Progress Report 10 April, 1953
KENTUCKY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION p
I Pennyrile Grain Testing Field
1952 Corn Performance Tests
The Pennyrile corn performance tests in 1952 were a continuation of the pro-
gram of the Pennyrile Grain Improvement Association in cooperation with the Ken-
tucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Results for the 1946-1951 tests were re-
ported in mimeograph form for those years.
Two comparative yield tests were grown as in previous years. One test was
composed of the hybrid varieties grown in several other locations in the state. It
included various commercial hybrids being grown extensively in the state and the
more promising experimental hybrids. The other test consisted of the commercial
hybrids being grown in this section of the state and two-open-pollinated varieties.
The performance of hybrids tested in previous years but not included in 1952 can
be obtained from, reports for previous years. The test on the effect of rate of
V planting was continued in 1952.
Experimental Procedure
.. A cover crop of lespedeza and weeds was turned under in the spring of 1952,
and-50Q pounds per acre of 4-12-8 fertilizer was applied before planting. The
entries in both tests were compared in 2 by 10 hill plots using a simple rand-
omized complete block design with 5 replications. The hill spacing was 42 inches
each way with 3 plants grown per hill. The corn was planted April 28th, thinned
to 3 stalks per hill May 30th and harvested September 29th.
Measures of Performance
1. Yields are recorded as bushels per acre of shelled grain at 15.5 percent
moisture. In both tests corrections were made for missing hills but not for minor
variation in stand.
2. Moisture at harvest. The percentage of moisture in the corn at harvest
was obtained by sampling 15-20 ears from each of two replications. The average
moisture percentages of the two replications sampled were used in calculating
the yields.
3. Broken stalks. The percentage of total broken stalks was determined by‘
making a count of the plants broken below the ear-bearing node and include those
broken because of corn·borer damage. Plants broken because of corn—borer
damage were determined by examining the plants for corn borer punctures or the
presence of frass. Percentage of plants erect is 100 minus the total percentage
of broken stalks.
4. _I:Iusk lengtim is recorded in inches of husk extension beyond the tip of
the ear. It is desirable that the ears be protected with husks that fit closely
around and over the tip of the ear and extend at least an inch or more beyond.
By J. F`. Shane and R. E. Anderson
Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Kentucky
Lexin ton W