For oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), hybrid varieties of two growth types, semi‐dwarf and normal, are on the market. So far, the acceptance of semi‐dwarf hybrids is very limited, though they have several advantages such as higher N efficiency and drought tolerance. It is undecided whether both growth types are influenced in the same way by front‐border effects in plot yield trials. This study analyzed if semi‐dwarf hybrids were discriminated against in yield trials, due to differences in the exploitation of the front‐border area, since they could not lean and grow as far into the adjacent path due to a reduced height compared to normal type hybrids. From 2016–2018, eight pairs of near‐isogenic hybrids, bzh semi‐dwarf and normal type hybrids, were grown in three environments, with three replications and two treatments: Plants were harvested with and without the plot front‐border, and seed and straw yields were determined. Root electrical capacitance was also measured. Semi‐dwarf hybrids outperformed normal type hybrids in seed yield in the dry season of 2018, whereas the reverse happened in the more humid season of 2017. Across environments, semi‐dwarf hybrids had a higher positive front‐border effect (11.2%) than normal type hybrids (9.6%), leading to a relative overestimation of semi‐dwarf hybrid yields. There was no significant difference in root electrical capacitance between growth types across environments. It could be concluded that semi‐dwarf hybrids were not disadvantaged with regard to front‐border effects in plot trials, when compared to normal type hybrids. However, elimination of the plot front‐border area might improve comparisons between semi‐dwarf and normal type cultivars.

I N times when it is difficult or impossible for the farmer to hire seasonal labor, it seems advisable to question the profitability of those practices involved in the harvesting of hay which seem to be merely traditional.Several years ago, at the writer's request, many of the county agents of New York State designated the best hay-maker in their respective counties. To these "hay-minded" farmers a questionnaire was sent. One of the questions asked concerned the advisability of cutting hay while wet with dew. Thirty-four questionnaires were returned. Twenty-four of the 34 best hay-makers always waited until the dew was off before cutting.In 1940, the writer solicited, by correspondence, the opinions of 12 agronomists in 12 northeastern states concerning the importance of dew in hay making. Seven of the 12 were of the opinion that hay should not be cut until the dew had dried; a belief also held by the writer. Two were of the opinion that various circumstances should affect the decision as to whether hay should be cut with the dew on or with the dew off. Three seemed to believe that the dew made relatively little difference or that other considerations, mainly labor, were more important. Since the literature contains only opinions unsupported by experimental data, an investigation was undertaken to determine the facts. PROCEDUREThe work extended over a period of two years and dealt with the following:First cutting alfalfa (Medicago sativa) yielding over 2 tons in I940 and I Y, tons in I94I; second cutting alfalfa yielding a little less than I ton each year; timothy (Phleum pratense) stands yielding I ton and I Y, tons in I940 and Y. ton in I94I; and a mixture of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) and bluegrass (Poa compressa and P. pratensis) yielding about I ton each year. No study was made which included red clover (Trifolium pratense) or soybeans (Soja max).The usual procedure was to cut one swath at about 8 a.m. on mornings when there was a heavy dew, then a parallel swath was cut after the dew had dried. The later time was most frequently between I I and I2 o'clock, although on some occasions it was as early as ro a.m. or as late as I p.m.The hay remained in the swath until approximately 5 p.m. on the day of cuting, at which time samples ranging from 3 to 5 pounds were taken. It was necessary in I940, because of weather conditions, to leave five pairs of first cutting alfalfa swaths and an equal number of the second cutting in the field an extra 24 hours or more before sampling. In most instances, both the "dew on" and "dew off" swaths were sampled in quadruplicate, although all of the I940 first cuttings were taken only in duplicate. Each sample included at least three complete vertical sections for the entire width of the swath, taken in three different places.

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