Selecting the right hybrid is a critical agronomic decision that directly impacts yield, profitability, and risk management by matching genetics to specific field conditions, climate, and management styles. The correct choice optimizes genetic potential for high yield, standability, and pest resistance, which can be the deciding factor between profit and loss.
Hybrids come with different built-in characteristics that can be matched to specific field problems and management practices. This includes:
- Disease and Insect Resistance: Hybrids with resistance to common local diseases and pests (like Goss’s wilt, corn borer, southern rust and tar spot) can reduce the need for costly in-season fungicide or insecticide applications.
- Standability and Stalk Quality: Strong stalk and root systems help prevent lodging, which can lead to significant harvest losses.
- Early-Season Vigor: Hybrids with strong seedling vigor perform better in cold, wet, or high-residue conditions often encountered during early planting, helping ensure adequate stand establishment.
- Grain Dry-Down: Hybrids that dry down quickly in the field can lead to earlier harvest and reduced artificial drying costs.
Beck’s Hybrids recently launched a tool, SeedIQ, that assists in hybrid selection. SeedIQ uses your zip code along with a few general questions about your operation to recommend hybrids that have produced well in your area. Beck’s encourages you to you review your SeedIQ results with your seed dealer or agronomist to assure the recommended hybrid is a good fit for your operation.
If you would like to try SeedIQ follow this link. SeedIQ is yet another tool to assist you in your hybrid selection.
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