Progress in maize hybrids breeding based on official registration trials in Poland in last 20-year period

Hanna Sulewska

Abstract

The progress in breeding of grain and silage hybrids was analysed based on results of the official testing of maize hybrids during 20 years from 1981 to 2000. A number of maize hybrids tested significantly increased in 1990’s. Competition between seed companies resulted in big progress of both usage types (grain and silage). This progress was expressed by over 45% increase of the mean grain yield in all hybrid groups. At the same time farmers obtained much lower yields, which indicates a small ability to take advantage of hybrids potential productivity. Positive progress was obtained in limitation of lodging (almost 8%). Plant health was improved in many new hybrids but average data did not show significant progress in this aspect. Number of hybrids tested for silage was much lower than for grain. During 20 years nearly 38% increase of total dry matter yield (average for hybrids) was evidenced. Significant progress was observed in ear yields (52%), content of ears in total dry matter, which indicates a progress also in silage quality. Fodder units yield increased by 37.5% (average for all hybrids) during this period.