UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BULLETIN No. 307 
Contribution from the Bureau of Plant Industry 
WM. A. TAYLOR, Chief ^^^^^^^J"i. 
Washington, D. C. PROFESSIONAL PAPER December 14, 1915 
TESTS OF CORN VARIETIES ON THE GREAT PLAINS. 
By L. L. ZooK, 
Physiologist, Office of Corn Investigations 
CONTENTS. 
Page. 
Introduction 1 
Natural limitations to corn production 1 
Adaptability of varieties 3 
Page. 
Time required for maturity 7 
Results of tests of varieties 8 
Summary of tests 17 
INTRODUCTION. 
This bulletin contains results of varietal tests conducted on dry 
land and under irrigation at several stations ^ in the Great Plains area. 
These tests have been conducted for the purpose of studying the 
possibilities of the region for corn production, to study in what ways 
the climatic influences would affect different varieties and seed from 
different localities, and to determine what varieties might offer the 
best possibilities for further improvement and adaptation to the 
region. 
The tests have not been conducted for a sufficient length of time 
to make the results conclusive. They have, however, furnished in- 
formation regarding varietal differences which is thought to be of 
sufficient interest to warrant publication at this time. 
NATURAL LIMITATIONS TO CORN PRODUCTION. 
The chief limitation to corn production on the Great Plains is that 
of climate. This area is characterized by scant and uncertain pre- 
cipitation and short, variable growing seasons. The effects of these 
1 These tests have been conducted by the Office of Corn Investigations at Huntley, Mont., Newell, S. Dak., 
and Mitchell, Nebr., in cooperation with the Office of Western Irrigation Agriculture; at North Platte, 
Nebr., in cooperation with the Nebraska Experiment Substation; and at Akron, Colo., in. cooperation with 
the Office of Dry-Land Agriculture. At the first two stations mentioned the work has been for the most 
part conducted by Dan Hansen and Beyer Aune, farm superintendents. At the other stations assistance 
has been rendered by Fritz Knorr, V. V. Burr, and O. J. Grace. 
Note.— This bulletin is of particular interest to farmers, investigators, and teachers ta the Great Plains 
area. 
6827°— Bull. 307—15—1 
