What is Stay-green?
Plants with strong stay-green keep photosynthesising for longer during grain fill. This can mean the kernels draw fewer nutrients out of the stalk, which helps preserve stalk strength.
The trait matters most in hot, dry conditions during grain fill. In silage production, more green foliage at harvest is also considered positive for silage quality.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
A variety that stays green through maturity can use the grain-fill period more efficiently and lower the lodging risk that comes with early stalk breakdown. It is also a key trait for growers sowing for silage.
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.
Related terms
Drought tolerance
Drought tolerance is a plant’s ability to maintain growth and yield under water shortage better than other varieties.
Lodging resistance
Lodging resistance is a maize plant’s ability to stay upright rather than bend or fall over (lodge) because of wind, rain or a weak stalk.
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.