The new inbreds are now tested in experimental hybrids to determine which ones may have superior performance. The most promising inbreds from those preliminary tests are further evaluated in more hybrid combinations at additional sites over a several-year period. Of the millions of hand pollinations made by corn breeders each year, only an extremely small number ever results in a superior inbred that will be widely used in commercial hybrids. The corn breeding programs of seed companies have increased in both size and quality during the past 10 years. The new hybrids resulting from those programs are proving themselves in better yield, standability, resistance to pests and tolerance to environmental stresses.
Hybrids differ in yield, maturity, standability and other characteristics.
Farmers need performance information on all these factors in order to choose the best hybrids for their particular situations. The major sources of such information are seed company reports, state agricultural experiment station performance trial results, local strip test results and farmer experience. Here's a brief look at the types of data available from these sources, their use and relative value. Seed Company Reports Corn seed companies generally provide information on maturity, relative resistance or tolerance to pests, lodging and planting rate recommendations. These data, especially the multi-year averages, are valuable for comparing the large number of hybrids on the market.