BETHANY, Ill. — Channel 212-08VT3P led the field with 180 bushels of corn per acre in the east-central Illinois full-season test plot conducted by Farmer’s Independent Research Seed Technologies (F.I.R.S.T.).

Dairyland ST-9111SSX gave the second highest yield, with 173.7 bushels per acre, while FS Seeds FS 62MV4 delivered 167.6 bushels.

The previous crop was corn, too, on the silt loam, which was moderately well drained. The land was strip-tilled and non-irrigated, on Mike Bland’s Moultrie County farm.

The three hybrids performed in the same order for gross income per acre: $1,080, $1,042, and $1,004, respectively. These outcomes were influenced by a severe thunderstorm in July.

“Mike said that a nasty July 26 thunderstorm wreaked havoc on the plot field, with high winds and 2.5 to 3 inches of rain. The thunderstorm winds caused severe root lodging in the plot,” said F.I.R.S.T. Site Manager Eric Beyers.

Some plants did not fare well in the high winds. “Some hybrids were completely flattened. The harvest of the plot was accomplished by harvesting in only one direction. Plant heights were 10 to 12 feet,” Beyers said.

On May 18, 34,000 seeds were dropped per acre, and 31,900 stands were harvested Oct. 12. Bland applied Lexar herbicide and three pesticides: Harness Xtra, Roundup PowerMax and Headline.

In the early-season test on the same plot, Great Heart HT-950VT3P finished closely with Fielders Choice NG6788 and Stone 5714GVT3P. Great Heart yielded 167.2 bushels, while Fielder’s Choice produced 165.8 bushels and Stone gave 161.5. Great Heart earned a solid win, with $1,003 in gross income per acre.

The early corn was planted May 18 with 34,000 seeds per acre. On Oct. 12, 32,100 plants were harvested. F.I.R.S.T. tested 72 early- and 90 full-season varieties.