2014 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews

In 2014, 209 corn hybrids representing 28 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 a total of 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 2014 growing season was generally characterized by favorable conditions for corn growth and development although temperatures and rainfall were variable across test sites. Wet soil conditions delayed planting until May 20.Temperatures were slightly above normal in May and June and below normal to near normal in July through September at most sites. Lower than normal temperatures combined with late planting reduced growing degree day (heat unit) accumulation at several test sites. Rainfall was above average during the early-mid vegetative stages in May and June and below average in July to September. Timely rains in July and August and moderate temperatures limited stress and contributed to high yields at most sites. Slow crop maturation and dry down, combined with persistent rains and saturated soils delayed harvest and resulted in higher than normal grain moisture and lower test weights. Stalk lodging was not a problem for most of the hybrids evaluated. It was most pronounced at Bucyrus but averaged less than 10%. Disease and insect pests were not a significant factor at most test sites. Symptoms of northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot were severe but usually appeared late in the season.  At Greenville, gray leaf spot may have reduced yields of some hybrids. Low levels of moldy grain were observed for some hybrids at Hebron. 

Despite later than normal planting dates, high yields were achieved at most test locations due to ample and timely rainfall and moderate temperatures which created near stress-free growing conditions. Averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, grain yields were 244 bu/A in the Southwest and West Central region, 243 bu/A in North Central and Northeast region, and 201 bu/A yields in the Northwest region. Performance data for Upper Sandusky in the NW region are not presented because excessive rainfall shortly after planting combined with a dry July and August resulted in uneven crop growth and inconsistent yields. The Hoytville location in NW Ohio was the only test site that averaged less than 200 bu/A. Lower yields were due in part to soil crusting (caused by hard rains after planting which reduced plant population) and a very dry August (0.75 inches of rainfall).

Tables 1 and 2 provide an overview of 2014 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/

As you review 2014 test results, it’s 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 (like drought stress and record high temperatures). Look for consistency in a hybrid's performance across a range of environmental conditions.  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. Results of the crop performance trials for previous years are also available online at: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf/archive.htm  

Table 1.   A regional overview of the early maturity 2014 Ohio Corn Performance Test.

Table 2.  A regional overview of the full season 2014 Ohio Corn Performance Test.