FIELD CORN IN MASSACHUSETTS 5 



at critical growth stages will hasten maturity but reduce yields. Cold, wet 

 seasons will retard growth, delay maturity, reduce yields, and greatly increase 

 the danger of fall frost injury. 



In selecting a variety for grain in some sections, therefore, a relatively early 

 maturing variety must be chosen which, though not producing maximum yields 

 of either grain or stover in favorable corn seasons, can be relied upon to produce 

 good yields of grain and fair yields of stover during unfavorable corn seasons. 

 Later maturing varieties will give much higher yields of both grain and silage in 

 favorable growing seasons, but in an unfavorable growing season can be used 

 only for silage or as forage. 



Determination of the relative length of growing season required at Amherst 

 for different varieties is important because the Amherst season may vary appre- 

 ciably from the length of growing season in the regions where those varieties 

 originated. For example, varieties which mature in 110 days in some sections 

 of the Corn Belt may require 120 to 130 days at Amherst. The relative maturity 

 dates for the various hybrid and open-pollinated varieties is the most important 

 information that is contained in the table summaries. 



Seasonal, cultural, and local soil conditions are so variable that differences 

 in yields must be wide before they are significant. Consequently, the varieties 

 have been grouped according to their respective maturity dates rather than their 

 respective yields. 



A good rule to follow in selecting a new corn variety which will be adapted to 

 local conditions is to choose one whose maturity date is similar to that of a fam- 

 iliar, well-adapted variety. For example, if an early hybrid variety is desired 

 at Amherst, choose one which matures about the same time as Cornell 11; for 

 a medium late hybrid, choose one whose maturity date is similar to that of West- 

 branch Sweepstakes; and for a late hybrid, select one similar to Lancaster Sure 

 Crop. Other parts of the State will have to use different varieties as comparable 

 standards, but the same principle of comparing the maturity dates of new varieties 

 with those of old ones to determine adapted strains will apply in all areas. 



Defining Corn Areas 



Height above sea level and nearness to the ocean are the main factors determin- 

 ing the relative degree of summer heat and length of growing period. Because 

 of wide variation of altitudes within the State, marked differences occur in length 

 of growing season. Weather records indicate that at higher elevations the season 

 is at least a month shorter and average summer temperatures are several degrees 

 lower. Coastal sections are of low altitude and are further modified by tempering 

 winds which in general tend to lengthen the period between killing frosts but also 

 tend to lower the summer temperature to a point less effective for early and 

 midseason growth of corn. 



The corn types likely to mature in anj- area may be determined largely on the 

 basis of elevation. The accompanying general elevation map of Massachusetts 

 indicates the major difference in altitudes and may serve roughly to define areas 

 as to relative suitability for maturing varieties. 



Other factors within an area are important, however. Frost pockets may 

 shorten the growth period considerably in local areas or fields (usually low areas). 

 Also cold wet soils may delay planting beyond the normal period. Such local 

 conditions affect materialh' the selection of corn that can mature. 



Three general areas are roughly defined as to suitability for maturing corn 

 for husking. 



