What is Test weight (hectolitre weight)?
A high test weight shows that the kernels are well filled and dense. The value is affected by kernel type, degree of maturity, kernel moisture and stress during grain fill.
Test weight is one of the criteria used to judge the commercial quality of grain, and it also affects how much product can be stored in a given volume.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
A variety with high test weight means heavier produce in the same volume and is one indicator of grain quality. When choosing a grain variety, weigh the test weight information on the sheet together with grain yield.
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
Thousand kernel weight
Thousand kernel weight is the weight in grams of 1,000 kernels and indicates how large and well filled the kernels are.
Grain maize
Grain maize is maize grown for its mature kernels and threshed with a combine harvester once the kernels have dried sufficiently.
Dent kernel
A dent kernel is a maize kernel type with a distinct depression on its crown that makes it look like a horse’s tooth when dry.
Flint kernel
A flint kernel is a maize kernel type with a rounded crown whose outer part is made of hard, glossy, glass-like starch.