Maize
Maize Portfolio
The varieties are laid out in descending order of earliness. Due to the early order pricing structure of the Pioneer varieties these are grouped together so that growers can easily select from within the range for economies of scale.
Kaspian
Maturity class: 13
(NIAB 2010 data first choice marginal sites)
The earliest hybrid available, ideal for late sowing or where very early harvest is required. A semi compact plant with large cobs and a high cob to plant ratio. Despite this earliness Kaspian yields with 3% of Avenier the maturity class 10 control variety. Kaspian is in its second year of commercial availability. Available with Poncho seed dressing for late sowing after grass.
Breeder: KWS
Kougar
Maturity class: (estimated) 10/11.
A candidate variety for 2011 very high yields of dry matter with large cobs. High starch content, with good early vigour and standing power. Less extreme maturity than Kaspian, but early enough to be safe where required, with a 13% yield advantage. Also available with Poncho dressing for sowing after grass.
Breeder: KWS
Hawk
Maturity class: 8
(NIAB 2010 first choice marginal and favourable sites)
First listed in 2008 Hawk is a proven early maturing variety with very high starch yields for the whole plant. Good early vigour and no weaknesses. Also available with Poncho seed dressing.
Breeder: Advanta
Podium
Maturity class: 8 (estimated)
Predicted to be the earliest maturity class 8, with exceptionally high dry matter yields. One to try this year and move into next. Unusually for such an early type also suitable for grain maize production. Yield currently running at 115% of control, well ahead of other candidates in its maturity class. Because supply is limited in this launch year not available with Poncho.
Breeder: KWS
Konsort
Maturity class: 8
(NIAB 2010 first choice marginal and favourable sites)
Described by the breeder as `bullet proof for all areas` this hybrid has proved to be our biggest seller in the last two years. Now becoming outclassed a little by stable-mate Podium, but if your requirement is security, look no further. NIAB rated as a producer of Grain Maize. Also available with Poncho.
Breeder: KWS
Nimrod
Maturity class: 8
(NIAB 2010 2nd Choice marginal and favourable site)
First listed in 2005, Nimrod is still a solid performer producing good yields of starch per ha. Economically priced and available with Poncho dressing.
Breeder: Advanta
Kroesus
Maturity class: 7
(NIAB 2010 first choice favourable sites)
Named after the mythical wealthiest man in the world, Kroesus can certainly deliver riches in the right situation. Best placed on favourable sites, maturity is a little later on less favourable although yeilds and starch are relatively unaffected. Excellent early vigour and high starch yields. Available Poncho dressed.
Breeder: KWS
Expert
Maturity class: 6
(NIAB 2010 first choice favourable sites)
Expert produces high yields of bulk and starch from a big plant more suited to favourable early areas, dropping a maturity class when grown on less favoured sites.
Breeder: Advanta
Maize for grain
NIAB have recommended 4 maize varieties particularly suited to grain maize production, of these - Openfield suggests:
- Konsort (see above for description)
- Larado - High yields of grain, rapid dry down of the stover ,good cob maturity. Breeder: Advanta
Pioneer Portfolio
Please see below the pioneer portfolio, for further detials please see the 2010 PACTS Guide in the Seed downloads page.
PR39R60
Maturity class: 8
(PACTS crop testing)
Following 2 years of evaluation in the UK`R60 is a new introduction for 2010. Suited to good / favourable sites and will produce high yields of silage or grain. Short early and with good standing.
PR39V43
Maturity class: 8
(PACTS crop testing)
Launched in 2009 and well accepted in its first year V43 is aimed equally at the forage grain or biogas market. V43 performs over a wider range of soils than R60 and appears to have relatively good resistance to Maize eyespot. Available with Poncho for sowing after grass.
PR39A44
Maturity class: 8
(PACTS crop testing)
A44 is a specialist forage variety producing high yields of high starch silage from favourable or unfavourable locations. A big plant with very good early vigour. Not suitable for growing under plastic. Available with Poncho for sowing after grass.
X7W902 (P7606)
Maturity class: 7
(PACTS crop testing)
A new early hybrid giving high yields of forage from less favourable sites. Characterised by good early vigour, for evaluation in 2010.
PR39D60
Maturity class: 7
(PACTS crop testing)
D60 is a very high yielding, early maturity hybrid that has the ability to match the yield of later maturing hybrids. Suits favourable sites, avoid marginal or exposed land. Very good results from growing under plastic. Also available with Poncho seed dressing.
Justina
Maturity class: 7
(PACTS crop testing)
Still the biggest selling hybrid in the UK producing, high yields of quality forage or a very acceptable grain maize sample. Best on favourable sites or under plastic, stable from site to site and year to year. Also available with Poncho dressing.
PR39N39
Maturity class: 6
(PACTS crop testing)
New for 2010, N39 is similar to Justina but has shown good levels of resistance to Maize eyespot in the field. N39 should be grown on favourable sites, but is not suited to cultivation under plastic, grow for the production of highly digestible forage. In its launch year N39 is not available with Poncho.
PR39K13
Maturity class: 6
(PACTS crop testing)
An intermediate maturity hybrid with good early vigour and good stay green tendency for a flexible harvest. K13 Can be used for forage or grain production and can be grown under plastic. Also available with Poncho seed treatment.
PR39G12
Maturity class: 5
(PACTS crop testing)
A proven out and out clamp filler, large plants producing huge yields from favourable sites. High starch content forage ideal for south facing fields below the M4 or in East Anglia
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