result demonstration report - texas a&m...
TRANSCRIPT
Result Demonstration Report 2014 Confectionary Hybrid Sunflower Performance Trial
Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Service Ellis County
Cooperators: Bob and Steven Beakley
Dr. Dennis Pietsch
Texas A & M AgriLife Research Crop Testing Program
Dr. Calvin Trostle Extension Agronomist
Mark Arnold
County Extension Agent-Agriculture
Summary A confectionary sunflower performance trial was implemented in Ellis County during 2014 to evaluate the performance of select hybrids in the north central Texas Blacklands. An abundance of moisture in the soil profile provided for excellent growth and development of the crop during early season. Timely rainfall also occurred in April, May and June. The entry Nuseed America 5009 produced the highest yield at 2505 lbs. /acre and returned a value/acre of $534.00. This was followed by SunOpta 9521 producing 2466 lbs. /acre and a return of $650.00. Objective To evaluate the performance of 17 confectionary sunflower hybrids in a replicated trial in the north central Texas Blacklands region. Materials and Methods On March 7, 2014 seventeen confectionary sunflower hybrids were planted on the Bob and Steven Beakley Farm, near Bardwell, Texas. The soil type was Houston black clay and the site was prepared by limited tillage (disk and field cultivator). Row width was 30 inches and the previous crop was wheat. The seeding rate was 20,900 seeds/acre. Plot size measured 4 rows x 30 ft. in length and was replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. Fertility consisted of 1 ton of chicken litter in August 2013 and 200 lbs. of 32-0-0 applied during the growing season. Weeds were controlled with 1-2 pt. /acre of Dual, pre-emerge. Prevathon was applied twice for head moth control and the plot was harvested on July 28, 2014.
Trade names of commercial products used in this report is included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from
one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary.
Results and Discussion The entry Nuseed America 5009 produced the highest yield at 2505 lbs. /acre and returned a value/acre of $534.00. This was followed by SunOpta 9521 producing 2466 lbs. /acre and a return of $650.00. The following table list complete trial results.
Conclusions Variety selection is the most important decision made during the year. Unlike herbicide or insecticide decisions that can be changed during the season to address specific conditions and pests, variety selection is made only once, and variety selection dictates the management of a field for the entire season. Attention should be focused on agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, and fiber quality when selecting varieties. Acknowledgements Much appreciation is extended to Bob and Steven Beakley for serving as demonstrating cooperators for this trial.