CERC Results Highlight Quality Performers In Difficult Maize Year

Failure to do so, followed by another poor growing season will lead to disappointing, low energy maize silage in the clamp,” says KWS UK maize specialist, John Burgess.Mr Burgess points to the exceptional performance of the new variety Lapriora (KXA 5011) in CERC trials at Chester and Lackham as an example of what can be achieved by selecting stable varieties, with assured starch values.

“The variety exhibited strong vigour and exceptional earliness, standing out all season,” he says.  “In comparison, later types such as NK Bull, Claxxon, Meribel and Tango just didn’t perform last year”.

This is reflected in quality data from the trials, where Lapriora averaged starch contents of 39.5% and an equivalent digestibility of 73%. 

With over 4% more starch than any other variety in the trials – NK Bull, for example coming in with a starch content of under 30%.

To put this into context, while NK Bull in the same trial would have had a ME of around 11.5, Lapriora’s performance was equivalent to an 11.7 ME.

Mr Burgess suggests that the quality results add weight to the selection of Lapriora as a dual-purpose variety that will suit grain maize as well as CCM or silage production.

“Across a variable season, these types are far more likely to develop decent cobs and mature under challenging conditions with limited heat units,” he advises.

“It is only by selecting consistent varieties that start early and bulk up efficiently that growers in marginal areas can be sure of maximising starch output and energy values in their feed, every year.”