2019 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews

In 2019, 163 corn hybrids representing 20 commercial brands were evaluated in the Ohio Corn Performance Test (OCPT). Four tests were established in the Southwestern/West Central/Central (SW/WC/C) region and three tests were established in the Northwestern (NW) and North Central/Northeastern (NC/NE) regions (for ten test sites statewide).  Hybrid entries in the regional tests were planted in either an early or a full season maturity trial. These test sites provided a range of growing conditions and production environments.

 

The spring of 2019 was one the wettest on record and resulted in major planting delays throughout Ohio. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, only 33% of Ohio's corn was planted by June 2.  Five of the 10 OCPT test sites were planted in June (with dates ranging from June 4 to June 22). Excessive rainfall continued into late June and early July and was followed by much drier and warmer weather from July to September, which created stressful conditions for crop growth in some regions. Warm, dry conditions during grain fill were most evident at the South Charleston, Greenville, and Washington CH test sites in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region, and, to a lesser extent, at the Bucyrus and Columbiana sites in the North Central/ Northeastern region. The Northwestern test sites, Van Wert, Hoytville and Upper Sandusky, received adequate, timely rainfall throughout the growing season that was favorable for corn development.  Foliar diseases (Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Gray Leaf Spot) and ear rots, including Gibberella and Diplodia, were observed at several OCPT locations but were generally present at low levels. Stalk rot (primarily Anthracnose) was present but stalk lodging was generally negligible and limited to a few hybrids. Due to late planting dates and unfavorable drying conditions (especially in the Northwestern region), average harvest grain moisture levels were much higher and test weights much lower than is normal. At Upper Sandusky (planted June 22), killing frosts occurred on November 6-9 as corn was nearing maturity.

 

Despite late planting dates and warmer and drier than normal conditions during grain fill, OCPT yields exceeded expectations. Averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, yields were 252 bu/A in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region, 234 bu/A in the Northwestern region, and 264 bu/A in the North Central/Northeastern region.  Yields at individual test sites, averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, ranged from 215 bu/A at Hoytville to 282 bu/A at Hebron. Performance data for the Columbiana site in the North Central/Northeastern region is not presented due to excessive rainfall shortly after establishment and dry conditions during grain fill, which resulted in inconsistent yields.  As of the publication date, Upper Sandusky in the Northwestern region was not harvested because of high grain moistures due to a late planting date.  Results from Upper Sandusky will be available on-line shortly after harvest.

 

Tables 1 and 2 provide an overview of 2019 hybrid performance in the early maturity and full season hybrid trials by region. Averages for grain yield and other measures of agronomic performance are indicated for each region. In addition, the range in regional test site averages is shown in parentheses. Complete results are available online at: http://oardc.osu.edu/corntrials/ . A bulletin containing the results, 2019 Ohio Corn Performance Test, is also published as an insert in Ohio’s Country Journal.

 

As you review 2019 test results, it is important to keep the following in mind. Confidence in test results increases with the number of years and the number of locations in which the hybrid was tested. Avoid selecting a hybrid based on data from a single test site, especially if the site was characterized by abnormal growing conditions. This is especially important in 2019 given the wide range in planting dates and growing conditions. Look for consistency in a hybrid's performance across a range of environmental conditions.  Consider the table providing a “Combined regional summary of hybrid performance” which indicates the performance of hybrids common to eight statewide test sites and the six tests in western Ohio.  Differences in grain moisture percentages among hybrids at harvest can provide a basis for comparing hybrid maturity.  Yield, % stalk lodging, grain moisture, and other comparisons should be made between hybrids of similar maturity to determine those best adapted to your farm.