Corn growers interested in improving their income potential by growing high oil corn using the TopCross1 grain production system don’t have to make drastic changes to their management practices, according to agronomy research findings from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

"Studies comparing the performance of leading conventional hybrids and their high oil counterparts confirm that management practices for TC Blend1 high oil seed corn products are not much different than those for conventional number 2 yellow corn," says Paul Gaspar, Pioneer agronomy research manager at Mankato, Minn. "If you do a good job of producing corn, raising
TC Blend products won’t require much change."

The TopCross grain production system is used to produce Optimum1 high oil corn by blending two seed corn types – TC Blend grain parent and TC Blend pollinator – in one bag. Grain produced by these two corn types has larger germs, higher oil content, increased energy value, greater total protein and enhanced protein quality than grain from conventional hybrids.

In 1998, Pioneer Agronomy Sciences conducted extensive research to evaluate the impact planting date, plant population and various herbicides have on the yield and oil content of TC Blend products. Trials were conducted at 20 locations across the Corn Belt.

Uniform emergence is key to pollination

"Ensuring good ‘nick,’ the synchronization of pollen shed by the pollinator with silking of the grain parent, is key for maximizing yields in the TopCross grain production system," explains Gaspar. "Growers using this system should manage the crop to promote uniform emergence and growth of these two seed components."

Uniform emergence starts with good seed-to-soil contact. This is achieved by avoiding cloddy soils, heavy residue and conditions that cause poor closure of the seed furrow.

Planting date is also important for success. Pioneer’s planting date studies show yield and oil content results are best when TC Blend products are planted prior to May 15. Economic analysis shows that although oil content can be elevated with later planting, oil content doesn’t increase enough to overcome losses in income per acre, since yields can be reduced with later planting.

1998 research also shows for the best yields, the most appropriate plant population for the TC Blend product is typically the same as for its grain parent hybrid. However, variations in plant population don’t significantly impact oil, starch and protein contents.

Management practices

"Seedbed preparation, plant population, planting date, soil fertility, herbicide selection and insect management are important considerations no matter what crop is planted," states Gaspar. "If producers already practice sound management techniques, they won’t notice much difference between growing conventional corn hybrids and TC Blend products. One unique consideration, however, is the use of a buffer to help optimize oil content."

A buffer prevents lowered oil content caused by contamination of a TC Blend product with pollen from a conventional hybrid. A buffer distance of at least 24, 30-inch rows (60 feet) is needed. Pioneer’s research shows that oil content is reduced from about 7.0 percent at 60 feet of buffer to 5.5 percent with 10 feet of buffer distance from conventional hybrids. Buffers can include alternative crops, waterways, roadways, etc.

Choose the right herbicide

In 1998, Pioneer also evaluated the herbicide tolerance of products in the high oil TopCross grain production system. Grain yield, crop response and synchrony of pollen shed and silking were evaluated. Results suggest herbicides from amide and sulfonylurea families can be used on TC Blend products following label guidelines without impacting yield or oil content. However, growth regulators or Balance2 herbicides should not be applied to TC Blend products, due to increased likelihood of injury.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., (NYSE-PHB) is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces and markets a full line of seeds, forage/grain additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other
customers worldwide.

1 Registered trademarks of Optimum Quality Grains, L.L.C.
2 All herbicides are trademarks of their manufacturers.

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