HYBRID POPCORN PERFORMANCE TESTS - 1955^1
Oliver E. Nelson, Jr.^2 
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology

In 1955, the testing program encompassed five replicated popcorn yield trialso These trials comparing standard hybrids in commercial ue with our new experimental hybrids of promise, included the tests of late, early, and hulless hybrids at Lafayette, Indiana; of early hybrids at Boone Grove, Indiana; and late hybrids at Princeton, Indiana. As usual, a large observation test of newly developed hybrids vas also grown at Lafayette, but the results are not summarized in this circular. The best of these hybrids, however, will be placed in the proper yield trials for 1956.

We take pleasure in acknowledging the grant made by the Popcorn Processors Association to help support the work of developing superior popcorn hybrids, and also the grants made by individual companies.
Ms assistance did much to make this testing program possible. We are also indebted to Princeton Farms, Princeton, Indiana, and Chester Hybrids, Valparaiso, Indiana, for their contribution in conducting the Princeton and Boone Grove tests respectively.

A long dry spell at Lafayette, extending into the period in which the plants were flowering, placed a premium on early maturing hybrids since they silked when a more adequate supply of moisture was available. Heavy precipitation before and after the dry period reduced the moisture deficit for the season as a whole to a small one.

The Lafayette tests were planted May 5, at the Purdue Agronomy Farm. Fertilization consisted of 100 pounds of P and 100 pounds of K per acre plowed down in the fall on oat land seeded to clover. In the spring 130 pounds of N were applied with a deep placement drill before planting, and 140 pounds of 5-20-20 per acre were placed in the row at planting time. Yields were calculated on the basis of a perfect stand of 3 plants per hill with the hills spaced 40 inches by 40 inches. The plot size was 1 x 12 hills.

At Princeton, the trial was planted May 31, on land which had been in corn in 1954. Previous treatment consisted of plowing rye down with 125 units of liquid N, 100 units of K, and 100 units of P per acre. At planting time, 150 pounds of 4-16-16 per acre were placed in the row. Spacing was 40 inches by 40 inches.

The Valparaiso test was planted on May 17. The land had been in corn previously. On April 1, 100 units of N were plowed down and 250 pounds per acre of 12-12-12 were placed in the row at planting time.
Conducted cooperatively with the Field Crops Branch, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

The author wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance of William K. Kappes in conducting the trials and in preparing this report.