> Hi Chuck,
>
> > 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
I'll volunteer to be a farm site for a replicated trial of this sort. Send me
the seed and I'll see what happens on my Pennsylvania Farm. I'll plant 3 random
comparisons of 4 row strips the whole length of a given field to give an
alternative to the small plots. I have experiance doing these sort of
experiments, with other research, over the years.
Steve Groff
-- "New Generation Cropping Systems": the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com Steve Groff Cedar Meadow Farm 679 Hilldale Rd Holtwood PA 17532 USA Ph. 717-284-5152
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