(January 2009)  As you focus your attention on seed selection for next season, the vast assortment of high-performing genetics and growing number of biotech traits raises questions on how each of these factors impacts yield and bottom-line profits. The fact of the matter is, to achieve maximum return from your investment in genetics and traits, you need to match seed selections with the right growing environments.

It costs a lot to produce a corn crop today, but buying seed with traits that add insect and herbicide protection to your crop is an investment that helps you mitigate risk, says Ryan Moeller, AgriSolutions™ and CROPLAN GENETICS® brand regional product manager. This was the case for growers in 2008.

"Traits like VT3 and Bt made a significant difference for many corn producers in 2008, especially where heavy rootworm or corn borer infestations were experienced," Moeller says. "Even if heavy rootworm pressure wasn't noted, the bigger stalks and bigger roots of the VT3 hybrids showed up significantly better in drier, more stressed areas. And although areas with good moisture and little heat stress didn't see significant differences from the bigger plant this year, Bt for corn borer protection was huge."

Yields were greatly impacted by corn borer damage, but with the late harvest, Moeller says standability was also very important, as non-Bt hybrids did not stand well late into the fall (or even early in the fall in some areas). In many locations around the country, both VT3 and Bt increased yields enough to make the trait worth the investment.

Another vital piece of the seed performance puzzle is placing the right seed genetics with the right traits in a location where they can reach their yield potential. Factors like soil type, plant population and fertility need to be considered to achieve maximum seed performance. That's where your local AgriSolutions™ expert agronomist can provide invaluable help.

As you think about your seed and production program decisions for the 2009 season, one way you can maximize seed performance is by analyzing soil type, Moeller says. Certain genetic types perform better with certain soils. For example, some hybrids with fibrous roots excel on lighter soils, while other hybrids feature penetration root systems better able to handle heavier soils.

Planting the right population is equally important. If the hybrid you're considering produces big flex ears, it will excel at lower seed populations. If you have a fixed-ear hybrid that produces smaller, consistent-sized ears, it needs higher populations to produce maximum yield.

You should also match genetics to the rotation. With corn-on-corn rotations becoming more prevalent, it's essential to plant hybrids with high-health genetics that can tolerate the increased disease pressure that can carry over on the previous year's corn residue.

Maintaining adequate fertility can be a step growers neglect when fertilizer prices increase. However, high-yielding genetics need adequate nitrogen to fulfill their yield potential and some genetic families need the right levels of potassium for peak performance in the hot, dry western Corn Belt. Soil testing will help determine if your field has the right levels of key crop nutrients to match your hybrids' potential.

The highest return from genetics and traits comes when both are given every opportunity to perform at peak levels. By following the steps above and selecting complementary genetics and traits, you can capitalize on yield in each field and reduce risk exposure for your operation. For a more in-depth discussion of factors to consider when selecting seed genetics and traits, consult with your local CROPLAN GENETICS® seed specialist and visit your local Answer Plot® site during the growing season.