What is Grain maize?
In grain production the plant reaches physiological maturity, kernel moisture then falls in the field and the crop is harvested. The grain is used for animal feed, food and industries such as starch processing.
Key traits in grain varieties are kernel yield, ear tip fill, test weight, dry-down and lodging resistance. For safe storage, kernel moisture is usually brought down to around 14–15%.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
If you sow for grain, there must be enough season left for the variety to mature and dry in the field. The use and maturity group on the variety sheet show whether it suits grain production.
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 500–550 · Hybrid maize seed
Early, drought-tolerant and widely adaptable — the leader of its maturity group.
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
Silage maize
Silage maize is maize grown so that the whole plant (stalk, leaves and ear) can be chopped, fermented in airtight conditions and stored as animal feed.
Dry-down
Dry-down is the rate at which maize kernels lose moisture in the field after physiological maturity.
Test weight (hectolitre weight)
Test weight, or hectolitre weight, is the weight in kilograms of grain filling a 100-litre volume (kg/hl) and indicates grain density.
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.