What is FAO maturity group?
The scale is usually expressed in steps of a hundred between FAO 100 and FAO 900; intermediate values (e.g. FAO 650) and ranges (e.g. FAO 500–550) are also used. Low numbers indicate early varieties, high numbers late-maturing ones.
An FAO number is not a count of days. The time a variety takes to mature changes with the temperature, altitude and sowing date of the location. The FAO group is therefore a relative measure for comparing varieties under the same conditions.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
The variety you choose has to mature within the growing season of your area. A variety that is too late for the season may meet high kernel moisture or early frosts at harvest, while one that is too early may not use the full yield potential of the field.
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
CRM (Comparative Relative Maturity)
CRM (Comparative Relative Maturity) is a relative value that expresses the maturity of a maize hybrid in day units by comparing it with known standard hybrids.
Main-crop and second-crop sowing
Main-crop sowing is spring sowing of the field’s principal crop for the season; second-crop sowing takes place in the same year after another crop, usually a cereal, has been harvested.
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.