Agricultural News
Pioneer Optimum AQUAMax Hybrids Perform Well Under Actual Drought Conditions
Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:34:43 CST
The drought which stretched throughout much of the Midwest this past year allowed researchers at DuPont Pioneer to observe firsthand how well their new Optimum AQUAMax corn hybrids would fare in real world conditions.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Marketing Communications Manager Janelle Buxton spoke with Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays recently and said their drought-resistant hybrids are brand new to the marketplace and the company has high hopes for their performance.
"Optimum AQUAMax hybrids are Pioneer's Elite class of drought-tolerant corn hybrids. They're developed to help deliver yield advantage in water-limited environments, much like what we saw this year. And to deliver top-end yield potential in more normal, favorable growing conditions."
She said Optimum AQUAMax hybrids were launched in January of 2011. They were grown on about two million acres this year and they did very well.
"In over 11,200 on-farm competitive comparison trials, we saw Optimum AQUAMax hybrids perform about 8.9 percent bushel yield advantage in those top water-limited environments and then a 1.9 percent yield advantage in those more favorable growing conditions."
"Finding a solution to drought tolerance is really complex," Buxton says. "And it's so complex because drought is different depending upon where you are geography-wise, but then also your stresses-heat stress, water stress, soil type. So there are various factors that can affect a plant during a drought.
"So, what Pioneer has done is developed native-trait technology in these Optimum AQUAMax hybrids through our accelerated yield technology system. We've identified certain genetics, sort of the best of the best genetics that have specific mechanisms, modes of action, that can help curb against drought stresses."
She says one example of the agronomic traits that helps mitigate drought stresses is early flowering. With earlier flowering it lengthens the pollination window and provides more opportunity for greater yield.
Buxton said one advantage of the drought-tolerant varieties is it gives farmers in areas that traditionally planted dryland crops like wheat and sorghum another cropping option.
For more information on the performance of the Optimum AQUAMax corn hybrids, click here.
You can listen to the full conversation between Ron Hays and Janelle Buxton by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.
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