Significant stand losses can occur from these pests. Most of our corn strip trials in eastern Washington over the last two years have been planted during the first two weeks in May. I think a reasonable goal is April 20 to 25 for warmer regions like Walla Walla, and May 1 to 7 for colder regions like St. John, Washington. Again, these recommendations are based on two years of observations. These recommendations could change with future observations and data.
Hybrids vary in their response to the environment.
Key traits for corn hybrids under a dryland system are stress tolerance, early growth, maturity and yield potential. Corn hybrids need to mature properly, requiring realistic planting and harvest dates. Hybrids requiring too full a season will not mature until late in the fall and carry unacceptable grain moisture levels. Hybrids bred for a very short season, on the other hand, may not achieve optimum yields. Hybrid maturity can affect the water use efficiency of dryland corn as much as stress tolerance.