Abstract
ABSTRACT The danger of frost damage before harvest is an ever present risk to corn (Zea mays L.) growers in Newfoundland, Canada. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of frost and harvest date on dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value of silage corn. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, the DM yield and nutritive value of Pioneer(r) 39NO3 (2100 CHU) was examined at three locations and at five harvest dates at approximately 10-day intervals between 25 September and 14 November of each year. All plants were seeded under plastic mulch to minimize variation in maturity relative to location and year. Out of the three factors (‘year’, ‘location’ and ‘harvest date’) examined, only ‘harvest’ date had significant effects on the measured parameters. The DM yields were at a maximum level of 17,233 kg ha−1 immediately following first frost but declined by 22% at 20 days after frost. However, the DM content increased by 2% from the time of the first harvest after frost to the last harvest after frost. The ...
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