Get expert advice for hybrid selection

September 2025

MODERN MAIZE HYBRIDS ARE HIGHLY DIVERSE AND SPECIFICALLY ADAPTED TO DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND REGIONS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASK YOUR SUPPLIER THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ENSURE YOU CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE HYBRID FOR YOUR AREA.

Without advice from an expert, you may end up losing out on higher yields and may even experience disease problems.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ASKING

• Given my production practices, which cultivar will suit my farming practices best?
  • Remember that cultivars differ in terms of adaptability. Some cultivars will produce high yields if everything is done 100% correctly, but the same cultivar will not produce sufficient yields if optimal conditions are not provided.
• Given my resources and soil fertilisation strategy, which cultivar will do the best? 
  • Some cultivars can tolerate high pH soils better than others, but these cultivars are not necessarily the highest producing cultivars under 100% soil conditions.
• Which growth length is the best suited for my area? 
  • There is a big difference between the eastern and western production areas, and the same for dryland and irrigation.
• What is the preferred plant population to plant? 
  • The eastern regions and areas under irrigation have a higher population than the western areas.
• When is the optimum planting date for my region, and when is the latest I can plant? 
  • Once again, there is a big difference from the east to the west, and the risk of frost damage is important.
• Which kernel sizes do you have on offer and how many kernels per bag? 
  • This is important to determine how many hectares you can plant per bag and how many bags you have to order.
• Which kernel sizes will fit my planter the best?
  • Some kernels are round and others are flat. Different planters can plant different types of kernels more accurately.
• What is the price difference between Bt and RR hybrids, and can you supply them? 
  • Be aware that genetically modified organism (GMO) types are more expensive than conventional hybrids.
• Do you have any trial data for my area?
  • With this information, you can make sure that the seed you order, is adapted to your area.
• Is the hybrid you are suggesting tolerant to drier or wetter seasons? 
  • This is to determine the drought tolerance of the hybrid.
• What is the latest I can pay without being penalised, and is there a discount structure?
  • Normally, early payments have good discounts.
• What is the profile to leaf and cob diseases of the hybrid you are suggesting?
  • Certain leaf diseases are more prominent in certain areas than others, for example, grey leaf spot, common rust, northern corn blight, ear rot and diplodia.
• What is the rating for standability?
  • This question is very important for harvesting purposes.
• How deep must I plant the seed, and how must I manage the seedlings?
  • Some cultivars need more attention and management after planting in order to sustain a high plant rate.

Publication: September 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: AK GELDENHUYS, DELTA SEED AND PIETMAN BOTHA, INDEPENDENT AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT