Chatham, Ontario, Canada
November 25, 2008
While some corn companies are
urging growers to switch all their corn acres to triple stack
hybrids, new data shows that in fact on rotated ground many
could get higher yields using the best double stack genetics.
With 264 yield comparisons from growers’ fields across Canada
this year, Pioneer® brand double stack hybrids out-yielded
hybrids with the YieldGard® VT Triple (VT3) trait by an average
of 5.3 bushels per acre.
“That yield advantage represents a significant amount of extra
money in a grower’s pocket,” comments Glen McDonald, Pioneer
area agronomist for Pioneer Hi-Bred. “With corn at $4 per
bushel, that translates into $21.20 more revenue per acre.”
In the comparisons, Pioneer® brand double stack hybrid yields
were measured against all brands of VT3 hybrids. The Pioneer
hybrids won two-thirds of the comparisons. A double stack corn
hybrid contains an in-plant Bt trait to control European corn
borer (ECB) and a glyphosate-resistance trait. A triple stack
contains two in-plant Bt traits (for control of ECB and corn
rootworm or CRW) along with a glyphosate-resistance trait.
“These results show that triple stacks are not necessary to
protect yield on rotated ground,” McDonald says.
He believes that growers need to take into account a number of
factors to get the most out of their corn acres. “Select the
genetics first, then the traits,” he recommends. “To maximize
your returns, you should look at needs field by field and choose
the right product with the right technology based on those
needs.”
In parts of the Corn Belt like Illinois, farmers must manage
corn rootworm every year to prevent extensive damage, regardless
of whether the previous crop was corn or soybeans. In Ontario,
however, CRW damage is generally low to moderate and sporadic in
corn-on-corn situations, occurring when environmental conditions
favour insect reproduction and development, he explains.
That is why CRW can be effectively managed by crop rotation, or
in corn-on-corn fields, by an application of soil-applied
granular insecticides at planting. High rate seed treatments
such as Poncho® 1250 are also available to provide insurance
against occasional insect feeding. Where CRW are present, then
genetic CRW protection will preserve the hybrid root mass, but
in the absence of CRW the root mass will develop very well
without that protection.
McDonald also encourages growers to ask for yield data
comparisons when selecting their hybrids and to make sure they
understand the context of the trial. Are there 20 comparisons or
200? What does the fine print say about how the data was
compiled? What geographies were included?
Established in 1946,
Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited is Canada's premier seed company and
a wholly owned subsidiary of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.
Pioneer Hi-Bred 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.
®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks licensed to Pioneer
Hi-Bred Limited.
® YieldGard is a registered trademark used under license from
Monsanto Company.
® Poncho is a registered trademark of Bayer. |
|
