Evaluations of Short-Season Corn Hybrids in the Mid-South USA

Abstract

Short-season corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids could allow Mid-South USA producers to spread some of their risks and begin marketing grain when supplies are low and prices high. This experiment examined the production potential of 16 short-season hybrids and compared them to two full-season hybrids commonly produced in the Mid-South in 2002 and 2003. Individual experiments were conducted at Stoneville, MS, Colt, AR, and St. Joseph, LA, both years and Knoxville, TN in 2003. All plantings utilized a randomized complete block design replicated four times, irrigated, fertilized according to yield goals of 200 bu/acre, and weeds controlled with herbicides and cultivation. Grain yield, aflatoxin, and fumonisin contamination were collected at all locations. Growing degree units (GDU 50s) at anthesis and physiological maturity, grain test weight, and kernel weight were collected at Stoneville, MS, St. Joseph, LA, and Knoxville, TN. Most of the short-season hybrids produced comparable yields to the two full-season hybrids though grain bulk densities for most of them at St. Joseph, LA were less than at other locations. Differences in mycotoxin levels were observed only at Stoneville, MS. Questions exist about short-season hybrids either requiring or just acquiring more GDU 50s when grown in the Mid-South as opposed to their adapted environments. Development of short-season hybrids for the Mid-South is warranted based upon our research.