Maize Variety Portfolio 2021
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Maize Variety Portfolio
2021
SEEDING
THE FUTURE
www.kws-uk.com SINCE 1856
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.
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 PortfolioKWS 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 11KROFT
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 PortfolioYour 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 PortfolioHow 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 15AVITUS 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 PortfolioKWS 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 17KWS 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 PortfolioKWS 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 19KXB 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 PortfolioAUTENS 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 21RODRIGUEZ 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 PortfolioEDGARD 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 23KWS 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 PortfolioAURELIUS 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 25KWS 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 PortfolioKEOPS
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 27AMBROSINI
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 PortfolioKWS 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 PortfolioHow 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 31FABREGAS
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 PortfolioAMAROC
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 33KILOMERIS
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 PortfolioDrilling 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 35Pros/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 PortfolioHarvesting 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 37A 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.comExplore 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.comDigital 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 41With 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 43The 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
Follow us on social media and share your stories!
@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.You can also read
