HoCP 09-804 was derived from a cross made between HoCP 02-625 as the female parent and HoCP 01-523 as the male parent (Anonymous, 2016). The variety was released in 2016. HoCP 09-804 produces a high population of small-diameter stalks. The variety stubbles well, is early maturing and has good cold tolerance. The following pictures will show different characteristics to help identify HoCP 09-804.
1. Canopy – Erect.
2. Stalk wax – Slight to moderate wax; the black color that can be prevalent is sooty mold from fungal growth.
3. Stalk color under the wax layer – Yellowish green that becomes darker green with exposure to the sun.
4. Leaf sheath – Smooth (no pubescence).
5. Leaf sheath margin – Generally green and similar to the leaf sheath.
6. Dewlap – Dark and becomes green at the base of the midrib of the leaf.
7. Auricle – Slight to none.
8. Distinguishing characteristics – Has the most erect canopy of any variety grown in Louisiana; has a high population of small-diameter stalks.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture