Maravi

(HERALD) How altitude affects flowering, maturity

How altitude affects flowering, maturity

Altitude has an effect on the number of days from planting to flowering and maturity because the rate of development of maize is affected by air temperature. The warmer the weather, the faster the crop development.

Higher temperatures at lower altitudes therefore have the effect of accelerating the development rate. Conversely, the lower air temperature at higher altitude rates retards development and extends the time taken to reach flowering and maturity.

Very Early Maturing Hybrids

SC 403 (Very early, Drought and Streak Tolerance, and Wide Adaptability)

SC 403 is a very early white maize streak and mottle viruses tolerant hybrid with a relatively short, flinty ear and excellent yield stability over a range of environments with relatively slow dry down rate.

SC 403 has outstanding drought tolerance, with very good synchronisation of skills with pollen.

In numerous trials in communal areas over several seasons, SC 403 has performed very well under drought conditions.

On average, SC 403 has a higher yield potential over SC 401.

SC 403 has hard, very dense grain, and has outstanding tolerance to both Diplodia and Fusarium cob rots.

SC 403 is widely recommended for harsh conditions where yields of less than 6t/ha are expected.

It is also recommended for irrigation schemes where an early maize streak virus tolerant hybrid is required.

Where irrigation is available, the optimum plant population should be increased to the levels recommended for the given expected yield level.

SC 411 (Very Early, Disease Tolerance and High Yielder)

A very early maturing, highly adaptable drought tolerant, white dent hybrid similar to SC 403 in respect of grey leaf spot and maize streak and mottle viruses resistance levels, but slightly higher yielding .

However, SC 411 is susceptible to Northern Corn Leaf Spot (NCLS) and has moderate tolerance to common rust.

Despite the ratings, a yield of 10t/ha has been achieved at Mpongwe in Zambia.

SC 411 is well suited to marginal rainfall areas due to its very early maturity characteristics, but is not recommended where Northern Corn Leaf Spot is a threat.

Early Maturing Hybrids

SC 513 (Combines Excellent yield and Grey Leaf Spot Tolerance, Wide Adaptation)

SC 513 is a white dent early maturing hybrid with very good tolerance to grey leaf spot and very high yield potential for an early hybrid.

It has a relatively high ear placement and is slightly susceptible to root lodging when planted at high population.

Consequently, final plant population in excess of 44 000 plants/ha should be avoided.

It has good resistance to foliar diseases but it has only moderately resistant to cob rots.

SC 513 is recommended for the higher potential areas where an early hybrid is required on the variety package.

SC513 has wide adaptability and good heat and drought stress tolerance.

Plant breeders’ rights

Seed Co is the certified company authorised to market seed varieties developed by itself, Government and other associated seed breeders.

To ensure continued, adequate investment in research and development of seed, all Seed Co hybrids and varieties are protected under the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and South Africa.

Seed Co has protected its germ-plasm to ensure that our customers have unlimited access to the best genetics, both now and in the future.

Labels: MAIZE

posted by MrK @ 5:45 PM