Limagrain varieties added to maize list

Three new forage maize varieties from Limagrain have been added to the BSPB/NIAB Descriptive List for 2023-24.

The list compares major maize varieties across the key growing locations of the UK. Comparisons are made on crop dry matter, crop yield, agronomic data such as lodging, and quality characteristics of starch and energy.

Two very early maturing Limagrain varieties – Skipper and Foxtrot – sit atop the new list of first choice varieties for favourable sites. The third variety – later maturing LG31207 – tops the list for very favourable sites.

Suitable sites

Skipper and Foxtrot are ranked numbers one and two respectively as first choice varieties for starch yield on favourable sites. Meanwhile, while LG31207 tops the chart for ME yield for varieties suited to very favourable sites.

Skipper is ideal for farmers who want to fill their clamps with a very early maturing crop of exceptionally energy-rich and starch-filled maize, says Limagrain maize manager Tim Richmond.

“Skipper also performs well on marginal sites, where its good early vigour (6.9), excellent standing power (7.6) and early ripening cobs deliver an easy to harvest crop that gives exceptional dry matter and energy yields.”

Foxtrot is classified as a very early maturing variety and is second only to Skipper in terms of starch yield (6.54 t/ha). It scores well for ME yield (222,363 MJ/ha), DM yield (18.7 t/ha) early vigour (7.2) and cell wall digestibility (59.4%).

Bulky early maturer

“Foxtrot is ideal for dairy and beef farmers who are looking for a bulky and very early maturing variety that will improve the feed conversion efficiency of their herd’s ration,” says Mr Richmond.

The third new Limagrain variety to be added to this year’s descriptive list is LG31207. Classed as an intermediate to late-maturing variety, Mr Richmond says it is of the best varieties for very favourable sites.

It scores well for ME yield (217,115 MJ/ha), dry matter yield (18.7 t/ha), standing power (8.0) , early vigour (8.2) and eyespot resistance 7.5, making it a safe choice for growers looking for an energy-rich, easy to grow variety for AD purposes, he adds.