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September 1, 2003
A total of 13 new First Choice varieties have been added
to the new NIAB Descriptive
Lists of forage maize, which has just been released. The lists
comprise details of over 80 varieties, broken down into first
and second choices, with selections for both favourable and less
favourable areas.
NIAB maize specialist Don Pendergrast says " Plant breeders
continue to improve this crop, providing something for everyone,
with further yield improvements and some very good early
maturing varieties."
As last year, the lists will appear in the NIAB Livestock
Crops Pocket Book, which also contains details of grass and
legume varieties.
"Home-produced maize is one
of the most cost-effective livestock feeds, but inappropriate
variety choice can seriously reduce profitability. Reference to
the pocket book will help the grower to select a variety
with the maturity that gives the best combination of dry matter
and maximum yield for his
particular farm, " adds Mr Pendergrast.
The following are the new First Choice varieties on the 2004
Forage Maize Descriptive List.
Medium Early Varieties
(For maximum yield in
favourable locations).
GAZELLE
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(Syngenta) Highest yielding Medium Early variety (111%
controls) on the 2004 list. |
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GOLDVILLE |
(BSH) High yielding variety with good balance of quality
characteristics. |
CANOPY
|
(Olivers) Good yield, with very good quality (11.7 ME and
33.1% starch). |
Early varieties
1st choice in favourable and less favourable
locations
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SCIMITAR |
(BSH) Good combination of yield, with good quality and
agronomic characteristics for very early variety. |
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KINGDOM |
(Advanta) Good combination of yield, with good quality and
agronomic characteristics for very early variety.
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LEEDS |
(Maisadour) Maturity class 8 with good combination of yield
and quality in favourable locations. |
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IMPRESSION |
(Advanta) Maturity class 7 in favourable locations with a
good combination of yield and quality. |
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CORNSTAR |
(Olivers) Maturity class 7 in favourable locations with a
good combination of yield and quality. |
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RULER |
(CPB Tywfords) Highest yielding variety on the 2004 list in
favourable (112% controls) and less favourable (111%
controls) locations. |
Early varieties
1st choice in favourable locations only
(For favourable
locations requiring earlier harvest than medium early)
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HAXXIL |
(Perryfields) Maturity class 6, with a good combination of
yield and quality |
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GARDENIS |
(Grainseeds) Maturity class 6 with a good combination of
yield and quality |
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SIBYLIS |
(Grainseeds) High yielding, maturity class 6. |
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ICEBEAR |
(Agrifusion) Maturity class 6 with a good combination of
yield and quality |
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