Result Demonstration Report

2014 Oilseed Hybrid Sunflower Performance Trial Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Service

Ellis County

Cooperators: Bob Beakley and Steven Beakley

Dr. Dennis Pietsch Texas AgriLife Research Crop Testing Program

Dr. Calvin Trostle

Extension Agronomist

Mark Arnold County Extension Agent- Agriculture

Summary An oilseed 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 x 6859 (experimental) produced the highest yield at 2787 lbs. /acre and returned a value/acre of $591.00. This was followed by Nuseed America Camaro II producing 2670 lbs. /acre return a value/acre of $563.00. Objective To evaluate the performance of 13 oilseed sunflower hybrids in a replicated trial in the north central Texas Blacklands region. Materials and Methods On March 7, 2014 thirteen oilseed 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 x 6859 (experimental) produced the highest yield at 2787 lbs. /acre and returned a value/acre of $591.00. This was followed by Nuseed America Camaro II producing 2670 lbs. /acre return a value/acre of $563.00. 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.