Northern Illinois farmers will soon be selecting corn and soybean seed for 2009. Seed selection is a critical aspect of planning for the upcoming growing season. University of Illinois Extension can help farmers make those important seed selection decisions.

For many years, University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences has conducted corn and soybean performance trials across the state. Results of the 2008 trials are available at this website http://vt.cropsci.uiuc.edu/ and in booklets titled Corn Hybrid Test Results in Illinois-2008 and Soybean Variety Test Results in Illinois-2008. These booklets should be available at local Extension offices.

In 2008, corn trials were conducted at 12 locations and consisted of 328 corn hybrids from 43 companies. The 2008 soybean trials consisted of 66 conventional and 552 Roundup resistant varieties from 62 seed companies grown at 13 sites. Trials were conducted on a regional basis to represent major soil and climatic areas of Illinois. The northern region had both corn and soybean trials at DeKalb, Erie, and Mt. Morris.

The average corn yield and moisture content for the northern region was 228 bushels per acre and 25.6 percent. The regional average for maturity group 2 Roundup resistant soybean was 62.8 bushels per acre.

In addition to yield and moisture content, corn trials included percent erect plants and if appropriate, insecticide seed treatment, and genetic traits(s). Non-GMO hybrids were also in the tests. The DeKalb site also included a corn following corn trial.

In the soybean trials in addition to yield, results included maturity date, lodging score, plant height, and if appropriate insecticide seed treatment. Conventional varieties were also included.

Since hybrids and varieties were replicated three times at each site, entries can be compared to see if a statistical difference exists between them. Results of replicated tests, like the University of Illinois corn and soybean performance trials, are more reliable than those of single-year or single-strip tests.

Contact your University of Illinois Extension office for further information.