Focus on maize location
Maize growers should focus much more on choosing varieties for specific locations rather than using regional averages, suggest recent trials.
Analysis of data from more than 50 sites covering the whole of the UK’s maize growing area shows clearly varieties responding differently to individual micro-climates, says Grainseed’s James Todd.
“We’ve found ultra early group 10 varieties, which are best suited to more northerly locations, performing really well in more exposed locations in Devon, for example, and the later maturing Group 8 varieties taking top spot in the better areas of Yorkshire,” he explains.
“It all points to varieties being a lot more responsive to their individual growing environment than many believe.”
Key requirement is for varieties to reach full maturity with maximum starch production rather than reaching the appropriate dry matter through simply drying down after they die, he says.
“We’ve found full maturity in more exposed parts of the South West can be best achieved through growing an earlier variety than the region’s climate may suggest. The best scenario wherever you are is to achieve a green plant with a mature cob at harvest and this is different to focusing purely on dry matter.
Maize Watch: Harvest approaches fast