MAIZE HYBRID SELECTION

Maize is grown throughout the year. It is predominantly a Kharif crop with 85 percent of the area under cultivation during the season. Maize is the third most important cereal crop in India after rice and wheat. It accounts for around 10 percent of total food grain production in the country.

Prolificacy – Multi-eared and Single-eared hybrids:

Optimal plant population for various hybrids depends on several factors; environmental potential, type of ear, and possible stress factors that may occur during the critical growth stages of the plant’s development. In general, hybrids that have ears which get smaller when the plant population is increased and larger if the population is reduced are referred to as “flex-ear” hybrids. Certain hybrids exhibit the ability to produce a constant ear size regardless of the plant population and are referred to as “fixed-ear” hybrids.

Multi-eared Hybrids

Hybrids that are well-adapted to low plant populations generally have a robust plant type, sturdy stalks and big, hanging leaves. Commonly these hybrids correspondingly have a larger root mass. When these attributes are coupled with strong prolificacy, one would expect that this type of hybrid would be better adapted to varying climatic conditions such as those experienced in the western part of the maize production area. These hybrids generally perform better under drought stress situations since lower plant populations enable some buffering of water use during dry spells They can, however, compensate under good production conditions by producing a second ear.

Single-eared Hybrids

Single-eared hybrids with a fixed or semi-flex ear usually have more upright leaves allowing better light penetration, reduced root mass and thinner more woody stalks. Hybrids exhibiting these characteristics can generally be employed at high plant populations and can deliver excellent yields under high potential conditions. These hybrids are generally better adapted to environments where water application or rainfall is more reliable.

Standability

Good standability facilitates effective combine harvesting. The primary causes of reduced standability are root and stem rot. If root and stem rot is noticed, it is advisable to combine infected fields early to limit losses by lodging of the plants, if drying facilities are available.

germination

Rapid germination and a strong seedling lays the foundation for a successful crop. Early vigour is particularly important on sandy soils where wind damage to seedlings may occur. There are marked differences between hybrids with respect to early vigour.

01. Dent Corn

This is the most common type grown in SA. Dent formation on the top of the kernel having yellow or white colour. The depression or dent in the corn of the seed is the result of rapid drying and shrinkage. Of the soft starch.

02. Flint Corn

It is widely grown and cultivated in India. Endosperm of kernel is soft and starchy in the centre and completely enclosed by a very hard outer layer. The kernel is rounded on the top. The colour may be white or yellow. Grown in Europe, Asia, central America and South America. Flint corn is widely grown in India.

03. Popcorn

It possess exceptional qualities. Size of kernels is small but the endosperm is hard. When they are heated, the pressure build up within the kernel suddenly results in an explosion and the grain is turn out. Grains are used for human consumption and is the basis of popcorn confectionery. Its cultivation is mainly confined to new world.

04. Sweet Corn

The sugar and starch makes the major component of the endosperm that results in sweetish taste of the kernels before they attain the maturity and after maturity, the kernels become wrinkled. The cobs are picked up green for canning and table purpose. Mainly grown in North half of the USA.

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