When to Change from Full-Season Hybrids?
As corn planting continues to be delayed into the end of May or beyond in our region, the decision to change from 110+ day hybrids becomes difficult. Please review the summaries below for our most popular hybrids DKC61-69 and DKC63-42 compared to earlier Dekalb hybrids planted after May 17th, 2008. Factors growers should consider: Lower yield potential with earlier hybrids, grain drying facilities, energy costs for fall (projected to be15-20% less than 2008).
There will undoubtedly be fields planted into wet, cloddy, poor seed beds which may result in poor, uneven germination. If you are forced into these conditions remember to increase plant population beyond what you normally use in anticipation of unsuccessful stand.
Another important point worth mentioning is the fact that, the 2008 growing season was abnormally cooler resulting in fewer GDU’s and slow dry down at harvest. If 2009 is closer to historical average, the harvest moisture of the full season hybrids might be drier than 2008.
Plant full season hybrids up to the dates stated below. Suggested replacement hybrids are DK 57-66 (107), DK 57-79 (107), DK 54-16 (104), 54-49 (104), DK 52-43 (103). Croplan 5338 VT3 (103)
DKC63-42-----5/25 DKC64-24-----6/1 DKC61-69-----6/10
