2011 Forage Hybrid Trials
PDMP and PSU
Testing Protocols

Hybrid maturity: In 2011 six maturity groups of hybrids will be evaluated. The groups are as follows:

Group 0 = 88-94 Days Relative Maturity (RM)
Group 1 = 95-100 Days Relative Maturity
Group 2 = 101 – 110 Days Relative Maturity
Group 2SC = 101 – 110 Days Relative Maturity
Group 3 = 111 – 115 Days Relative Maturity
Group 4 = 116 – 120 Days Relative Maturity

For Group 0 and 1: These hybrids will be evaluated at three locations in northern and central PA and will consist of Group 0 (88 to 94 day) and Group 1 (95 to 100 day) RM hybrids. These hybrids will be combined into a single test in 2011.

For Group 2: These hybrids will be evaluated at three locations in central PA and will consist of 101 to 110 day RM hybrids. In 2011 we are also conducting two tests of Group 2 hybrids (Group 2 SC) in the South Central region that will be analyzed separately from the central PA test.

For Groups 3 and 4: These hybrids will be evaluated in three south central PA locations similar to the previous two years. At each location two groups of hybrids will be grown. Group 3 will consist of 111 to 115 day RM hybrids. Group 4 will consist of 116 to 120 day RM hybrids. We will not a plant a separate test for corn rootworm hybrids this year. These hybrids will be combined into a single test in 2011.

Locations: Tests will be located on production dairy farm fields on PDMP cooperator farms strategically located in Lancaster, Franklin, Perry, for the Group 3 and 4 hybrids. Group 2 hybrids will be evaluated in Centre and Blair counties. The Group 0 and 1 hybrids will be evaluated at locations in Bradford and Cambria counties. Within a maturity zone, the same set of hybrids will be evaluated at each location. A backup site will be planted at the Penn State research farm in Landisville for the later maturity groups and at the Rock Springs farm for the earlier groups. These will be used if any problems occur at the other sites.

Planting: All hybrids will be replicated three times at each location. Plots will be planted in four row plots 17.5 feet long using a vacuum precision planter set to drop 33,500 seeds per acre. All plots following corn will receive a granular insecticide at planting. This test will also be planted in a field previously cropped to corn.

Harvesting: Harvesting will take place when the silage is near 65-70% in each maturity test. Sub samples will be taken from each plot and analyzed for typical corn silage nutrient levels including the 24 hour digestibility and NDF digestibility (NDFD) data using NIRS.

Data Reporting: Silage yields and dry matter concentrations at harvest will be reported for each location and also averaged over all locations. Least significant differences and coefficients of variation will be reported for all variables. Forage quality traits with include crude protein, NDF, NDFD (24 Hour) Starch, NEL, and lignin. Milk/ton and milk/acre will be calculated using the University of Wisconsin Milk 2006 spreadsheet using 24 hour NDFD data. Data will be reported by November 15 on the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences website (http://cornandsoybeans.psu.edu/). Seed treatments and biotech traits will be reported with each entry. Two year performance tables will also be developed to show the average performance of hybrids over two years.

Entry Forms & Payment: Entry forms and payments are due to the PDMP office by March 7, 2011.

Seed: Seed (4 lbs, medium round or medium flat) should be sent via UPS, Federal Express, or similar carriers, to the following address: Attn: John Shaffer, AG SEED BLDG. Corn Breeding Laboratory, Fox Hollow Road, University Park, PA 16802 by March 14, 2011.