2007 Texas High Plains Performance Test Update

by

Dennis Pietsch- Director, Crop Testing Program

Dr. Jurg Blumenthal- Associate Professor, State Sorghum Cropping System Specialist

Ted Dusek- Research Associate and

Michael Felcman- Research Assistant

July 26, 2007

Here is a brief update on the South and Central Texas Performance Test sites before I get into the High Plains Report. The Weslaco tests were harvested between rain events. The grain sorghum tests were harvested on June 28 and the corn test was harvested on July 12. Excellent yields were attained from all tests and grain quality was very good. Results from these tests will be on our web site very soon.

Prolonged periods of rainfall during most of July have delayed harvest in the Coastal Bend and Upper Coast Areas of Texas. This has resulted in grain deterioration, either by grain sprouting or grain mold damage. Grain sprouting has also been observed in some of the corn tests we have in these areas. We will try and harvest these sites whenever the fields are dry enough. Grain sorghum tests at Castroville, College Station, and Granger will also be susceptible to grain sprouting and mold damage if we get additional rainfall in these areas. As of today, the tests at Bardwell and Prosper appear to be fine.

Tests located in the High Plains of Texas are progressing very nice. Planting plans and directions to most of the Texas High Plains sites are available on our web site at www.tamu.edu/croptesting. If you have any questions regarding a specific test site, please contact us. Our email address is: .

If any of the sites listed below will be used for a field tour stop, I will let you know as they are reported to me. We encourage you to visit these test sites at your convenience.

Dumas Corn (Irrigated)--Planted 5-3-07

Justin Crownover is our new cooperator at this test site. The test block finished silking last week. This is a very good test up to this stage. Contact Mr. Marcel Fischbacher, Moore Co. CEA, at 806-935-2594 for additional information.

Dalhart (Irrigated): Planted 5-8-07

An excellent test up to this stage. Corn finished silking last week. Looks very good. Contact Mr. Nick Simpson, Dallam Co. CEA, for additional information at 806-244-4434.

Etter Corn Silage Test (Irrigated): Planted 5-1-07

Dr. Wenwei Xu is the collaborator of this test. Test is located on the North Plains Research Field near Etter. Contact Dr. Xu at 806-746-6101 for additional information.

Halfway (Limited Irrigated): Planted 6-13-07

According to Dr. Gary Peterson, this is a very good test up to this stage with excellent plant stands. If you have any questions or comments, contact Dr. Gary Peterson at 806-746-6101.

Hereford Grain Sorghum (Irrigated): Planted 5-30-07

An excellent test. Should start flowering within the next 7-10 days. The test block suffered an early hailstorm, but no significant damage occurred. Contact Rick Auckerman, CEA, Deaf Smith Co. 806-364-3573 for additional information.

Perryton Grain Sorghum (Full Irrigated): Planted 6-7-07

Test is progressing very nice. Should start flowering in early August. Contact Scott Strawn, Ochiltree CEA, at 806-435-7507 for additional information.

Perryton Grain Sorghum (Limited Irrigated): Planted 6-7-07

This test is planted near the full-irrigated test. It receives only ½ the amount of irrigated water that the full-irrigated block receives. Should start flowering in early August. Contact Scott Strawn, Ochiltree CEA, at 806-435-7507 for additional information.

Bushland Sorghum Hay and Silage Tests (Irrigated): Planted 5-30-07

Test is located on the Bush Farm on FM 2381 just west of the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center at Bushland, Texas. Dr. Brent Bean is the collaborator for this test. According to Dr. Bean, the hay trial is scheduled for harvest on July 30. Contact Dr. Brent Bean at 806-677-5600 for additional information.

DRYLAND GRAIN SORGHUM TESTS

Lubbock: Planted 6-14-07

Test is located on the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center near Lubbock. Dr. Gary Peterson and Dr. Calvin Trostle are the collaborators for this test. This test is off to a good start from a full soil moisture profile due to early season rains. Contact Drs. Peterson or Trostle, or Mr. Mark Stetler at 806-746-6101 for additional information.

Bushland: Planted 6-25-07:

Test is located on the east side of the Texas A&M University Research & Extension Center at Bushland, Texas near Interstate 40. Dr. Brent Bean is the collaborator for this test. He stated the sorghum test looks good up to this stage. Contact Dr. Bean at 806-677-5600 for test location or for any additional information.

Clovis :

Contact Dr. Mark Marsalis at 505-985-2292 for detailed .information