Field Performance of Phoenix® Brand Corn in Georgia.

Hybrid testing is essential for beneficial hybrid recommendations in a retail setting. Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical Company offers several hybrids of Phoenix^® brand corn (Zea mays). Three field trials were conducted in 2014; two trials were on irrigated land (I), while one was conducted on dry land (D). Hybrids planted were Phoenix 6706A4, 7402A3, 7914A4, 5552A4, and 6542A4. Hybrids ending in ‘A4’ have Syngenta Agrisure Viptera^® 3111 trait stack; while hybrids ending in ‘A3’ have Syngenta Agrisure^® 3000GT trait stack. Plots were planted on March 26, 2014 (I), April 2, 2014 (D), and April 3, 2014 (I) in Hawkinsville, Coolidge, and Coolidge, GA, respectively. Approximate seed populations were 33300, 19300, and 30000 seeds ac^-1, respectively. Data collection included actual plant population, yield, and test weight of the grain. In the three trials, we had good germination and plant stands with plant populations ranging from 94% to 106% of the seeding population. Phoenix 5552A4 yielded the lowest in all three trials and resulted in the lowest test weight in 2 trials. Phoenix 6706A4 performed well in both the irrigated and dry land plots, producing above average yields in all plots. Phoenix 7402A3 yielded in the top two hybrids in the irrigated trials. Test weights for Phoenix 6706A4 and 7402A3 varied between the trials. Overall, results showed merit in Phoenix hybrids 6706A4 and 7402A3; however, field inputs must be taken into consideration when selecting an optimal hybrid.