Current Research Projects

Project:   Effects of harvest delays and plant density on corn hybrid performance: standability and grain quality

Locations:   three sites - Western Agricultural Research Station, Northwestern Agricultural Research Station, West Badger Research Farm (Apple Creek)

Project Investigators:   Peter Thomison, Pat Lipps, and Bruce Eisley

Description: The objective of this project is to evaluate the agronomic performance of hybrids with varying levels of stalk quality and strength at plant populations ranging from 24,000 to 42,000 plants/A.   Plots are harvested in early-mid October, November, and December to determine the impact of weathering on corn grain yield, stalk lodging, grain quality, and other agronomic traits.   Project is entering 3 rd season.

Project :   Defoliation effects on stalk lodging and rot in corn hybrids differing in stalk quality

Location:   Western Agricultural Research Station

Project Coordinator :   Peter Thomison and Allen Geyer

Description: The objective of this project is determine if hybrid response to defoliation during flowering and kernel development is related to differences in “standability” among corn hybrids. Six hybrids with differing levels of stalk quality and strength are subjected to defoliation treatments at three developmental stages: silking, blister, and milk. Project is entering 3 rd season.

Project:   Using Bt European corn borer resistant hybrids to minimize yield and quality losses in late corn plantings

Locations: six sites - Western Agricultural Research Station, Northwestern Agricultural Research Station, West Badger Research Farm (Apple Creek), Conovor, Delta and Lockbourne.

Project Coordinator: Peter Thomison

Description: The objective of this project is to evaluate the agronomic performance of early maturity Bt hybrids and their normal counterparts when planted late (during the first half of June) and harvested late (in mid November and December). Grain yield, stalk lodging, stalk rot and select qrain quality measurements for five pairs of hybrids (a Bt hybrid and its non-Bt conventional counterpart) ranging in maturity from 95 to 107 days will be determined.   Project is in its first season.

Project: 2004 Ohio Corn Performance Test

Locations: 11 sites - Western Agricultural Research Station, Washington Court House, Greenville, Northwestern Agricultural Research Station, Upper Sandusky, Van Wert, Wooster, Bucyrus, Damascus, Coshcton and Piketon.

Project Investigators: Richard Minyo, Jr., Allen Geyer, and Peter Thomison

Description:   The objective of the Ohio Corn Performance Test is to evaluate grain yield and other economically important agronomic traits of corn hybrids commercially available to farmers in Ohio. The testing program provides Ohio corn growers with objective, unbiased data from hybrid trials, which have been analyzed using appropriate statistical procedures, to make sound hybrid selection decisions. In 2004, over 200 hybrids have been entered in the trials, which are planted at 11 sites across the state. This is an on-going project in its 32 nd year.

Project:   Evaluating performance of organic corn hybrids in organic farming systems

Location:   John Hirzel Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Site, near Bowling Green

Project Investigators:   Peter Thomison, Deborah Stinner, Alan Sundermeier

Description:   The objective of this study is to evaluate the agronomic performance of 40 organic corn hybrids grown in an organic cropping system.  

Hybrids have been planted at two seeding rates, 24,000 vs. 30,000 plants/A, to determine if hybrids respond differently to seeding rate under organic conditions. Project is in its first season.

Project:   Midrib leaf breakage effects on corn performance

Location:   Western Agricultural Research Station

Project Investigators:   Peter Thomison and Allen Geyer

Description:   The objective of this study is to evaluate corn yield response to 50 and 100% midrib breakage during late vegetative and grain fill stages. The leaf midrib is broken at the collar, at the midpoint of the leaf, or left intact.   Project is entering 3 rd season.