Ho 05-961 was derived from a cross between CP 83-644 as the female parent and TucCP 77-42 as the male parent (Anonymous, 2012). The variety was released in 2012. Ho 05-961 produces a high population of medium-sized stalks. The variety matures early, making it a good option for early harvest. The following pictures show eight different variety characteristics to help in identifying Ho 05-961.
1. Canopy – Drooping and spreading (similar to L 99-226).
2. Stalk wax – Moderate wax layer.
3. Stalk color under the wax layer – Predominantly green with yellowish hues.
4. Leaf sheath – Very little wax and no pubescence (hairs).
5. Leaf sheath margin – Reddish-purple margins.
6. Dewlap – Dark brown with reddish-purple hue.
7. Auricle – Slight to moderate, necrotic.
8. Distinguishing characteristic – Young plants have a yellowish hue even though properly fertilized, a spreading canopy and dark dewlaps.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture