harvest date: September 21.
- Herbicides: PPI- Bicep ll magnum+ Aatrex.
- Nitrogen: 150 lbs. (spring applied).
- Tillage: Reduced:Chisel,disc,and cultimulcher.
Dixon Springs (Sorghum)
- Location: University of Illinois, Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, Johnson
County, extreme southern Illinois.
- Cooperators: Steve Ebelhar; research director, Carl Hart, research specialist.
- Soil type: Grantsburg silt loam.
- Planting date: May 16.
- Harvest date: October 4.
- Herbicide: PPI-Bullet.
- Nitrogen: 120 lbs. N/acre as 32%UAN sidedress
- Tillage Program: Roto-vator (spring primary), disk.
2000 Growing Season Rainfall
Location |
May
|
June
|
July
|
August
|
September
|
Mt. Morris |
6.4 |
9.3 |
4.3 |
1.7 |
4.7 |
DeKalb |
3.3 |
5.8 |
4.1 |
3.2 |
3.8 |
Erie |
7.2 |
8.4 |
3.8 |
3.2 |
5.8 |
Monmouth |
4.6 |
7.1 |
3.7 |
1.0 |
5.8 |
New Berlin |
1.7 |
7.2 |
3.3 |
2.5 |
2.8 |
Perry |
3.0 |
5.8 |
3.6 |
3.5 |
3.4 |
Dwight |
5.2 |
3.9 |
6.4 |
1.6 |
2.4 |
Goodfield |
5.7 |
4.1 |
1.5 |
1.6 |
2.5 |
Urbana |
6.2 |
4.5 |
2.5 |
3.6 |
4.2 |
Brownstown |
5.1 |
7.9 |
4.0 |
6.5 |
4.4 |
Belleville |
4.5 |
9.4 |
6.8 |
4.0 |
3.2 |
Carbondale |
5.3 |
11.0 |
2.9 |
3.8 |
2.3 |
Dixon Springs |
6.3 |
6.0 |
2.7 |
1.5 |
3.3 |
Sources of Seed
- Adler Hybrids, Adler Seeds, Inc., 6085 W. 550N, Sharpsville, IN 46068. (800-536-2676)
- Agri Pro Hybrids, Agri Pro Seeds Inc., R. 1, Box 129, Princeton, IL 61356.
(800-334-4730)
- Asgrow Corn Hybrids, Monsanto, 3100 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115. (800-833-5252)
- Asgrow Sorghum Hybrids, Monsanto, 7159 N. 247th West, Mt. Hope,
KS 67108. (316-445-2290)
- AgVenture, AgVenture Seeds, 1763 E. 200 N. Rd., Hoopston, IL 60942. (217-375-4335)
- Beck's Hybrids, Beck's Hybrids, 6767 E. 276 St., Atlanta, IN 46031. (800-937-2325)
- Bio Gene Hybrids, Bio Gene, 5491 Tri County Hwy., Sardinia, OH 45171. (888-862-3276)
- Brown, Brown Seed Enterprises, 289 CR 550 N. Neoga, IL 62447. (217-895-2335)
- Burrus Hybrids, Burrus Power Hybrids, 826 Arenzville Rd., Arenzville, IL
62611. (217-997-5511)
- Cargill Hybrids, Cargill Hybrid Seeds, P.O. Box 5645, Minneapolis, MN 55440.
(612-742-2570)
- Corn Belt, Corn Belt Hybrids, P.O. Box 95, St. Marys, OH 45885. (800-977-3841)
- Cornelius Hybrids, Cornelius Seed Corn., 31578 150th St., Bellevue, IA 52031.
(319-672-3463)
- Crow's Hybrids, Crow's Hybrid Corn Co., P. O. Box 306, Milford, IL 60953.
(815-889-4151)
- Dairyland Hybrids, Dairyland Seed, P.O. Box 958, West Bend, WI 53095. (262-338-0163)
- DeKalb Hybrids, Monsanto, 3100 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115. (800-833-5252)
- Diener Hybrids, Diener Seeds, Inc., 371 N. Diener Rd., Reynolds, IN 47980.
(219-984-5837)
- Freedom Hybrids, Freedom Seed Co., #1 Seed Corn Rd., Astoria, IL 61501.
(309-759-4480)
- Garst Hybrids, Garst Seed Co., 2369-330th St., P.O. Box 500, Slater, IA
50244. (800-831-6630)
- Gateway Hybrids, Gateway Seed Co., 5517 Van Buren Rd., Nashville, IL 62263.
(618-327-8000)
- Golden Harvest Hybrids, Golden Seed Co., 27525 135th Ave. N., Cordova, IL
61242. (1-800-421-1169)
- Golden Harvest Hybrids, Golden Harvest, 220 N. Eldorado Rd., Suite E., Bloomington,IL
61704-3544. (800-610-7333)
- Great Lakes Hybrids, Great Lakes Hybrids, Inc. 9915 West M-21 Ovid, MI 48866.
(800-376-2185)
- Growmark Hybrids, Growmark, Inc., 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701.
(309-557-6398)
- Gutwein Seed, Gutwein Seed, 15691 West 600 S. Francisville, IN 47946. (800-457-2700)
- Henkel Hybrids, Henkel Seeds, Inc., 107 Cedar Grove Rd., Mendota, IL 61342.
(815-539-9317)
- High Cycle, Trelay Seed, 11623 Hwy BO, Livingston, WI 53554. (608-943-6363)
- Hoblit Hybrids, Hoblit Seed Co., P.O. Box 487, Atlanta, IL 61723. (217-648-2392)
- Horizon, Horizon Genetics, P.O. Box 31, Mason City, IL 62664. (217-482-3281)
- Hubner, Hubner Seed Co. Inc., 10280 W. St. Rd. 28, West Lebanon, IN 47991.
(765-893-4428)
- Hughes Hybrids, Hughes Hybrids, Inc., 206 N. Hughes Road, Woodstock, IL
60098. (815-338-1141)
- icorn.com, icorn.com, 792 N. Peru St. Cicero, IN 46034. (800-240-0101)
- Kaltenberg Hybrids, Kaltenberg Seeds, Inc., 5506 State Hwy 19, Waunakee,
WI 53597-0278. (608-849-5021)
- Kruger Hybrids, Kruger Seed Co., Hwy. 20 E., Box A, Dike, IA 50624. (800-772-2721)
- Lewis Hybrids, Lewis Hybrids, Inc., Box 38 Ursa, IL 62376. (217-964-2131)
- LG Seeds, LG Seeds, Inc., 22827 Shissler Rd. Elmwood, IL 61529. (309-742-2211)
- Mark Hybrids, Mark Seed Co., 823 W. 2nd St. ,P.O. Box 67 Perry, IA 50220.
(515-465-2122)
- Merschman Hybrids, Merschman Seeds, Inc. 103 Ave. D, West Point, IA 52656.
(319-837-6111)
- Midwest Hybrids, Midwest Seed Genetics, P.O. Box 518, Carroll, IA 51401.
(800-369-8215)
- Miles, Mile's Farm Supply, Inc., P.O. Box 22879, Owensboro, KY 42304. (800-666-4537)
- Net Seeds, Net Seeds, Inc., 9001 Hickman Rd. Ste 320, Urbandale, IA 50322.
(515-331-0939)
- Novartis Seeds, Novartis Seeds, 1301 West Washington St. , Bloomington,
IL 61701. (309-365-8473)
- Ottilie R.O., Ottilie RO Seed 1462 Sanford Av. Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.
(515-753-5561)
- Pfister Hybrids, Pfister Hybrid Corn Co., P.O. Box 187, El Paso, IL 61738.
(309-527-6000)
- Pioneer Hybrids, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 2750 N. Main, Princeton,
IL 61356. (800-950-3489)
- Premium Hybrids, Premium Seed, Inc., P.O. Box 218, Berwick, IL 61417. (309-462-2396)
- Prime, Prime Farm Seeds, Inc., 224 N. Maple St. P.O. Box 549, Dana, IN 47847.
(765-665-0170)
- QTI, QTI Seed, 2333 N. Waukegan Rd. Suite E 250, Bannockburn, IL 60015.
(847-236-9508)
- Renk Hybrids, Renk Seed Co., R-2, 6800 Wilburn Rd., Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
(608-837-7351)
- Roeschley Hybrids, Roeschley Hybrids, 8222 E. 1500 N Rd., Graymont, IL 61743.
(815-743-5938)
- Royster-Clark, Royster-Clark, Inc. 70 N. Market St. , Mt. Sterling OH 43143.
(877-864-7333)
- Sieben Hybrids, Sieben Hybrids, 633 N. College Ave., Geneseo, IL 61254.
(309-944-5131)
- Southern States, Southern States Co-op, P.O. Box 26234, Richmond VA. 23260.
(804-281-1203)
- Steyer, Steyer Seeds, 6154 N. Co. Rd. 33 Tiffin OH 44883. (419-992-4570)
- Stine, Stine Seed Company, 2225 Laredo Trail Adel, IA 50003. (800-362-2510)
- Stone Hybrids, Stone Seed Farms, Inc., 5965 W. St. Rt. 97, Pleasant Plains,
IL 62677. (217-546-8006)
- Sun Prairie Seeds, Champaign County Seed Co., 1676 CR 2200 E. St. Joseph,
IL 61873. (217-469-2351)
- Trelay Hybrids, Trelay Seed Co., 11623 Hwy. 80, Livingston, WI 53554. (608-943-63637)
- Trisler Hybrids, Trisler Seed Farms, Inc., 3274E 800 N Rd., Fairmount, IL
61841. (217-288-9301)
- United Suppliers, United Suppliers, Inc., 30473 260TH ST.,P.O.
Box 538, Eldora, IA 50627. (515-858-2341)
- Unity Hybrids, Unity Seeds, 107 Fallon St., Kentland, IN 47951. (219-474-5810)
- Whata Hybrids, Whata Hybrid, Inc., 8908 W. Sabin Church Rd., Pearl City,
IL 61062. (815-864-2290)
- Wilken Hybrids, Wilken Seed Grains, Inc., P.O. Box 770, Pontiac, IL 61764.
(815-844-3458)
- Zimmerman, Wilson Genetics, L.L.C., P.O. Box 391, Harlan, IA 51537. (712-755-3841)