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Preharvest Desiccation of Later Maturing Hybrids

Objective

  • Determine the effect preharvest desiccation on yield, moisture and grain quality of hybrids with later relative maturity than recommended for ND.

Study Description

Location:   Prosper, ND (see map below).
Plots:   6 rows, 30-inch spacing, 4 replications
Pioneer® Brand Hybrids:
    86-day RM – P8640HR (HX1, LL, RR2)
    93-day RM – 38R49 (RR2)
    97-day RM – 38A57 (HX1, LL, RR2)
    102-day RM – 36V53 (HX1, LL, RR2)
Planting Dates:   May 1 and May 22 (2012)
Desiccation Dates:   None
August 31
September 14
Map: North Dakota location
Photo: Sprayer used for applying desiccant.

Sprayer used for applying the desiccant (Prosper, ND 8-31-12).

Results

Influence of Desiccation Timing and Planting Date on Corn Grain Yield and Quality
  Desiccation
timing		 Moisture
(%)		 Test wt
(lb/bu)		 Yield
(bu/acre)
Early
Planting		 None 14.8 56.9 170
8/31 14.2 56.9 168
9/14 14.5 57.0 176
Late
Planting		 None 16.0 55.1 175
8/31 15.2 55.6 168
9/14 16.0 55.2 164
Chart: Effect of Desiccation Timing on the Yield of Corn Hybrids of Different Relative Maturities.
  • Averaged across hybrids, planting date and desiccation did not significantly affect grain yield.
  • There was minimal impact of hybrid or desiccation timing on grain moisture at harvest due to higher than normal temperatures and dry conditions in the fall.
  • Test weight was reduced slightly by late planting but was not affected by desiccation timing.
  • The latest maturing hybrid was the highest yielding except with the earlier desiccation.

Research conducted by Joel Ransom, North Dakota State University Extension Service as a part of the Pioneer Crop Management Research Awards (CMRA) Program. This program provides funds for agronomic and precision farming studies by university and USDA cooperators throughout North America. The awards extend for up to four years and address crop management information needs of Pioneer agronomists, Pioneer sales professionals and customers.

PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. 2012 data are based on average of all comparisons made a single location through November 7, 2012. Multiyear and multilocation is a better predictor of future performance. Do not use these or any other data from a limited number of trials as a significant factor in product selection. Product responses are variable and subject to a variety of environmental, disease, and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.

HX1 – Contains the Herculex® I Insect Protection gene which provides protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm, lesser corn stalk borer, southern corn stalk borer, and sugarcane borer; and suppresses corn earworm. Herculex® I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. Herculex® and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

LL - Contains the LibertyLink® gene for resistance to Liberty® herbicide.
Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer.

RR2 - Contains the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait that provides safety for over-the-top applications of labeled glyphosate herbicides when applied to label directions.
Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company.