I ndividual test discussions include summaries of growing-season weather data for each location. These data are from the nearest weather-reporting station and often are supplemented with information from the test site. Precipitation graphs include cumulative lines for 2000 and the 30-year normal in addition to the daily rainfall amounts since last fall. Temperature graphs include daily maximum and minimum temperatures compared with normal. Growing degree graphs include cumulative lines for 2000 and normal.
All graphs indicate planting, heading, and harvest dates, if available.
The graphs reveal general trends in precipitation and temperature compared to normal. For more detailed information, a table is included with monthly totals and averages for the growing season. Comparisons of the current year's weather with long-time averages often help explain unusual plant development patterns and inconsistent performance of individual hybrids over years. B eginning in 1999, seed-applied insecticide was requested for each entry. Check hybrids were included at each location with and without seed-applied insecticide to estimate the potential advantage of the insecticide.