By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. — A late-season corn hybrid research test conducted by Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies (F.I.R.S.T.) on the Bruce Constant farm in Sangamon County was won by Dyna-Gro’s 57V43 variety, which yielded 240.1 bushels per acre and a gross income of $1,073.80.

Problems plagued the plot, with many damaged rows discarded, said F.I.R.S.T. plot manager Eric W. Beyers.

“This field was post applied with 2, 4-D through drops spaced on 36-inch centers. The plot was planted on 30-inch centers,” Beyers explained in his field notes. “As a result, the growth regulator damage was observed where the spray boom’s drops did not line up between the rows. In an attempt to salvage the plot, damaged rows were discarded before collecting harvest data.”

Approximately 30,000 seeds were planted by Constant on May 22, with 29,700 plants harvested Oct. 3. Soybeans were previously grown in the field. Constant’s crop fertility program included 160 pounds nitrogen as anhydrous (fall VRT) and dry fertilizer (fall VRT), Beyers reported. Pest management included pre-emerging Degree Xtra and Post 2, 4-D (with drops).

The crops were grown in Tama Silt Loam in a field with a one-degree slope, moderately drained.

Dyna-Gro’s 57V43 barely outperformed DeKalb’s DKC61-69 variety (239.6 bu./acre) and Wyffels’ W7381 hybrid (239.1 bu./acre).
An early-season test at the Constant farm was won by Becks 5444VT3 hybrid, with 239.6 bu./acre and a gross income of $1,045.50.

In a close contest, Dyna-Gro’s 57V40 finished second with 239.0 bu./acre, followed by Dairyland’s 9009 variety at 237.9 bu./acre.
A list of all hybrids tested at the Constant farm, and the results, is available at www.firstseedtests.com