Persons interested in the grain yield performance of corn hybrids in New York

This report includes a summary of our 2012 commercial hybrid corn grain trials. It shows results from nine locations in New York, divided into the following three maturity ranges:

Base 50 Growing Degree Days Relative Maturity

Early 1400-1900 GDD 70-90 Days
Medium Early 1900-2500 GDD 85-105 Days
Medium 2300-2700 GDD 100-115 Days

This report is designed to aid seed company representatives, corn growers, and extension educators in evaluating hybrids for yield capacity, stalk and root strength, and maturity in various regions in New York. It also provides information for developing ratings for the Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. While many hybrids included in this report are widely grown, others are new or experimental hybrids. In considering these tables, remember that this data represents only one year. Test results should be considered over several years before final conclusions are valid. Results gathered over several locations are a better guide than results at any one location.

We welcome comments or suggestions for improving this report for your use.

For information on entering hybrids in the 2013 trials, please contact Judy Singer at jls10@cornell.edu or 607-255-5461 or Margaret Smith.

2012 Growing Conditions

The 2012 growing season in New York began with slightly dry conditions in the eastern and southern portions of the state, but then proceeded fairly normally until mid-July. Starting at that point, drought began to affect most areas of the state, with abnormally to moderately dry conditions prevailing right through September, particularly in the mid-latitudes of the state. Despite many dry areas, our trial locations fared relatively well in terms of rainfall, with occasional showers helping to get the crop through flowering and grain fill without much apparent effect on yield. Growing degree day accumulation was above normal for most locations throughout the growing season, with more seasonable heat units in June and September in many areas. State average yield was reported at 134 bu/acre, almost identical to reported New York averages for 2011 and 2009, but 16 bu/acre lower than the record 2010 state average. Northern leaf blight was prevalent in central and southern tier areas, and found in lesser amounts in most of our field locations. Gray leaf spot was prevalent in misty valley areas of the southern tier and Hudson Valley, and was found at low levels in central New York locations. A number of other leaf diseases were present at our trial locations, but at levels that likely did not affect yield. These included anthracnose leaf blight, eyespot, rust, and possibly Stewart's wilt. Consistent with recent years, very little European corn borer pressure was apparent.

Additional 2011/2010 reports are below


2012 New York Hybrid Corn Grain Performance Trials (pdf; 924KB)