BACOLOD CITY (PNA) - The three-month adaptability trial on hybrid yellow corn at the Panaad Park in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod city is showing positive results, according to the office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

Although the results are still being evaluated by researchers from Hao Yu Seed Company of the Province of Jilin in China, adaptability tests have already been initiated in at least four municipalities of Negros Occidental to see if the productivity it showed at the Panaad trial farm will hold true if cultivated extensively. Governor Joseph G. Marañon has allowed the Chinese company to conduct the test, in coordination with OPA, in an effort to enhance the availability of animal feeds to support his vision of developing livestock as the second major industry in the province.

This is also in consonance with his Food Sufficiency and Agricultural Productivity Program under the Seven-Point Development Agenda, Marañon said.

The trail, started in May 8 and ends this August 20, is aimed at assessing the yield potential of 10 China hybrid corn varieties as well as verify its reaction to insect pests and diseases.

An area of 10,000 square meters was used in trial, wherein 13 blocks measuring 12m x 12m was established and replicated twice. Each block was planted with one variety. Paths were constructed at a distance of 1.5 meters between blocks.

The area was plowed once and harrowed thrice with the use of tractor one week before planting. After a good soil till was attained, the area was furrowed by a distance of 0.75 meters.

Corn seeds, 10 China hybrid varieties and three local hybrid varieties were planted at two to three seeds per hill and were thinned to one plant per hill one week after emergence. The estimated plant population is 53,000 per hectare.

Fertilization was based on the general recommendation of the seed per hectare, while weeding was done manually five times during the entire season.

Weekly irrigation was done through flooding to maintain sufficient moisture of the soil.

Furadan 3G was incorporated with the fertilizer during the basal application at the arte of 16.5 kgs per hectare. Spraying of pesticide was done when pest and diseases was observed in the plants.

Harvesting was done when the corn crops had matured as indicated by the formation of brown or black abscission layer from tip of the basal kernel of the ear.