OPEN POLLINATED CORN TRIALS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Applied Research
Herb Reed
Extension Educator
University of Maryland Extension
PRINCE FREDERICK
Abstract
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\r\n Before the adoption of hybrid corn only open pollinated (OP) corn was grown in the United States. It is still grown in many developing countries. Given the success of hybrid corn in modern agriculture why bother with OP corn? One reason has to do with sustainability. A field of hybrid corn contains genetically identical plants. If one plant is susceptible to a pest, all plants are equally at risk. A field of OP corn will have more genetic diversity. This reduces risk from pests and adverse growing conditions. OP corn is less dependent on costly inputs and should have better yield stability than hybrid corn. OP varieties may be a better fit for local food, organic and home gardener production systems. Seed can be saved and replanted, significantly reducing production costs. There are opportunities for farmers to do on farm selection and breeding for specific growing conditions or niche markets. Replicated trials with 6 OP varieties were conducted in 2010 and 2011. Yields in 2010 averaged 74 bu/A for all plots. Yields in 2011 were unreliable as a result of severe damage from Hurricane Irene in early September. While 74 bushels does not seem very high by hybrid corn standards one needs to consider lower production costs and that corn can potentially be sold directly to consumers for approximately $1 a pound (56 lbs/bu) or more, a gross return of $4,138 per acre in a relatively dry year (2010) in Southern Maryland.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: H. E. Reed
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Reed, H. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20678