What is Main-crop and second-crop sowing?
In Türkiye, main-crop maize is usually sown in April–May, while second-crop maize following winter cereals such as wheat or barley is sown in June–July. Second-crop maize has a shorter growing season and matures closer to the autumn cold.
Earlier varieties (lower FAO numbers) are therefore generally preferred for second-crop sowing. For main-crop sowing, later-maturing varieties can be considered where the growing season is long enough.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
The sowing date directly determines the maturity group to choose. Where a sheet says "main crop", the variety is primarily suited to spring sowing.
CasSeed varieties related to this topic
The relevant characteristics are listed on each variety’s technical sheet.
FAO 700 · CRM 120 · Grain and silage maize seed
A late-maturity grain hybrid with fast dry-down and outstanding standability.
FAO 700 · CRM 118 · Grain and silage maize seed
A flinty red-grained hybrid with high protein and complete tip fill.
FAO 700 · CRM 120 · Grain and silage maize seed
A widely adapted grain hybrid with high test weight, suited to wider spacing.
FAO 700 · CRM 118 · Grain and silage maize seed
Complete tip fill, high test weight and a hybrid that rewards denser planting.
FAO 650 · CRM 117 · Grain and silage maize seed
Broad ears and a strong stalk — a mid-late hybrid for both grain and silage.
FAO 650–700 · Silage maize seed
265–300 cm plant height and 9–10 t/da silage yield; also suited to starch and feed industries.
Related terms
FAO maturity group
The FAO maturity group is a numerical scale that classifies maize varieties by the time they need to mature; the higher the number, the later the variety matures.
Physiological maturity (black layer)
Physiological maturity is the growth stage at which maize kernels reach maximum dry matter accumulation and a black layer forms at the kernel base.
Dry-down
Dry-down is the rate at which maize kernels lose moisture in the field after physiological maturity.