“The mission of the Alabama Variety Testing Program is to provide research-based, unbiased results on the performance of various crop hybrids, cultivars, and varieties to the agricultural community in our state. We are intent on conducting these trials in a manner that will result in maximum biological yield through methods common to the top-producing farms in Alabama. We are committed to providing this information in a rapid, timely manner for its use during the decision-making process. The success of the program rests upon our ability to help Alabama producers provide a safe, dependable source of food and fiber for all families as well as economic sustainability for theirs.”
Methods
Planting dates for all trials in 2016-17 are shown in Table 1. Variety treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block experimental design with 3 replications. Fungicide treated seeds were drill planted to attain a population equivalent to local production practices. All tests were fertilized according to soil test recommendations, plus 20 lbs/acre N at planting. A top dressing of 60 lbs/acre N was made in late February or early March, just prior to “jointing”.