Therefore, they are included in performance comparisons. Each harvested plot consisted of two rows trimmed to a specific length ranging from 20 to 30 feet at the different locations. Agronomists used specialized plot combines equipped with automatic weighing and sampling devices to harvest most tests. T wo characteristics contributed to estimations of relative maturity at most locations. Entries are listed in order of increasing maturity based on days to half bloom and harvest moisture in the current year to facilitate comparison of hybrids of like maturity.
Maturity can be critical when considering a sorghum hybrid for a specific cropping system.
The purpose is to describe temperatures for the season for comparison with previous years and other locations in explaining relative rates of plant development. Research by Dr. Richard Vanderlip and his students at Kansas State University has indicated an excellent relationship between the growth units generated by these calculations and the actual rate of plant development from blooming to physiological maturity. Growth unit accumulations for the current year are compared with the long-term average or 'normal' for each test. S mall differences in yield or other characteristics should not be overemphasized. Unless two entries differ by at least the LSD shown, little confidence can be placed in one being superior to the other in that character.