VARIETY SPOTLIGHT

Managing Horizon Ag Elite Varieties for High-Yield Potential

As we start moving into planting time in Louisiana and Texas, we want to always be a good seed partner and provide you the latest information and management recommendations we’ve learned to maximize the performance potential of high-yielding Horizon Ag varieties. 

CLL17

For example, CLL17, a high-yielding, semi-dwarf Clearfield® variety developed by the LSU AgCenter has gone out on a lot of acres in South Louisiana since its commercial launch in 2021. Although it has performed well in many fields since that time, it’s a variety that needs to be managed appropriately to ensure it can achieve its full potential.

In some instances, there have been reports of issues with yield stability with CLL17. Since its launch, we have learned that this variety has very high, top-end yield potential when planted in the earliest part of the planting window (Mid-February to Late March) in that region. 

Additionally, this variety is extremely efficient in utilizing nitrogen (N) for grain yield. In other words, less applied N is needed to achieve similar yield potential as other varieties, which can be a big advantage with high fertilizer prices. Our recommendation is to apply 90-135 lb of N per acre, depending on soil type and field history of lodging. When higher N rates are used, the variety is susceptible to lodging.

Finally, sheath blight will limit yield potential on CLL17 more than some other popular varieties that are grown. Two fungicide applications with high carrier volume may be needed if sheath blight is present and conditions promote development.

CLL17 has very high yield potential and is very early in maturity.  It is still a good choice to lead the season off, but it is important to know and manage for its limitations. 

PVL03

PVL03 also has performed the best from a yield standpoint when planted earlier in the season. In 2022, PVL03 rice that wasn’t ready to harvest prior to the set-in of daily rains, suffered in some cases substantial yield loss due to Cercospora on the stems of the rice plants. Much conversation has been had in the winter meetings and as we approach the timing for fungicide applications, you’ll hear more from Horizon Ag about rates and application timings of propiconazole for protection against Cercospora.

However, in addition to fungicides, potassium must be supplied according to soil test recommendations. In years where fertilizer prices are high, the tendency is to cut costs and sometimes P and K fertilizers are reduced or omitted. Cutting plant nutrition usually costs more in the long run than the amount of dollars saved. For all varieties, make sure soil analyses are up to date and recommendations followed.

Overall, though, farmers report PVL03 has proven to have excellent yield potential, milling and grain appearance. It is the highest yielding of the Provisia® varieties and is very competitive with Clearfield and conventional varieties.

CLL16

CLL16 is another elite Clearfield variety offered by Horizon Ag that has picked up more and more acreage since its launch in 2021. This variety is later in maturity than CLL17, but its yield is much more stable in the Coastal region’s later planting windows of April and May, where a single crop with high yields is important. CLL16 also produces good stubble for crawfish production.

Horizon Ag Productivity App Available

Horizon Ag has created a mobile app that will be a valuable resource for rice farmers as you begin planning for variety selection and planting. 

The Horizon Ag Productivity App provides easy access to seeding rate information, a drill calibration tool and other decision-making features for 2023 Horizon Ag Clearfield and Provisia varieties. This app also makes it easy to connect with retailers in your area who sell top-performing Horizon Ag varieties.

The app is available by searching “Horizon Ag” in the App Store or Google Play.

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