What is Hybrid seed?
Maize hybrids are usually produced by crossing inbred lines that have been purified through self-pollination. F1 plants often grow more vigorously than their parents; this is called hybrid vigour (heterosis). Plants from the same hybrid are uniform in height, flowering and maturity.
If grain harvested from a hybrid crop is sown again, the second generation (F2) segregates: plants differ from one another, hybrid vigour declines and yield falls. That is why hybrid seed is sourced anew every season.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
A uniform field means sowing, fertilising, spraying and harvesting can all be done at the same time. Sourcing seed from a reliable supplier is decisive for the hybrid to show the characteristics stated on its sheet.
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
Germination and emergence vigour
Germination is the seed taking up water and putting out a root and shoot; emergence vigour is the germinated seed’s ability to reach the soil surface quickly and strongly.
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.
Plant density
Plant density is the number of plants growing per unit area, usually expressed as plants per decare or plants per hectare.