2012 Corn Hybrid Performance
& Technology Update
Agronomy In-service
January 4, 2013
Peter Thomison, Allen Geyer
and Rich Minyo
Horticulture and Crop Science
Ohio State University
thomison.1@osu.edu
Yield (Bu/A)
Ohio Corn Production
Historical Yield Data, 1930-2012
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1930
y = 1.5401x - 2946.5
R2 = 0.8987
Yield increase about 1.5 bu/A/yr
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
Year
1990
2000
2010
2020
Iowa Corn Production
Historical Yield Data, 1930-2012
200
Yield (Bu/A)
160
y = 1.7465x - 3347.3
R2 = 0.9009
120
80
40
Yield increase about 1.7 bu/A/yr
0
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
Year
1990
2000
2010
2020
Factors Contributing to Higher
Corn Yields
• Improved hybrid genetics
– Better adapted/stress resistant
– Improved pest resistance
– Improved stalk quality
• Improved cultural practices
– Earlier planting dates
– Higher plant density
– More effective fertility practices
– Improved machinery
– Better pest management
Selecting Hybrids for
Performance & Profits
Key factors to consider:
• Maturity
• Yield potential & stability
• Stalk quality & standability
• Drydown
• Pest and herbicide resistance
Ohio Corn Performance Test Sites for 2012
Difference Between Highest and
Lowest Yielding Hybrids in Bu/A.
2012 OSU Early Maturity Corn Trials
90
85
190
GV
VW
HV
NW
US
55
193
61
164
60
209
57
148
55
73
200
227
54
226
40
51
224
Bushels/Acre
70
60
50
146
78
80
30
20
10
0
HE
WCH SC
SC/WC/C
BE
BU WO
NC/NE
Difference Between Highest and
Lowest Yielding Hybrids in $/A
2012 OSU Early Maturity Corn Trials
$600
$585
$545
$489
$500
$/A*
$400
379
$424
$386 $409
$385
$370
$341
$300
$200
$100
$0
HE
SC WCH GV
SC/WC/C
HV
US
NW
VW
BE
BU WO
NC/NE
* Calculated using corn price of $7.00/bu & drying charge of
$0.03 for each percentage point above 15.5
HE
SC WCH GV
SC/WC/C
178
VW
HV
NW
US
52
68
195
50
207
58
210
218
60
63
151
83
161
55
80
236
67
240
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
230
Bushels/Acre
Difference Between Highest and
Lowest Yielding Hybrids in Bu/A.
2012 OSU Full Season Corn Trials
BE
BU WO
NC/NE
Difference Between Highest and
Lowest Yielding Hybrids in $/A
2012 OSU Full Season Corn Trials
$600
$572
$553
$474
$500
$410
$/A*
$400 $362
$438 $456
$410
$355
$345
$300
$200
$100
$0
HE
SC WCH GV
SC/WC/C
HV
US
NW
VW
BE
BU WO
NC/NE
* Calculated using corn price of $7.00/bu & drying charge of
$0.03 for each percentage point above 15.5
Major Changes During the Past 15
Years Have Affected Hybrid Selection
• Fewer companies and higher seed costs
• Explosion of new seed technologies
especially transgenic traits (GMO corn)
• Seed has become a major part of pest
management systems - replacing pesticide
inputs and simplifying herbicide
management
Yield (Bu/A)
Historical Ohio Corn Production
State vs. OCPT Average Yield, 1972-2012
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
y = 1.6629x - 3146.5
R2 = 0.4841 P = <0.0001
y = 1.7653x - 3393.5
R2 = 0.6337 P = <0.0001
1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012
Year
State Wide
OCPT
Average U.S. corn yields and kinds of corn, Civil War to 2004.
"b" values (regressions - bu/ac) indicate production
gain per unit area per year (USDA-NASS, 2005)
Source: Troyer, 2006. Crop Sci. 46:528-543
Yield (Bu/A)
Historical Ohio Corn Production
State vs. OCPT Average Yield, 1972-2012
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
y = 3.8505x - 7528.9
2
R = 0.5428
y = 0.3626x - 568.48
R2 = 0.0222
y = 1.8922x - 3650.1
y = 1.5913x - 3048.2
2
R = 0.202
R2 = 0.3774
1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012
Year
OCPT
State
Percent of Hybrids in OCPT for
Multiple Years, 2001-2012
% of Hybrids in Test
50
27% for 2 years
10% for 3 years
40
30
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2 Years
3 Years
Adoption of Transgenic Corn,
U.S. vs. Ohio, 2000-2012
100
80
% of Acres
80
73
66
61
60
40
71
74
76
41
34
26
26
25
20
67
88
86
52
47
40
86
85
9
11
9
9
13
18
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
U.S.
Ohio
Biotech Share of Ohio Corn
Acres Planted
Non-GMO
24%
Stacked Traits
43%
Bt
13%
Herbicide
Tolerant
Based on 2012 crop year
20%
3,620,000 Total Corn Acres
Transgenic and Non-Transgenic
Entries in OCPT 1996-2012
300
280
No. of Entries
257
250
229
219 225
194
200
222
202
120 126
100
84
50
0
2
1996
3
4
15
10
210
135
90
81
44
30
10
20
10
2000
Transgenic
230
193
179
150
242 229
2004
2008
Non-Transgenic
26
20
20
26
2012
Hybrid Traits Tested in 2012 OCPT
11%
2%
5%
No Traits
1 Trait
2 Traits
3 Traits
4 Traits
40%
42%
Technology Products
Evaluated in 2012 OCPT
Insect
Targets1
Product
Herbicide
Tolerance2
Non-GMO (non-transgenic, Clearfield)
# of
Hybrids
26
Roundup Ready
RR
3
Agrisure GT
GT
1
ECB
RR
12
YieldGard VT Triple (VT3)
ECB, RW
RR
8
Genuity VT Triple Pro (GENVT3P)
ECB, RW
RR
60
ECB
RR, LL
23
Herculex Xtra Roundup Ready
ECB, RW
RR, LL
15
Agrisure 3000GT
ECB, RW
GT, LL
27
Agrisure VIP3111
ECB, RW
GT, LL
9
Agrisure 3122
ECB, RW
GT, LL
1
Agrisure 4011
ECB, RW
GT, LL
1
Optimum AcreMax1
ECB, RW
LL, RR
3
Optimum AcreMax
ECB
LL, RR
4
Optimun AcreMax-R
ECB
RR
1
Optimum AcreMax-X
ECB, RW
RR
8
Optimum AcreMax – XR
ECB, RW
RR
2
Genuity SmartStax
ECB, RW
GT, LL
28
Genuity VT Double PRO (GENVT2P)
Herculex 1 Roundup Ready
1
ECB – European con borer; RW – rootworm
– Roundup Ready; GT – glyphosate tolerant; LL – glufosinate tolerant
2 RR
How much does it cost for corn seed technologies?
Where is the breakeven point?
Cost ($/A) matrix of corn seed sold at a premium (i.e. technology fee)
Yield
Increase
(bu/A)
$20 Bag difference $40 Bag difference $60 Bag difference
Corn Price
Corn Price
Corn Price
$5.00 $6.00 $7.00 $5.00 $6.00 $7.00 $5.00 $6.00 $7.00
0
$-8
$-8
$-8
$-17 $-17
$-17
$-25
$-25 $-25
2
$2
$4
$6
$-7
$5
$-3
$-17
$-13
$-11
4
$12
$16
$20
$3
$17
$11
$-9
$-1
$3
6
$22
$28
$34
$13
$29
$25
$-1
$11
$17
8
$32
$40
$48
$23
$41
$39
$7
$23
$31
10
$42
$52
$62
$33
$53
$53
$15
$35
$45
12
$52
$64
$76
$43
$65
$67
$23
$47
$59
Assume: 80,000 seeds/bag planted at 33,000 seeds/A for final population of 30,000 plants/A
Source: J. Lauer, Univ. of Wisconsin (Update by P. Thomison, 2012)
Non-GMO Hybrids Entered in State
Corn Performance Tests, 2012
Total Number
of Hybrids
Number of NonGMO Hybrids
OH
236
IN
210
State
MI PA KY
288 100 179
26
30
24
5
7
Source: 2012 State Performance Trials
IL
185
19
Yields of Transgenic vs.
Non-Transgenic Corns
OCPT Early Maturity Test 2012
Yield (Bu/A)
250
200
224 227
228 225
228 227
200- 207251 238
(57) (8)
194- 203248 248
(57) (8)
182-208560 246
(57) (8)
210202
146142
150
178235 180(67) 213
(10)
166
150
148183
124(67)
162
(10)
118122172
167
(57)
(8)
100
189190
152- 158213 209
(67) (10)
200 200
172-185226 210
(57) (9)
193 187
156161230
220
(57)
(9)
145150
91- 132174 158
(57) (9)
50
0
HE WCH SC
GV
VW
SC/WC
HV
US
BU
NW
Transgenic
Non-Transgenic
WO
NC/NE
BE
Yields of Transgenic vs.
Non-Transgenic Corns
OCPT Full Season Test 2012
Yield (Bu/A)
250
200
229 231
202- 209256 257
(58) (7)
235 239
241
231
188-217268 264
(58) (7)
209276 218(58) 240
(7)
218 214
162
154
150
177190260
231
(68)
(9)
180
164
152192 148(68) 180
124183 142(58) 177
(7)
207205
210209
175-183234 231
(68) (9)
189- 167231 229
(39) (4)
196
190
165163230
217
(39)
(4)
(9)
100
160
151
149124- 177
176 (4)
(39)
50
0
HE WCH WB
GV
VW
SC/WC
HV
US
NW
Transgenic
Non-Transgenic
BU
WO
NC/NE
BE
Comparison of Average Yields, 2012 OCPT
Type
193 (528)
193 (530)
Non-GMO
SmartStax
AM
AM1
AM-R
AM-X
AMX-R
AS VIP3111
AS 4011
AS 3122
AS 3000GT
HXX+RR
VT3
AS GT
RR
VT2 PRO
HXCB+RR
VT3 PRO
160
207(91)
185 (34)
190 (34)
188 (143)
196 (91)
186 (120)
214(16)
200 (34)
202(424)
193 (231)
203 (196)
186 (9)
201(59)
195(206)
197(431)
198 (1111)
180
Yield (Bu/A)
200
Number of comparisons in parentheses
220
Grain Yield of Hybrids Grouped by Insect Resistance
and Herbicide Tolerance Traits, 2012 OCPT
Region
SW/SC/C
NW
NE/NC
Trait Set†
No.
Yield
No.
Yield
No.
Yield
None
15
210
19
188
13
183
GT1
2
210
2
191
0
CB2+GT1
6
209
10
192
8
180
CB1+GT1+LL1
14
214
15
197
8
180
CB1+RW1+GT1
8
223
6
204
6
184
CB1+RW2+GT1+LL1
9
208
10
189
7
175
CB1+RW1+GT1+LL1
10
214
19
200
12
189
LEP1+CB1+RW1+GT1+LL1
3
213
2
185
4
169
CB3+RW3+GT1+LL1
14
206
19
192
15
181
CB2+RW1+GT1
34
214
42
197
31
185
CB2+RW3+GT1
1
210
1
198
1
191
CB2+GT1+LL1
4
215
2
204
1
200
CB2+RW2+GT1+LL1
5
214
4
187
3
173
CB2+RW2+GT1
4
208
2
191
1
182
†
number after trait indicates the number of different events of that type
Recent Developments
• Drought tolerance technology
– Pioneer AquaMax
– Syngenta Artesian
– Monsanto DroughtGard (transgenic)
• New herbicide tolerance technology
– 2,4-D resistant transgenic corn
• More RIB stacked traits
Yield (Bu/A)
Historical Ohio Corn Production
State vs. OCPT Average Yield, 1972-2012
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
y = 1.6629x - 3146.5
R2 = 0.4841 P = <0.0001
y = 1.7653x - 3393.5
R2 = 0.6337 P = <0.0001
1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012
Year
State Wide
OCPT
Final Stands, OCPT vs. State
1972-2012
Plants/Acre
36000
33000
y = 279.92x - 530622
R2 = 0.9087
30000
27000
24000
21000
y = 254.15x - 483031
R2 = 0.9418
18000
15000
1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016
OCPT
Statewide
Average Lodging, Ohio Corn
Performance Test, 1972-2011
30
% Lodging
25
y = -0.108x+222
R2 = 0.043 P = 0.205
20
15
10
5
0
1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
2008 Stalk Lodging
Corn for Grain:
Plant Population per Acre, 2012
State
IL
IN
IA
MN
NE
OH
WI
Source: NASS ( 2012)
Plant Population
29,750
29,200
30,100
30,000
26,150
29,100
28,600
Distribution of Ohio Corn
Populations, 2006
>30,000
14%
<20,000
9%
22,501 - 25,000
19%
27,501 - 30,000
25%
Source: NASS ( 2006)
20,000 - 22,500
6%
25,001 - 27,500
27%
Distribution of Ohio Corn Populations
2012
<20,000
3%
20,000 - 22,500
3%
22,501 - 25,000
6%
>30,000
45%
25,001 - 27,500
21%
Source: NASS ( 2011)
27,501 - 30,000
22%
Corn Plant Population Trends
• Populations have increased 14% in
past 10 yrs (54% since the early
1970’s)
• Newer hybrids are more stable under
stress
• Superiority of modern hybrids is fully
expressed only at high plant densities
Agronomic Performance of Corn at
Varying Seeding Rates
• Are current seeding rate guidelines for
corn appropriate?
• How much variation in yield response to
population exists across environments?
• How will higher seeding rates impact
stalk lodging and harvestability.
Grain Yield Response to Plant Population for
Corn Hybrids by Location Yield Level
210
Grain Yield (Bu/acre)
>180 bu /acre
190
( n=14,879)
170
150 -180 bu /acre
(n=9,420)
150
120 -150 bu /acre
130
(n=3,294)
110
<120 bu /acre
90
(n=988)
18
24
30
36
Plants/acre (x1000) at Harvest
Source: Seed Company 2009
42
Population Effects on Yield
Multiple Ohio Locations, 2006-2012
Yield (Bu/A)
250
200
229
2 19
17 8
19 9 19 8
19 0
18 1
229
234
19 9 2 0 2
19 6
19 419 419 4
18 0
17 817 5
17 5
207
207209
19 9
18 7
18 7
18 318 8
17 5
150
100
50
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
24000
30000
36000
42000
Population Effects on Lodging
Multiple Ohio Locations, 2006-2012
60
52
% Lodging
50
40
33
30
20
10
19
14
10
3
16
14
14
10
5
00 00
0
0 1
1
24
0 01
2
0 0 00
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
24000
Year
30000 36000
42000
Hybrid Response to Populations
Favorable vs. Stress Conditions
S. Charleston and Hoytville, OH 2010
260
S. Charleston (Favorable)
Yield (Bu/A)
240
220
200
180
160
140
Hoytville (Stress)
120
12000
18000
24000
30000
36000
Population (Plants/A)
42000
48000
Population Effects on Grain Yield
at Three Ohio Locations, 2011
260
Wooster (5/10/11)
Yield (Bu/A)
240
220
Hoytville (6/3/11)
200
180
S. Charleston (5/31/11)
160
140
10000
18000
26000
34000
Population
42000
50000
Population Effects on Grain Yield
at Two Ohio Locations, 2012
260
S. Charleston (5/14/12)
Yield (Bu/A)
240
220
200
Hoytville (5/3/12)
180
160
140
10000
18000
26000
34000
Population
42000
50000
Yield (Bu/A)
Yields at Different Populations and
Yield Levels, OSU Population Studies,
2006-2012
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
~33000
>190 Bu/A
(68 comparisons)
~31000
140-189 Bu/A
(47 comparisons)
~24000
<140 Bu/A
(11 comparisons)
24000
30000
36000
Final Stand
42000
Seeding Rate Considerations
Adjust seeding rates for site yield level
and planting dates.
• 23-24,000 seeds/A - adequate for low yield
droughty soils
• 31-33,000 seeds/A - adequate for most
environments
• 36-37,000 seeds/A - necessary for very
productive soils with exceptional yield
levels
Optimizing Corn Plant Populations
• Current seeding rates too low in many
production environments
• Planting a hybrid at suboptimal seeding
rates is usually more likely to cause
yield losses than planting above
recommended rates
• High populations generally do not
result in major yield losses even under
stress
THANK YOU
Any questions or
comments?