1997 ORNAMENTAL CORN EVALUATION

Brad Bergefurd, Extension Agent, Horticulture

Bob Precheur, Extension Specialist, Horticulture

Thom Harker, Research Assistant, Horticulture

Ohio State University Extension Enterprise Center

1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio 45661-9749

(740) 289-3727

This ornamental corn trial compared 5 cultivars using 3 replicates of each cultivar. Objectives were to evaluate potential ornamental corn cultivars for their suitability in a southern Ohio growing and marketing season.

METHODS:

Planting: Cultivars were seeded to the field on May 16, 1997 at Hillsboro, Ohio

Spacing: Rows were 3 feet apart and 20 feet long

Soil Type: Haubstadt Silt Loam

Fertilizer: Applied 120 lbs. N, 120 lbs P2O5 and 120 lbs. K2O per acre

Weed Control: Applied Bullet at qt. per acre

Pest Management: None

Harvest: September 24

RESULTS:

Yields from the replicated ornamental corn cultivars ranged from 2592 ears per acre to 7901 ears per acre. Indian Art Hybrid 102 was the highest yielding with Seneca Red Stalker the lowest yielding cultivar in our 1997 trial at Hillsboro.

Table 1. Yields from the Ornamental Corn Cultivar Evaluation Trial, OSU Extension Enterprise Center, Hillsboro.

Table 2. Weather data from the 1997 growing season, Hillsboro.