Hybrid DKC 115-55

Mike Tufte
Seed Specialist

DKC 115-55

Impressive! That’s the word that comes to mind when I look at this Hybrid of the Month. This hybrid is new to the Dekalb lineup, and maybe you haven’t had the chance to see much of it yet. Rest assured, our agronomy team has been watching it all season and we believe it is the next coming of DKC65-95, only better. I’m talking about Dekalb’s new DKC115-55.

DKC65-95 has been a staple in our lineup for a few years now. It has always been a versatile hybrid that we trust to place on most acres. It is consistent, and it always yields. Unfortunately, every hybrid grows whiskers and sails off into the sunset. We will still have DKC65-95, but we also have a new and improved version that you’ll need to take a look at: DKC115-55.

DKC115-55 comes in a Trecepta trait package. If you remember, this combines the VT2Pro with Viptera, giving us maximum above-ground protection for those Corn Borer, Cut Worm, Ear Worm, etc. Any of you who are using cover crop should be considering Trecepta for those acres.

This hybrid follows the DKC65-95 footprint. We have it placed on sandier soils that drain well and on heavier soils that hold water. So far, neither has proven to be a weakness. The versatility that I look for in new hybrids is very prominent with this one. I’d recommend a final stand of 34,000-36,000 ppa for best performance.  

I really like DKC115-55 in our early season. It shoots out of the ground rapidly. If you’ve ever planted DKC65-95, you know that it maybe wasn’t the fastest out of the ground. It would emerge, stall for a few days, and then carry on, business as usual. That is not the case with DKC115-55. The emergence is excellent, as is its seedling vigor. Biomass measurements in the V3 stage show this hybrid performing very well, and the stand counts came in above average for each plot we placed it in.
 

During the growing season, you’ll notice that it flowers a little earlier than a typical 115-day hybrid. That tells me that we will get a decent amount of grain-fill time. Traditionally that  translates to Test Weight. Additionally, this hybrid brings us amazing late-season plant health. Now, we know that Dekalb’s new class isn’t your typical Dekalb Die-N-Dry. They’ve worked hard on bringing more late season plant health to the table, but DKC115-55 has set a new standard. It’s no secret that we have had some struggles with disease this season, but I can assure you the DKC115-55 has handled it better than the masses. In all my trials, I would argue that DKC115-55 has been the healthiest looking hybrid out there. This guy stands up to the Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Tar Spot, and (I can’t believe I have to mention) Southern Rust! The weakness that I must direct to you would be Goss’ Wilt. Much like Southern Rust, we don’t see it very often, but it would be a disservice to you if I didn’t bring it up. Regardless of its disease tolerance, you’ll find that this hybrid responds to fungicide, and I would strongly recommend that you apply a quality fungicide for maximum health and protection.

One thing that you might find unusual about this hybrid is its cob. When we discuss yield, everyone always asks what the kernel count is. DKC115-55 will fool you. Just like DKC65-95, it hides its yield in its kernel depth. I can go pull cob after cob and find 16 x 37. That maybe doesn’t sound too great, but then you break a cob open and see what’s really inside. Afterall, it’s what’s inside that matters, right?

As we embark on a new harvest, we start thinking about next year’s crop. DKC115-55 is a hybrid that many of you should be taking a look at. It has great early stand establishment and vigor. It brings us improved greensnap tolerance. The husk coverage helps keep everything inside, packing on the starches that bring us testweight. Finally, it has an amazing stress tolerance package and some of the best staygreen I have ever seen which helps us piece together some excellent yield potential.

To hear more about DKC115-55, reach out to me or your local Key Cooperative Agronomist. We will help you place it for the best ROI, as we are your Essential Business Partner!