The 2022 recommended maize variety list has been published by the Department of Agriculture.
One notable factor being that this is the last season growers can use oxo-degradable due to the single-use plastic directive from the EU. Despite the ban, it can still be used up this season.
The varieties listed have been independently tested by the Department over three years under Irish conditions. The Department has announced that it will not continue covered forage maize trials in 2022 using alternative degradable plastic films, and a 2023 recommended list will not be produced.
Recommended covered maize varieties
Ambition (R): This is the lowest yielding variety on the list. It has the highest starch content. It has extremely high dry matter content and is an extremely early maturing variety. It is suitable for late sowing and/or early harvest, particularly on marginal sites.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
Konfluens (R): This is a high-yielding variety with high starch content. Dry matter content is good and it is a medium maturing variety.
Bred by KWS Saat, Germany.
Irish agent: DLF Seeds.
LG31235 (R): It is a good yielding variety with moderate starch content. Dry matter content is moderate and it is a medium to late maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
P8200 (R): It is a high-yielding variety with good starch content. It has moderate dry matter content and is a medium to late maturing variety.
Bred by Pioneer.
P8201 (R): This is the highest yielding variety on the list. It has high starch content. Dry matter content is good and it is a medium maturing variety.
Bred by Pioneer.
Spyci CS (R): This is a moderate yielding variety with high starch content. Dry matter content is high and it is an early to medium maturing variety.
Bred by Caussade Semences.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
SY Feeditop (R): This is a moderate yielding variety with high starch content. It has high dry matter content and is an early to medium maturing variety.
Bred by Syngenta. Irl
Agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
Uncovered
In 2021, just 10% of the Irish maize area was planted without plastic. The Department intends to supply a new uncovered recommended list in 2023, following the required minimum three-year trialling period from 2020 to 2022. Here is an outline of varieties from the last year in which uncovered trials were held.
Activate (PR-1): Uncovered: Fully recommended variety in 2015. High relative yieldand Dry Matter with very high starch content. An early maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
Ambition (R): Uncovered: Fully recommended variety in 2015. High relative yield anddry matter with very high starch content. An early maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
Atrium (R): Uncovered: Good yielding variety. It has the lowest dry matter content onthe list. High starch content. Late maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Advanta Nederland BV, The Netherlands.
Irish agent: Seed Technology Ltd.
Beacon (R): Uncovered: Good yielding variety with good dry matter content. Veryhigh starch content. Medium-early maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Goldcrop Ltd.
Beethoven (R): Uncovered: High yielding variety. Moderate dry matter content. Lowstarch content. Medium-late maturing variety.
Bred by Limagrain Verneuil Holding, France.
Irish agent: Seed Technology Ltd.
Kroft (R): Uncovered: Below average yielding variety. Very high dry matter andexceptional starch content, the highest on the recommended list. A very earlymaturing variety and suitable for less favourable sites.
Bred by KWS, Germany.
Irish agent: Seed Technology Ltd.
Severus (PR-1): Uncovered: First entered the list in 2015 with a provisional recommendation. Yield and dry matter are good and starch content is very high. A nearly maturing variety.
Bred by KWS, Germany.
Irishagent:SeedTechnologyLtd
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