2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings Evaluation of University Variety Testing Programs Lanny Ashlock, Cullum Seeds Agronomist

SSC-33 Meeting Point Clear, Alabama Marriott Grand Hotel and Resort January 27, 2009 Topic: Use of OVT data by farmers: will this decrease or increase over time?

2009 SSC-33 Meeting Topic: Use of OVT data by farmers: will this decrease or increase over time? To get a grasp on the present situation, I sent a 4 question survey to some select growers and consultants.

2009 SSC-33 Meeting Topic: Use of OVT data by farmers: will this decrease or increase over time? 2009 limited AR survey conclusions : The base perception in support of the for OVT among key farmers (influential producers) was very positive. The base perception in support of the OVT by crop advisors was also mostly positive (limited responders).

2009 SSC-33 Meeting Topic: Use of OVT data by farmers: will this decrease or increase over time? Survey inferences to this agronomist: Seed companies (esp. regional) should continue to enter at least the newer material into the OVT (many reasons).

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings What I didn’t survey in 2009: What is the perception of Seed Company personnel (agronomists & management) regarding the value of the results obtained from the University OVTs?

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings My 2009 Perception: Our regional company relies heavily upon University OVT testing program. In the Mid-South screening for pest tolerances & rating info is just about as important as the yield data.

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings Our 2009 Perception: With new trait development on the immediate horizon (it’s here) some had questions regarding just how much confidence to place in both the genetic suppliers &/or the University OVT program.

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings Rationale for Multiple Entries:  Yield Differences (cross company entries)  Disease/Nematode Ratings  New Traits (Decisions)  Herbicide Ratings  Salt Tolerances (Need to make smart decisions)

SCC2010 Meeting Material and Methods:  Submitted 3 MG 4 experimental lines for testing in 2009  Submitted to 6 Southern University OVT programs  Duplicate samples submitted Same lot & same bag Same seed treatment

Results: Yield Evaluation 2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings

A Variety12345Mean X X N.Sig. X * * X *68.1*79.4* N.Sig. X *82.1*81.5* * X *69.6*74.7*80.2* * Sig.N.Sig. X X , N.Sig. LSD C.V.%

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings B Variety X * * 57.1* X * N.Sig. X * X * * N.Sig. LSD C.V.% X ** NA X * NA N.Sig. X NA X * NA N.Sig. LSD NA C.V.% 13.7 NA

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings C Variety1234 X *59.6*71.3 X *65.2* * N. Sig. X *62.3* * X **74.4*75.3* N. Sig. LSD C.V.% X X *5567.1*79.9* N. Sig. Sig.N. Sig. X ** * X *79.8* N. Sig.Sig.N. Sig. LSD C.V.%

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings D Variety1234 X X N.Sig. X X N.Sig. LSD C.V.% X X N.Sig. X X N.Sig. LSD C.V.%

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings E Variety1234Mean X X N.Sig. Sig.N.Sig. LSD X X N.Sig. X X N.Sig. X X N.Sig. LSD

Results: Selected Disease Evaluation 2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings

Stem Canker RKNSDSSCN-R2 Variety BDDFD X0431 RNT5 1% 14-MR X0432 RNT5 1% 64-S X0461NTR5 32% 64-S X0462NTR5 20% 43-MS X0471MSMR5 15% 50-MS X0472MSR5 23% 50-MS X0473RR4.75 1% 43-MS X0474RR4.75 1% 36-MS

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings OVT : What did we learn (Our Company Perspective)  Increased confidence in OVT  Decision-making tool  Significant but necessary expense

2010 SCC-33/UCTA Meetings University Perspective  Policy of experimental entries  Do you insert a check anyway  Land & Labor constraints  Disease ratings & Nursery space?

Questions and Comments

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