2009 South and Central Performance Test Update
by
Dennis Pietsch- Director, Crop Testing Program, Texas AgriLife Research
Dr. Jurg Blumenthal, State Sorghum Cropping Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension
June 5, 2009
I just recently returned from visiting a number of the South and Central Texas Corn and Grain Sorghum Performance Test sites. So far, this has been a very challenging year in trying to conduct and maintain test sites. Due to prolonged periods of no rainfall, the Corpus Christi Corn test was never planted. Some other non-irrigated sites were planted, but received no beneficial rainfall, thus erratic data may be attained from these sites.
We encourage you to visit these sites at your convenience. All performance tests should be staked. Planting plans and directions to each test site can be accessed on our web page. The High Plains Crop Report will be available at a later date. Below is a brief summary from each site.
Weslaco Corn (Irrigated): Planted 2-18-09
According to Beto Garza, this is a very good test. The test block is in the dent stage and should reach physiological maturity soon. The test block has good yield potential.
Weslaco Full Irrigated Grain Sorghum Test: Planted 2-18-09
This is a good test with good yield potential. The test block is scheduled to be harvested during the week of June 22. No beneficial rainfall was recorded at the test block during the growing season until last week when approximately 3” was recorded from several rain events. The test received an irrigation immediately after planting plus two irrigations during the growing season.
Weslaco Limited Irrigated Grain Sorghum Test: Planted 2-18-09
This is an outstanding test with excellent yield potential. The test block received only one irrigation during the growing season. An irrigation was applied to the test block immediately after planting that insured germination and seedling emergence. This test should also be ready to harvest in late-June.
Corpus Christi Corn (Natural Rainfall):
Due to prolonged periods of drought conditions, this test was not planted. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center near Corpus Christi, where the test was to be planted, recorded only 3.69” of rainfall from September ’08 thru April ’09.
Gregory Grain Sorghum (Natural Rainfall): Planted 3-20-09
This Coastal Bend test site has also experienced extended periods of drought conditions. Marginal soil moisture was available at planting. The test has received no beneficial rainfall since planting, and looks very poor. Some plants are trying to head despite the poor moisture conditions. I doubt if yield data will be taken, however there may be some drought tolerant notes that can be taken by companies if they desire.
Tynan Corn (Irrigated): Planted 3-2-09
Like most of the surrounding area, this test block has received very little rainfall until mid-May when approximately 2” was received from several rain events. The test has been irrigated several times to insure plant growth and development. The test block looks good. The test block finished silking on May 15.
Hondo Corn (Irrigated): Planted 3-10-09
This is an outstanding test. The test block finished silking last week and has good yield potential. In addition to the timely irrigations the test has received, the test block has received approximately 3” of rainfall during the past two weeks.
Hondo Corn (Irrigated): Planted 3-10-09
This is an outstanding test. The test just finished flowering. The test block is in excellent moisture conditions from recent rains and a timely irrigation schedule. There is a field day scheduled for June 18 at 8:30 AM. The Medina County CEA will use this site as a tour stop. I would encourage you to attend this field day. Please contact Mr. Jason Ott, Medina County CEA at 830-741-6180 for additional details.
Wharton Corn (Natural Rainfall): Planted 2-25-09
Up until last week this test looked good, however due to lack of soil moisture the test block is starting to show signs of plant stress. There appears to be some variability within the test block probably due to soil differences that were not detected when the test site was selected. Also, freezing temperatures were recorded near the test block on April 7, however freeze damage was minimal. The test is in the soft-dough stage.
Danevang Grain Sorghum (Natural Rainfall): Planted 3-19-09
Dry conditions have prevailed at this test site. The planting date was delayed until March 19, which is approximately two weeks later than the optimum planting date. Although surrounding areas have received beneficial rains, this site has experienced very little rainfall since last fall. Conditions at planting were not optimum. It appears some of the seedbeds had marginal soil moisture. Although seedling emergence was good, there was not enough moisture to sustain early plant growth, thus some seedlings died. Sorghum is just flowering, but flowering is very erratic within the plot and between a plot due to the different stages of plant growth. There is also a weed and grass problem. A herbicide was used, but was ineffective due to the dry soil conditions.
College Station Corn (Irrigated): Planted 2-27-09
This test finished silking on May 26. Several irrigations have been applied to insure continuous plant growth and development. The test block looks very good.
College Station Grain Sorghum (Limited Irrigation): Planted 3-23-09
Early season rainfall provided sufficient moisture for plant growth and development. The test is just beginning to flower. Unless a beneficial rain is received, the test block is scheduled to be irrigated on June 5.
Granger Corn (Natural Rainfall): Planted 3-22
This site was not planted until we had sufficient moisture to obtain favorable plant stands. Farmers in the surrounding area planted earlier than we did (some in dry soil) and received a beneficial rain that aided in germination and seedling emergence. Corn has started silking, but showing considerable stress from hot conditions. A rain would be beneficial, but there is none in the forecast. A field day has been scheduled for June 25 with this site scheduled to be a tour stop. Please contact Mr. Bob Whitney, CEA Williamson County CEA for more details at 512-943-3300 (O) or at 512-869-6767 (M)
Granger Sorghum (Natural Rainfall): Planted 3-22-09
This test is planted adjacent to the corn test. As with the corn test, this test was not planted until we had sufficient moisture to obtain good plant stands. The test block is just starting to head and should be in full bloom within the next several days. Plants are starting to show signs of stress, but not as severe as the corn block.
Bardwell Corn (Natural Rainfall): Planted 4-6-09
This region of Texas received large amounts of rainfall that delayed our optimum planting date by approximately 3 weeks. The test block has received additional rainfall after planting and is in very good moisture conditions up to this stage. Test should start silking next week.
Leonard Corn (Natural Rainfall): Planted 4-7-09
This site located in Fannin County is representative of conditions in the Northern Blacklands of Texas. Planting at this site was delayed approximately 3 weeks due to wet soil conditions. Continued wet conditions have hampered early plant growth and development. Corn is about 30” tall. The test block was side-dressed on May 21. For additional information, contact Mr. Russell Sutton at 214-718-1602.
Leonard Grain Sorghum (Natural Rainfall): Planted 4-9-09
Due to wet soil conditions, this test was not planted until April 9th, which is approximately 2 weeks later than the optimum planting date. Continued wet conditions have hampered early plant growth and development. Sorghum is about 24” tall. For additional information, contact Mr. Russell Sutton at 214-718-1602.
OTHER TESTS
Hillsboro Corn Silage (Natural Rainfall): Planted 3-4-09
This is a good test. Test block has just finished silking. The test is in good moisture conditions, but could use a beneficial rain. Harvest is usually around July 5-10.
Corpus Christi Sunflower Test
Due to the prolonged drought conditions, this test has not been planted yet. It remains to be determined if this test will be planted. A good rain will be needed before a determination is made.
Leonard Sunflower Test (Natural Rainfall): Planted 4-7-09
Due to wet soil conditions, planting was delayed until April 7. Additional rainfall after planting has hampered early plant growth and development. Sunflowers are approximately 24” tall. For additional information, contact Mr. Russell Sutton at 214-718-1602.
Page 1 of 4