How To Achieve Optimal Maize Production

Maize growers often have questions on to how to maximise their crop yield and the profitability of their enterprises. Grant Pringle, a product agronomist at Pannar Seed SA, gives expert, practical answers to some of the more common queries. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Both experienced and new maize farmers experience uncertainty about key aspects of managing maize hybrids. Even veteran farmers would be wise to review the basic principles of maize production from time to time, as well as learn about the latest developments.

Germination and emergence in maize, especially in areas of South Africa with milder climates, are affected by three interlinked factors and their characteristics.

The first is the physical environment, which comprises characteristics including temperature, crop residue, soil compaction and water. The second is the genetics of the maize hybrids, and their characteristics, which include growth vigour and tolerance to stress. The third factor is seed quality, which comprises factors such as the seeds’ moisture level at harvesting, and the processes of post-harvest drying and conditioning.

“Looking at maize seed genetics, some hybrids can better tolerate cold stress at emergence than others,” says Grant Pringle, a product agronomist at Pannar Seed SA. “It’s the responsibility of seed companies and their sales representatives to give recommendations to farmers on which maize hybrids are best suited to the temperature challenges of particular areas.” its current quality and vigour. However, should a farmer be wary of the age or vigour of the hybrid maize seed, he/she can send a sample of the seed to a laboratory for a germination test to determine its quality and vigour,” says Pringle.

AVERAGE SOIL TEMPERATURE