> and said that his data show that there would be very little
> difference in yields harvested today from the good open
> pollinated corn varieties of the 1970s
> in contrast to the best hybrids, when both are grown
> in soil, climate where there are ample nutrients, water,
> sun, and little pest pressure.
Are you kidding?! Adapted hybrid corn varieties at appropriate stand
density would beat the socks off the best available OP's. The best
synthetics might be a closer challenge, but even then I'd bet the hybrids
would be clearly better.
In fact, let's bet. Let's do a joint yield trial. We do lots of small-plot
research. I can get my department to put out eight 4 row x 20' plots in at
least one location (four reps of two varieties, harvest center two rows). If
you, or someone else can supply a location or two, we would have a decent
trial. It would be nice to have a location or two under low-input
conditions, as well as the highly favorable conditions you described (I want
to give you a fighting chance!).
Here is the kicker. If you win, we will coauthor a paper with ME as senior
author to Agronomy Journal admitting the superiority of OP corn. If I win,
we will coauthor a paper with YOU as senior author to Journal of Alternative
Agriculture or similar outlet, admitting the superiority of hybrid corn. In
fact, I'll even give you a twenty bu/A head-start.
Either way, we can promote this as an example of research via the internet.
It will be fun.
Dale
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