Maize Variety Portfolio 2021

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Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
Maize Variety Portfolio
2021

                    SEEDING
                 THE FUTURE
www.kws-uk.com      SINCE 1856
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
Welcome!

           You’re reading our latest
           variety portfolio – our
           guide to help you select
           the most appropriate
           hybrids for your farming
           situation.
           This easy to follow guide is divided
           into two market sectors – forage and
           biogas – to help your decision making.
           Each section details the main criteria
           farmers should focus on, and is
           backed by a handy reference chart
           which enables you to compare
           relative performance.
           Given the large number of varieties
           available, we suggest you contact us
           for advice. We would be delighted to
           assist.
           You will also find more help on our
           website at www.kws-uk.com.
           We hope you will find this guide
           useful in selecting the right maize
           varieties for your specific needs.
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
Variety List
     Below are our key variety selections for next season. They are arranged in maturity
     order and by market sector.
     Other varieties are available – for more advice please contact a member of the
     KWS team.

04    ULTRA EARLY                                              FAO         Forage          Grain        Biogas
06    CITO KWS                                                 150
07    AUGUSTUS KWS                                             160
08    RUBIERA KWS                                              160
09    SERGIO KWS                                               160
10    PEREZ KWS                                                160
11    KWS ARTIKUS                                              160
12    KROFT                                                    160

14    EARLY/MAINCROP                                           FAO         Forage          Grain        Biogas
16    AVITUS KWS                                             160/170
17    KWS ARVID                                                170
18    KWS CALVINI                                              170
19    KWS EXELON                                               170
20    KXB9004                                                  170
21    AUTENS KWS                                               170
22    RODRIGUEZ KWS                                            170
23    EDGARD KWS                                               170
24    KWS PASCO (KXB9010)*                                   170/180
25    AURELIUS KWS                                             180
26    KWS PRIXDOR                                              190
27    KEOPS                                                 210/220
28    AMBROSINI                                                220

30    ENERGY                                                   FAO         Forage          Grain        Biogas
32    FABREGAS                                                 220
33    AMAROC                                                   240
34    KILOMERIS                                             260/270

     The FAO number is a relative index of maturity. The lower the number, the fewer heat units that are required to
     reach harvest time. You can check your farm’s heat units and FAO suitability on the KWS website.
     *Proposed name. Hybrid subject to a Pre NL Marketing Agreement.

                                                                                               Maize Portfolio    03
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
Maize Selection

Ultra Early
A selection of the earliest-maturing hybrids available

 Site / Soil Type              Feeding System            Yield Potential           Harvest Management

     Ideal for cool sites or    High starch content        Moderate yield           Secure a very early
     low heat unit areas        is ideal for a TMR         potential for            start to harvest on
                                at up to 50% maize         intermediate sites,      warmer sites
     Ability to extend          silage                     where later varieties
     drilling window later                                 may not mature           Silage is available
     on heavier soils            Beef finishing                                     earlier in the autumn
                                                                                    / winter
                                Excellent energy
                                density ME/Kg

     Typically unsuitable        Low energy yield / ha     Yield may not be         Ultra early varieties
     for very sandy soils                                  optimised if grown       tend to dry down
     or high heat unit                                     on very warm or          more rapidly leading
     areas                                                 sheltered sites          to a shorter harvest
                                                                                    window

04    Maize Portfolio
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
How do they compare?

We have compiled the results below to show starch yield (t/ha) and starch content (%)
– these are the key targets we look for in ultra early hybrids.

A high starch yield makes maize economic to grow in marginal areas, when
combined with the protein and sugar from grass silage.

                                                  Starch Content (%) v Starch Yield (t/ha)
                        7.8
                                                                                          KWS EXELON
                                                                           RESOLUTE
                                                                                                KXB 9004

                        7.5
                                                                             PINNACLE
                                                                                        KWS PASCO (B9010)
  Starch Yield (t/ha)

                                                                                                     KWS ARVID
                        7.3
                                                                                        AVITUS KWS
                                                                              KWS CALVINI               KWS ARTIKUS
                                                         CONCLUSION
                                                                             AUTENS KWS
                        7.0
                                   KEOPS
                                                                                                                   CITO KWS
                                                              AURELIUS KWS

                        6.8             KWS PRIXDOR                                                        AUGUSTUS KWS

                        6.5
                              34   35           36       37           38        39            40            41            42           43
                                                                 Starch Content (%)

Data source: KWS LP250 2019 Average of all Sites.
Ultra Early (FAO 150-160) Early (FAO 170-190) Intermediate (FAO 200-220)

                                                                                                                          Maize Portfolio   05
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
CITO KWS
     Ultra Early: FAO 150

          CITO KWS is the first in
          a new generation of short
                                       Step up your forage performance!
          season hybrids – it offers   Characteristics / Quality
          higher grain density and     n   		 Strong yield performance in the ultra-early segment – (94%)
          disease tolerance.                   across marginal sites
          Breeder’s view               n   		 Rapid early vigour (7.2) ideal for early or late drilling
                                       n   		 Short season hybrid with full cob sheath coverage
                                       n   		 High starch (36.7%) and ME (11.92 MJ/Kg) content
                                       n   		 KWS top selling ultra-early hybrid

                                       Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for less
                                       favourable sites (2021).

06    Maize Portfolio
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
AUGUSTUS KWS
                                                                    Ultra Early: FAO 160

                                                                                           More options for early
A born leader!                                                                             feedout! AUGUSTUS
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                           KWS is an ideal choice for
n   		 No.1 DM yield in its segment – (95%) across all marginal sites
                                                                                           short season maize silage
n   		 Rapid early vigour (7.1)
                                                                                           production
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage                                                           Breeder’s view

n   		 Excellent starch (35.7 %) and ME content (11.78 MJ/Kg)

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for less
favourable sites (2021).

                                                                                                            Maize Portfolio   07
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
RUBIERA KWS
     Ultra Early: FAO 160

          RUBIERA KWS combines
          high DM yields with
                                      The silage athlete!
          excellent ME and starch     Characteristics / Quality
          content owing to its very   n   		 Class leading DM yield – (94%) across all sites
          high grain content.         n   		 Rapid early vigour (7.0)
          Breeder’s view              n   		 Semi dry down for low effluent risk
                                      n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
                                      n   		 Excellent starch (36.2%) and ME content (11.88 MJ/Kg)

                                      Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for less
                                      favourable sites (2021).

08    Maize Portfolio
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
SERGIO KWS
                                                                  Ultra Early: FAO 160

                                                                                         Versatile and vigorous!
Exceptional ME and early vigour!                                                         SERGIO KWS gives
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                         excellent early vigour on
n   		 Above average DM yield for its maturity - (95%) across all sites
                                                                                         any site.
n   		 Good early vigour (7.5) for early or late drilling                               Breeder’s view

n   		 Above average starch (36.7%) and ME (11.79 MJ/Kg) content

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for less
favourable sites (2020).

                                                                                                          Maize Portfolio   09
Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
PEREZ KWS
     Ultra Early: FAO 160

          PEREZ KWS rewards
          growers with an early
                                        Gain higher yields faster!
          harvest – A high yielding     Characteristics / Quality
          variety suitable for silage   n   		 Strong DM yield in its segment – (100%)
          or AD use.                    n   		 Ideal for late drilling on favourable sites to encourage earlier
          Breeder’s view                        feedout
                                        n   		 Excellent starch (34.0%) and ME content (11.58 MJ/Kg)

                                        Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for less
                                        favourable sites (2021).

10    Maize Portfolio
KWS ARTIKUS
                                                                     Ultra Early: FAO 160

                                                                                            KWS ARTIKUS continues
Ultra early yields...rocket fuel silage!                                                    to push UK maize
                                                                                            performance higher – with
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                            superb energy – dense
n   		 Top DM yield in its class - across all NIAB trials
                                                                                            silage quality, driven by its
    – 2018: Average 17.7 t/ha DM
                                                                                            high kernel content.
    – 2021 DL: 17.9 t/ha DM
n   		 Rapid early vigour (2017: 6.0 – 8.7), 2021 DL (7.4)                                 Ideal for securing an early
n   		 Very high starch (2017: 37.8- 41.3%), 2021 DL (35.4%)                               harvest regardless of
n   		 Excellent ME content                                                                drilling date.
    – 2017: 11.90 MJ/Kg                                                                     Breeder’s view
    – 2021 DL: 11.88 MJ/Kg
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
n   		 Superb kernel content and ripening stability

Data source(s): KWS LP250 (2016 + 2017) & FERA NL Trials for Forage Maize
– All sites (2017 + 2018).

NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for favourable sites (2021).

                                                                                                             Maize Portfolio   11
KROFT
     Ultra Early: FAO 160

          KROFT is a stable
          performer on challenging
                                       Early Harvest… Early Feedout…
          sites where early            Characteristics / Quality
          harvesting is a necessity.   n		 Stable DM yield across NIAB trials (2011: 103)
          Breeder’s view               n		 Good early vigour for heavier soils or later drilling (2011: 8.1)
                                       n		 Excellent silage quality; Starch (2011: 36.6%), ME content
                                            (2011: 11.5 MJ/Kg)

                                       Data source: NIAB Descriptive List Trial Reports (2011).

12    Maize Portfolio
Your crop.
Your choice.
Our dedication.

KWS. Independent like you.
Making your own decisions. That is independence.
You know what’s best for your farm. We have the ideal variety.

www.kws-uk.com
Maize Selection

Early / Maincrop
High-yielding hybrids for all mainstream growing areas

 Site / Soil Type           Feeding System          Yield Potential             Harvest Management

     Ideal for all           A balanced starch        Lowest cost per            Slower dry down
     mainstream sites        content is ideal for     tonne for almost any       leads to a wider
     and moderate to high    a TMR up to 70%          mainstream site            harvest window
     heat unit areas         maize silage
                                                      Only slighly less yield    Ideal for biogas
                             Ability to combine       than maincrop forage       plants looking to
                             for crimped grain as     hybrids, with no risk      stagger their harvest
                             a valuable by-pass       of late harvest
                             starch source

     Typically unsuitable                             Yield may not be
     for heavier / chalk                              optimised if grown
     soils                                            on very warm or
                                                      sheltered sites

14    Maize Portfolio
How do they compare?

We have compiled the results below to show DM yield (t/ha) and DM content (%) –
these are the key targets we look for in early hybrids.

An economic yield of dry matter and early maturity are the key priorities for the
mainstream grower.

                                                       Yield (DM t/ha) v Maturity (DM %)
                    21.0

                                KEOPS                             RESOLUTE
                    20.0

                                        KWS PRIXDOR
                                                                    PINNACLE
                                                                                 KWS EXELON
                                        CONCLUSION
  DM Yield (t/ha)

                    19.0                                                                KXB 9004
                                                                                  KWS PASCO (B9010)

                                                     AURELIUS KWS      AUTENS KWS
                                                                                       KWS CALVINI
                    18.0
                                                                                                 AVITUS KWS
                                                                               KWS ARVID
                                                                                              KWS ARTIKUS

                    17.0

                                                                                                       AUGUSTUS KWS
                                                                                                                           CITO KWS
                    16.0
                           32              34                36                   38                  40              42                   44
                                                                             Dry Matter (%)

Data source: KWS LP250 2019 Average of all Sites.
Ultra Early (FAO 150-160) Early (FAO 170-190) Intermediate (FAO 200-220)

                                                                                                                              Maize Portfolio   15
AVITUS KWS
     Early: FAO 160/170

          AVITUS KWS pushes
          the boundaries of current
                                       Forage performance to reign
          early forage maize           supreme!
          breeding for all livestock   Characteristics / Quality
          farmers.                     n   		 Unrivalled DM yield in the early segment – over 18 t/ha DM on
          Breeder’s view                       the NIAB 2021 List
                                       n   		 1st place for DM Yield, Starch (%) and ME (MJ/Kg) of all
                                               modern hybrids
                                       n   		 Top early vigour (7.5)
                                       n   		 Very high starch (35.1%) and ME content (11.83 MJ/Kg)
                                       n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
                                       n   		 Moderate stay green for faster ripening

                                       Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for favourable
                                       sites (2021).

16    Maize Portfolio
KWS ARVID
                                                                Early: FAO 160/170

                                                                                     KWS ARVID delivers
Elite grain density                                                                  notable yields and starch
...No.1 Starch Yield!                                                                content – progressing
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                     the trend in early maize
n   		 Top DM yield in its class across all NIAB trials
                                                                                     performance.
		– 2017: 15.3 20.1 (Average 17.9 t/ha DM)                                           In both 2017 NL trials and
		– 2018: Average 18.6 t/ha DM                                                       KWS’ 2016 pre-screening,
n   		 Rapid early vigour 2017: 6.0-8.3, 2018 Average: 7.8                          the hybrid was noted for
n   		 Very high starch (2017: 36.5-40.9%) , 2018 Average 37.5 %                    its above average grain
n   		 Excellent ME content                                                         density.
		– 2017: 11.89 MJ/Kg                                                                Breeder’s view
		– 2018: 12.38 MJ/Kg
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
n   		 Superb kernel content and ripening stability

Data source(s): KWS LP250 (2016 + 2017) & FERA NL Trials for Forage Maize –
All sites (2017 + 2018).

                                                                                                      Maize Portfolio   17
KWS CALVINI
     Early: FAO 160/170

          KWS CALVINI offers
          superb early vigour, high
                                       Drive your ration performance –
          grain content and yield,     maturity, yield & starch in one!
          and is set to be a leading   Characteristics / Quality
          hybrid in the UK.            n   		 Top DM yield in its class - across all NIAB trials
          Breeder’s view                   – 2021 DL: 18.2 t/ha DM
                                       n   		 Top early vigour 2021 DL: 7.7
                                       n   		 Very high starch content
                                           – 2021 DL: 34.0%
                                       n   		 Superb ME content
                                           – 2017: 11.49 MJ/Kg
                                           – 2021 DL: 11.74 MJ/Kg
                                       n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
                                       n   		 High kernel content and ripening stability

                                       Data source(s): KWS LP250 (*2016 + *2017) & FERA NL Trials for Forage Maize – All sites (2017).
                                       NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for favourable sites (2021).

18    Maize Portfolio
KWS EXELON
                                                                 Early: FAO 170

                                                                                  KWS EXELON brings
Drive your silage output!                                                         added stability in field
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                  performance to the early
n   		 Leading DM yield (2018 – 19 mean: 19.4 t/ha DM *)
                                                                                  forage segment, thanks
n   		 High grain : stover ratio for energy dense silage
                                                                                  to its lower ear insertion
                                                                                  height. It has superb grain
    – Starch % (2018: 36.2%), 2019: 35.7%*
                                                                                  density leading to high
    – ME content (2018: 12.24 MJ/Kg), 2019: 12.76 MJ/Kg
                                                                                  starch yields surpassing
n   		 Ideal for moderate to high (50 – 70%) TMR inclusion and/or
        beef finishing                                                            hybrids of even 3–4
n   		 Approx. 4 days earlier than AURELIUS in KWS screening trials              seasons ago.
n   		 Excellent vigour (2018: 7.6) for all soil types                           Breeder’s view

Data source(s): FERA/NIAB National List Trials (2018), *KWS LP250 2018 & 2019.

                                                                                                   Maize Portfolio   19
KXB 9004
     Early: FAO 170

          KXB 9004 offers leading
          starch yields, thanks to
                                        Push your starch yield...
          its high grain density with   keep your harvest on track!
          added agronomic stability     Characteristics / Quality
          at harvest.                   n   		 Strong DM yield (2019: 104% -19.8 t/ha DM )
          Breeder’s view                n   		 High grain : stover ratio for energy dense silage
                                            – Starch % (2019: 32.6 %)
                                            – ME content (2019: 11.39 MJ/Kg)
                                        n   		 Ideal for moderate to high (50 – 70%) TMR inclusion
                                                and/or beef finishing
                                        n   		 Equal ripening to KWS CALVINI in KWS screening trials
                                        n   		 Excellent vigour (2019: 7.5) for all soil types

                                        Data source(s): FERA/NIAB National List Trials (2019), KWS LP250 2019.

                                        Hybrid subject to a Pre NL Marketing Agreement.

                                        Initial seed availability is limited.

20    Maize Portfolio
AUTENS KWS
                                                                    Early: FAO 170

                                                                                          AUTENS KWS delivers an
Outstanding field performance!                                                            impressive combination
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                          of bulk DM and high grain
n   		 Top DM yield in its class - across all NIAB trials (2014: 112;
                                                                                          content for added starch %
        2015: 109)                                                                        – a new benchmark in KWS
    – 2021 NIAB List DM Yield – 101% : 18.1 t/ha DM                                       silage trials.
n   		 Faster dry down with good standing power                                          Breeder’s view
n   		 Outstanding early vigour on all soil types (2014: 8.2; 2015: 7.6,
        2018 DL: 7.4) – 2021 DL: 7.4
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
n   		 Very high starch (2015: 35.2%, 2016: 34.6%) and ME content
        (2015: 11.6 MJ/Kg; 2016: 11.5 MJ/Kg)
    – 2021 DL 32.6 % Starch, 11.70 ME (MJ/Kg)

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for favourable
sites (2021).

                                                                                                           Maize Portfolio   21
RODRIGUEZ KWS
     Early: FAO 170

          Versatile for grain or silage
          production, RODRIGUEZ
                                          Versatile for silage or grain!
          KWS is stable particularly      Characteristics / Quality
          when grown at altitude or       n   		 High DM yield (99%)
          on heavier soils.               n   		 Reliable early vigour (6.6)
          Breeder’s view                  n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
                                          n   		 Stay green plant type for good eyespot resistance
                                          n   		 Excellent starch (35.3%) and ME content (11.89 MJ/Kg)

                                          Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for favourable
                                          sites (2021).

22    Maize Portfolio
EDGARD KWS
                                                                      Early: FAO 170

                                                                                       EDGARD KWS has given
Good early vigour, DM yields and                                                       stable yield performance
feed value…                                                                            in KWS and NL screening
                                                                                       trials in both the UK
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                       and Denmark since its
n   		 Top DM yield in its class - across NIAB trials (2014: 106 Rel.
        DM Yield)                                                                      introduction.
n   		 Good early vigour on all soil types (2014: 7.6)                                Breeder’s view
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage
n   		 Very high starch (2014: 34.3% and ME content (2014: 11.36
        MJ/Kg)

Data source(s): FERA NL Trials for Forage Maize – All sites (2014).

                                                                                                        Maize Portfolio   23
KWS PASCO*
     Early: FAO 170/180

          KWS PASCO is a stable
          single – cross silage
                                   Proficient yield performance for
          hybrid suitable for      silage or CCM!
          moderate to high maize   Characteristics / Quality
          inclusion in all TMR     n   		 Leading DM yield (t/ha DM ) and quality
          systems.
                                   		– 2019: 19.2 t/ha DM
          Breeder’s view           		– Starch % (2019: 34.3%)
                                   		– ME content (2019: 11.67 MJ/Kg)
                                   n   		 Ideal for CCM or high starch silage for beef finishing
                                   n   		 Equal ripening to AUTENS in KWS screening trials
                                   n   		 Good early vigour (2019: 7.2) for all soil types

                                   Data source(s): FERA/NIAB National List Trials (2019), KWS LP250 2019

                                   *Proposed name. Hybrid subject to a Pre-NL Marketing Agreement.

                                   Initial seed availability is limited.

24    Maize Portfolio
AURELIUS KWS
                                                                   Early: FAO 180

                                                                                          Outstanding yield
A new dynasty in maize growing!                                                           potential to rival later
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                          maturity hybrids –
n   		 Reliable DM yield in its segment – 101% DM Yield 2021
                                                                                          AURELIUS KWS is
        Descriptive List – Favourable sites                                               ideal for a higher maize
n   		 Rapid early vigour (7.4)                                                          inclusion in modern TMR
n   		 Full cob sheath coverage                                                          systems.
n   		 Balanced starch (31.6%) and ME content (11.65 MJ/Kg)                              Breeder’s view
n   		 Ideal balance of forage yield and energy content for 60 – 70%
        + maize inclusion

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for favourable
sites (2021).

                                                                                                           Maize Portfolio   25
KWS PRIXDOR
     Intermediate: FAO 190

          Selected for ultimate
          harvest versatility, KWS
                                        A premier forage and
          PRIXDOR is an ideal           grain hybrid!
          single cross flint dent       Characteristics / Quality
          hybrid. Suitable for silage   n   		 Leading DM yield (t/ha DM )
          and for crimped maize or
                                            – Silage 2018 mean: 102% -18.6 t/ha DM
          grain/CCM in favourable
                                            – Grain 2018 mean: 98% -9.4 t/ha grain
          areas, without the need       n   		 High grain : stover ratio for energy dense silage
          for plastic cover.
                                            – Starch % (2018: 34.5%)
          Breeder’s view                n   		 Single cross flint dent hybrid with excellent uniform ear
                                                insertion height
                                        n   		 Ideal for CCM, crimped or dried grain maize harvesting or
                                                high starch silage for beef finishing
                                        n   		 Approx. 4 days later than RODRIGUEZ in KWS
                                                screening trials
                                        n   		 Excellent vigour (2018: 8.0) for all soil types

                                        Data source(s): KWS Agroservice Development Trials, NL, FR 2018.

                                        *Proposed name. Hybrid subject to a Pre NL Marketing Agreement.

26    Maize Portfolio
KEOPS
                                                         Maincrop: FAO 210/220

                                                                                 KEOPS offers a wide
Multi-use silage or biogas                                                       drilling and harvest
– wide drilling window…                                                          window for silage or AD
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                                 in warmer areas.
n   		 Heavy yield potential (50 - 55 t/ha)                                     Breeder’s view

n   		 Ideal for spreading harvest or drilling window
n   		 High grain:stover ratio for more stable ripening in cooler
        seasons
n   		 Rapid early vigour
n   		 Recommended chop length: 7 – 9 mm
n   		 Recommended seed rate: 42,000 seeds / acre (103,000
        seeds / hectare)
n   		 In low rainfall areas: 38,000 seeds / acre (94,000 seeds /
        hectare)

Data source: KWS Agroservice 2015 – 2016.

                                                                                                  Maize Portfolio   27
AMBROSINI
     Maincrop: FAO 220

          AMBROSINI continues to
          be a true benchmark for
                                     One of KWS’ highest-yielding
          all FAO 200-220 maincrop   silage hybrids
          hybrids within the KWS     Characteristics / Quality
          programme.                 n   		 103% DM yield across all NIAB trials
          Breeder’s view             n   		 Good early vigour (7.1) on all sites
                                     n   		 Balanced starch (28.8%) and ME content (11.37 MJ/Kg)

                                     Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for favourable
                                     sites (2021).

28    Maize Portfolio
KWS Maize Demonstration Site

                                         We’re open in September
 Lydney, Gloucestershire                 to restricted numbers!

The KWS Maize Demonstration Sites at Lydney and
St Briavels are unique in the UK, showcasing all aspects
of maize breeding and the full KWS maize portfolio.
It includes:

      n		   Breeding demonstration
      n		   Population wheel
      n		   All current commercial hybrids
                                                              Second demonstration
      n		   New KWS forage and energy hybrids
                                                              site at nearby
             prior to commercialisation
                                                              St Briavels at 600ft
      n		   Sowing and seed width drilling trials            above sea level
      n		   Compare the UK’s top 20 bestselling              demonstrates the
             maize hybrids                                    different growing
                                                              and varietal effects
                                                              experienced at high
                                                              altitude.
Maize Selection

Biogas
Maximise your energy yield per hectare with these varieties

 Site / Soil Type            Feeding System           Yield Potential         Harvest Management

     Ideal for all            Maximised cellulose       Optimum cost per       High stay green
     mainstream sites,        and hemi-cellulose        tonne                  nature avoids a short
     and high heat unit       for longer retention                             harvest window
     areas                    times in biogas           Yield potential can
                              plants                    be maximised by        Wide range of
     Ideal for sandy                                    drilling date and      maturities available to
     soils where drought      Stay green nature for     careful drilling       spread workload
     tolerance and lower      easier chop length        planning
     seed rates help to       management and
     preserve yield           storage

     Typically unsuitable                                                      Avoid growing
     for heavier / chalk                                                       feedstock at
     soils or colder sites                                                     excessive distance
                                                                               from the main clamp

30    Maize Portfolio
How do they compare?

We have compiled the results below to show DM yield (t/ha) and DM content
– these are the key targets we look for in our energy maize hybrids.

A high DM yield is directly linked to methane yield. A key target for farmers
looking to optimise their feedstock cost and achieve an adequate DM content
suitable for anaerobic digestion.

                                                               LP251 Biogas AD VarTest (DM Yield)
                     25.0

                                 KILOMERIS
                     24.0

                                                      AMAROC
                                                                                                           KEOPS
   DM Yield (t/ha)

                     23.0
                                                                     MALLORY

                                                  FREDERICO KWS
                                                                               AMAVERDE                        KXB8111
                     22.0
                                                                                       FABREGAS
                                                                                                                          AURELIUS KWS
                                                                                 LG 30.209

                     21.0
                                                                                              P7892

                     20.0
                            31               32          33              34             35            36             37      38            39
                                                                                  Dry Matter (%)

Data source: KWS LP251 2019 Average of all Sites.
Early (FAO 190-210) Intermediate (FAO 220-240)                    Late (FAO 250-260)

                                                                                                                              Maize Portfolio   31
FABREGAS
     Energy: FAO 220

          FABREGAS has been the
          long term standard for AD
                                       The early midfielder…
          maize production since its   proven in practice!
          UK introduction.             Characteristics / Quality
          Breeder’s view               n   		 Heavy yield potential (50-55 t/ha)
                                       n   		 Safe maturity for the majority of mainstream sites (27-31% DM)
                                       n   		 Recommended chop length: 7-9 mm
                                       n   		 Recommended seed rate: 42,000 seeds / acre
                                               (103,000 seeds / hectare)
                                       n   		 In low rainfall areas: 38,000 seeds / acre (94,000 seeds /
                                               hectare)
                                       Data source: KWS Agroservice 2008 – 2011.

32    Maize Portfolio
AMAROC
                                                       Energy: FAO 240

                                                                         AMAROC offers excellent
Heavy yield potential                                                    DM yield for AD feedstock
Characteristics / Quality
                                                                         production on favourable
n   		 Heavy yield potential (55 - 60 t/ha)
                                                                         sites and in high heat unit
n   		 Ideal for spreading harvest or drilling window on lighter land
                                                                         areas.
        – surpasses former generation hybrids eg CAROLINIO and           Breeder’s view
        BARROS
n   		 Rapid early vigour
n   		 Recommended chop length: 7 – 9 mm
n   		 Recommended seed rate: 42,000 seeds / acre (103,000
        seeds / hectare)
n   		 In low rainfall areas: 38,000 seeds / acre (94,000 seeds /
        hectare)

Data source: KWS Agroservice 2015 – 2016.

                                                                                          Maize Portfolio   33
KILOMERIS
     Energy: FAO 260/270

          KILOMERIS offers top
          yield potential from lighter
                                         The ultimate in feedstock yield
          soils – exclusively for        – ideal for light soils!
          biogas use.                    Characteristics / Quality
          Breeder’s view                 n   		 Ideal hybrid for drought-prone areas – yields exceed earlier
                                                 hybrids*
                                         n   		 Mass type, very high volume plant, strong stay green
                                         n   		 Excellent early vigour
                                         n   		 Recommended chop length: 7-9 mm
                                         n   		 Recommended seed rate: 40,000 seeds / acre (98,000 seeds
                                                 / hectare)
                                         n   		 In low rainfall areas: 38,000 seeds / acre (94,000 seeds /
                                                 hectare)

                                         Data source: KWS Agroservice 2013 – 2016. *(60 t/ha + in optimum conditions,
                                         40 – 45 t/ha in dry areas depending on cultivation).

34    Maize Portfolio
Drilling Tips
Optimum drill timing depends on soil conditions, temperature and seedbed moisture.
Modern hybrids have a high degree of cold tolerance but should not be drilled before
soils have reached an even temperature for 3-4 days (8°C for light soils, 12°C for heavy
soils) to give the best possible establishment.

         Drilling considerations
         n		 Soil type (heavy, medium or light soils),
              temperature and moisture availability
         n		 Site and yield potential (eg warm site

              with light soils, cold site with heavy soils)
         n		 Short term weather forecast

         Effects of premature drilling
         n		 Slowed germination
         n		 Uneven emergence, necessity to
              increase seed rates
         n		 Reduced nutrient uptake (low soil

              temperature)

         Effects of late drilling
         n		 Delayed harvesting
         n		 Requirement for earlier maturing
              varieties
         n		 Increased risk of lodging

         Recommended seed rates
                                                                   Deposition distance (cm)
               Plants/ha (acre)            Units*/ha (acre)
                                                              at 75cm (30“)        at 50cm (19“)
                85,000 (34,000)                1.8 (0.72)       14.9                      22.4
                90,000 (36,000)                1.9 (0.76)        14.1                     21.2
                95,000 (38,000)                2.0 (0.81)       13.3                      20.1
               100,000 (40,000)                2.1 (0.85)       12.7                      19.0
               105,000 (42,000)                2.2 (0.89)        12.1                     18.1
               110,000 (44,500)                2.3 (0.93)        11.5                     17.3
               115,000 (46,500)                2.4 (0.98)        11.0                     16.6
         *1 Unit = 50,000 seeds

                                                                                       Maize Portfolio   35
Pros/Cons of 50cm v 75cm row widths
Row spacing differs from plant density but can sometimes be confused.

             Typical yield responses are difficult to
             measure when harvested for silage with
             the main effects being a difference in
             starch content and dry matter for the
             same hybrid at equal harvest time.

             Closer row spacing produces a denser
             crop with higher freshweight yields and is
             best adopted on favourable sites. Thicker
             crops also show a faster dry down over
             standard row widths, but care should be
             taken to avoid excess plant numbers,
             as this is likely to induce lodging.

             Advantages
             n		 Faster row closing and inhibition of
                  weeds
             n		 Reduced erosion risk

             n		 Minimal risk of excess residual nitrogen

             n		 Ability to tramline

             n		 Drill utilisation between crops

             Disadvantages
             n		 Higher risk of seed bunching if using a
                  non-precision drill
             n		 Potential for increased lodging on

                  exposed sites
             n		 Overall higher drilling cost

             n		 Precludes crimping / CCM or dried grain

                  maize harvesting
             n		 Necessitates possible adjustment of

                  starter fertiliser (DAP / MAP) rates

                                                             Standard 75cm row width (top) & non-standard 50cm row width
                                                             (bottom) Images supplied courtesy Väderstad

36   Maize Portfolio
Harvesting Tips

The KWS UK portfolio
focuses on offering
farmers the flexibility of a
wide harvest date range,
demonstrated in two key
areas:
n   		Avoiding rapid dry
      down of the leaf stover
      maintains a good level of
      stay green
n   		Early flowering and cob
      maturity

Harvest maturity indicator

    Grain maturity                      Description
                                                                                                    Effects of harvesting too early
                                                                  Cob DM (%)   Whole plant DM (%)

    Milk                                Grain immature                                              n		 Lower yield
                                        Avoid premature                                             n		 Reduced energy, starch
                                        harvesting                10-15        < 20
                                                                                                         and ME which results in
    Soft dough                          Grains become
                                        firmer. Husks remain                                             lower intake potential
                                        green                     20-28        20-27
                                                                                                    n		 Higher risk of clamp effluent

    Hard dough                          Silage maturity
                                        reached at ‘hard dough’                                          – requires a longer chop
                                        stage. Reduced risk of                                           length
                                        clamp effluent            30-45        28-32
                                                                                                    n		 Poor dry matter intake
    Hard ripe                           Grain at ‘hard ripe’
                                        stage. Crop ready for                                            and palatability resulting in
                                        late cut silage or CCM    48-50        33-35
                                                                                                         acidic silage
    Fully ripe                          Grain fully matured
                                        Husks died back
                                        Ready for crimped
                                        maize or late cut CCM     65-70        36-45
                                                                                                    Effects of late harvesting
                                                                                                    n		 Higher harvesting costs and
Data source: KWS UK 2009
                                                                                                         increased field losses
Ideal harvesting conditions for maize
                                                                                                    n		 Low digestibility and

                                                                                                         palatability
                                                                                                    n		 Excessive dry matter and

                                                                                                         poor clamp stability
                                                                                                    n		 Difficult clamp consolidation

                                                                                                         will require a shorter chop
                                                                                                         length
                                                                                                    n		 Soil damage/compaction

                                                                                                                   Maize Portfolio   37
A virtual experience…

                                                                          360

Maize 360
New for 2020, we are launching an online virtual 360 experience of our KWS
Maize Demonstrate Site at Lydney.
View the crops, walk the trial fields, find out more and listen to our experts
as they take you through all of our commercial hybrids, different sowing and
drilling trials and compare the UK’s top maize hybrids.
Launching October – Visit our website or scan the QR code to experience
Maize 360!

www.kws-uk.com
Explore our world...

                                                                         360

Cereals 360
Experience a crop tour like no other and discover our key varieties of barley,
hybrid rye, oilseed rape and wheat. Learn as you listen to KWS experts
talking through our key crop portfolio covering yield, agronomy, end markets
and disease resistance.Cereals 360 is accessible wherever, whenever, from
the comfort of your own home through computers, or out in the field on
tablets and mobile.

Visit our website or scan the QR code to be immersed now in the KWS
Virtual World; Cereals 360!

www.cereals360.com | www.kws-uk.com
Digital consulting
for farmers

myKWS
The free myKWS service supports you with digital tools that help you with
relevant decisions around your cultivation, as well as an e-mail-service, which
informs you about relevant topics at the right time – so that you can achieve
optimal returns at the end of the season.

To find out more and sign up, visit our website:

www.kws-uk.com/mykws
 www.kws-uk.com/mykws
Farmer Cockpit
Once signed up to myKWS you will gain access to the Farmer
Cockpit; a hub of tools, which will help with the cultivation of your
KWS maize varieties, as well as all your other crops from KWS.

Key tools for maize:

                       Soil Temperature Tool
                       Find the soil temperatures of the previous
                       days for your region to find the optimal
                       sowing date.

                       Heat Unit Tool
                       Check your predicted harvest date based on
                       the FAO of your selected hybrids, and the
                       average heat units for your location.

                       Field Vitality Check
                       Receive comprehensive field vitality maps for
                       your fields across all crops.

                                                                    Maize Portfolio   41
With you throughout the year...

 myKWS MAIZE is our quarterly newsletter, keeping
 you up to date on topical issues during the growing
 season, varietal selection and other related subjects.
 To sign up for your copy of myKWS Maize scan the QR code or visit our website

 www.kws-uk.com
KWS Publications to assist you with
your maize growing...
MAIZE BEST PRACTICE                    MAIZE FIELD GUIDE
Ensiling, Feeding & Nutrition          Maize crop development, Pests &
– AD and Animal performance            Diseases

MAIZE BEST PRACTICE                    CROPPING FOR BIOGAS
Agronomy & Growing

  Maize Best Practice
  Agronomy & Growing

                          SEEDING
                       THE FUTURE
                          SINCE 1856
  www.kws-uk.com

                                                                Maize Portfolio   43
The importance of a good start
      INITIO BIRD PROTECT offers maximum root health and crop safety in maize

       INITIO BIRD PROTECT
       KWS SEED TECHNOLOGIES

KWS UK LTD – MAIZE                                                                             Rob Hunt                    Commercial Director
Atwoods Grange                                                                                 Mobile:                     +44 (0)7979 290702
Station Road                                                                                   E-mail:                     rob.hunt@kws.com
Woolaston
Lydney                                                                                         John Burgess Maize Product Manager
Gloucestershire                                                                                Mobile:      +44 (0)7766 258264
GL15 6PN                                                                                       E-mail:      john.burgess@kws.com
KWS UK LTD
                                                                                               John Morgan Maize Sales Manager
56 Church Street                                                                               Mobile:     +44 (0)7595 562943
Thriplow, Nr Royston,                                                                          E-mail:     john.morgan@kws.com
Hertfordshire
SG8 7RE                                                                                        Alison Phipps General Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0) 1763 207300                                                                       Telephone:    +44 (0)1594 528234
Fax: +44 (0) 1763 207310
                                                                                               E-mail:       maize@kws-uk.com
www.kws-uk.com

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                              @KWSUKltd                     @KWSUKLtd                       @KWSUKltd                       KWS UK Ltd

The described varieties have reached these results / traits in practice and trials. The achievement of the results and the genetic causes of atypical expression in the plants also
depends on uncontrollable factors. From there we are not able to assume any responsibility or liability that these results / traits will be reached under all environmental conditions.
This booklet has been produced to the best knowledge available at the time of printing, no liability can be accepted for any mistakes or loss in relation to this booklet.
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