Des Moines, Iowa
June 26, 2007
Knowing expected growth stage
is important to a successful harvest
The weather this spring caused some growers to plant corn late,
impacting their crops’ harvest timing.
Determining a likely harvest schedule can prove daunting for
corn growers because of different planting dates for fields,
different hybrid maturities and challenging weather patterns.
The Growing Degree Unit (GDU) calculator located on the
Pioneer
GrowingPoint® website is a valuable tool that can help
Pioneer customers estimate their harvest windows.
“The calculator helps growers plan for harvest and also provides
information on the expected timing of growth stages, which is
important for managing the crop,” says Steve Butzen, Pioneer
agronomy information manager.
The online tool works by entering the ZIP code where the field
is located, along with planting dates. GDUs are calculated to
help predict when the crop will reach maturity. This information
is compiled from a 30-year weather history to help estimate a
potential harvest window.
Pioneer customers also can create a database of their entire
operation on the GrowingPoint website through “My Farm &
Accounts.” By accessing this part of the site growers can
combine record-keeping with expected crop progress. This feature
allows growers to regularly monitor the predicted growth stage
of their crop.
Corn maturity depends in part on accumulated warmth during the
growing season, and each hybrid requires a certain amount of
heat to mature. GDUs are a way to measure daily heat
accumulation. To properly time crop management practices, such
as spray applications, growers must know the growth stage of
their cornfields.
“Most fungicide and herbicide labels specify the growth stage
for proper application,” says Butzen. “For this reason, check
the product label carefully as well as the growth stage of the
crop.”
Pioneer customers can access the GDU calculator by logging on to
the GrowingPoint website at
www.pioneer.com/growingpoint, choosing “Weather” from the
main menu, then clicking the “Weather Tools” link.
New users will need to register on
the site to obtain a username and password to access the site,
or they can call 1-800-233-7333 for assistance. Additional corn
and hybrid information also is available from your local Pioneer
sales professional.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world’s leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based products and
services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer,
healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70
countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and
services for markets including agriculture and food; building
and construction; communications; and transportation. |
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