AMES, Iowa – Plans are under way for the 2007 Iowa Crop Performance Tests for corn and soybean. The tests provide direct, unbiased comparisons amongst a considerable number of corn hybrids and soybean varieties in a number of different environments. There will be six testing districts with four locations per district. In addition, show plots will be offered at various yet-to-be-determined research locations.
The test is anticipated to include more than 700 distinct varieties of corn and soybeans from approximately 50 companies this year. Performance information for corn will include yield, moisture, and root and stalk lodging. Performance information for soybean will include yield, maturity date, iron-deficiency chlorosis score, lodging, and protein and oil content.
The testing program has completed numerous improvements over the past two years and has received significant recognition from growers and industry alike. Immediate and streamlined access to harvest data is commonly cited as the most appreciated enhancement, followed by multiple maturity tests within each district. No other testing program offers this type of statewide coverage at such an affordable price. Plot charges are less than half that of some other testing services, and data reports include two-year averages when applicable instead of just single season results.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2007 test. Application information and testing procedures are available online at the Iowa State University Crop Testing Web site: http://www.croptesting.iastate.edu or the Iowa Crop Improvement Association Web site: http://www.agron.iastate.edu/icia Questions can also be addressed to Jim Rouse at (515) 294-5604 or at croptesting@iastate.edu .
Results of the 2006 crops performance tests are also available at these websites. Published results can be requested from ISU Extension county offices, from the Iowa Crop Improvement Association at (515) 294-6921, or from ISU Extension Distribution Center at www.extension.iastate.edu/store or (515) 294-5247.
Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) conducts the Iowa Crop Performance Tests in cooperation with the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station at ISU and ISU Extension. The program offers unbiased, third party, on-farm information to Iowa growers on commercial seed. ICIA provides performance information on hybrids and varieties for alfalfa, barley, corn, oat, soybean, triticale and wheat.
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