Better information for maize growers

The Maize Hybrid Performance Trial programme is now able to provide more valuable information on hybrid performance with the publication of the third edition of its results booklet.

This 2016/2017 edition is the first to include results from multiple sites and multiple years, providing more robust data and thus supporting better decision making for growers. FAR’s spokesperson on the Maize Technical committee, Allister Holmes, says the 2016/17 MPT book provides hybrid results as averages from three seasons, and up to eight separate trials.

“Results averaged over multiple seasons are more valuable than results from a single season as they show the hybrid’s ability to perform over seasons with different weather patterns. Ultimately, the most consistent performers will rise to the top of multiple year results. The more trials a cultivar has been in, the more confidence can be taken from its reported performance.”

This year’s booklet reports on the results from six maize trial sites. Silage trials were hosted on farms at Tamahere and Gordonton in Waikato, Whakatane in Bay of Plenty, Ohakea in Rangatikei, Opiki in Manawatu and Lincoln in Canterbury; while maize grain trials were restricted to the Tamahere, Whakatane, Ohakea and Opiki sites.

The number of trial sites will increase to eight for the coming season, with two of the maize seed companies in the programme hosting, managing and harvesting MPT trials.

The Maize Hybrid Performance Trial results books are sent out to maize growers and are also available in the publications section of the FAR website.


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