How to choose the right predecessor and understand the difference between intensive and extensive corn hybrids?
Selecting the appropriate corn hybrid for cultivation—whether in monoculture or alongside other predecessors—is crucial. The best predecessors for corn include cereals and legumes, while sunflower and corn are the least favorable options.
When choosing a hybrid, it is essential to consider its drought resistance and its ability to utilize adequate mineral nutrition effectively. Answering these questions will help determine whether you need extensive or intensive hybrids.
“Extensive hybrids are less demanding regarding growing conditions. They tolerate short-term droughts better and deliver satisfactory results with minimal nutritional input. On the other hand, intensive hybrids have the potential for higher productivity but require more careful management, greater moisture, and a more supportive agricultural environment. Only under such conditions can we fully realize their potential.”
Farmers in regions with reliable moisture levels often prefer using intensive hybrids. According to Mr. Yurii Nagornyi, the Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding offers several intensive hybrids, including Paradis, Tor, Gran 6, Amarok 290, and Tesla.
Among them, Amarok 290 (FAO 320) stands out for its drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions. However, it performs optimally when there is sufficient moisture. Last year, it yielded 5-6 tons per hectare in the Kirovohrad region and 15 tons per hectare in the Kyiv region. This hybrid is suitable for both grain and silage production.
In contrast, Gran 6 (FAO 300) demonstrates stability under different growing conditions and exhibits a rapid moisture release. It yielded 6.5 tons per hectare in the Mykolaiv region and 14.8 tons per hectare in the Kyiv region.
Mr. Yurii Nahornyi, an agronomist at VNIS, notes,
“Another one of our hybrids, Tesla, can be sown across Ukraine. It is a versatile and adaptable hybrid that farmers greatly appreciate. Although it has FAO 350, it releases moisture efficiently. In the Kirovohrad region, it was harvested with a yield of 8.5 tons per hectare, and in the Kyiv region, it reached 15.2 tons per hectare with a moisture content of 18%. It is suitable for grain, silage, and biogas production.”
Farmers in southern regions more commonly use extensive hybrids, as they are more drought-resistant, albeit yielding less than intensive hybrids. The VNIS portfolio includes Gran 310, VN 63, Manticore, and VN6763.
Moisture Release and Drought Tolerance of Corn Hybrids: Why It Matters
When seed companies describe corn hybrids in their catalogs, they often highlight the level of moisture release. This metric refers to the hybrid's ability to release moisture during ripening. Selecting a hybrid that matures just before a cold snap allows for a more efficient harvest, resulting in less moist grain and reduced drying costs.
Mr. Yurii Nahornyi, an agronomist at the Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding (VNIS), states:
“VN 63 releases moisture phenomenally due to its thin cob rod. In fact, very few hybrids on the Ukrainian market today match its powerful moisture release.”
He also adds that moisture has emerged as a critical limiting factor in corn cultivation in recent years. Mr. Nahornyi emphasizes the importance of choosing hybrids that yield consistently even in drought conditions. He mentions the Tesla hybrid and others like VN 6763, VN 63, and Manticore as particularly drought-tolerant options.
Another essential factor to consider when reviewing seed catalogs is resistance to lodging. Although modern hybrids generally exhibit good stability and stem quality, weather conditions can still be unpredictable. Lodging-resistant hybrids can be harvested over an extended period, allowing farmers to adapt to adverse weather.
What about disease-resistant corn hybrids?
According to Mr. Nahornyi, corn's primary diseases include blister smut, Fusarium root rot, and Fusarium head blight.
"Blister smut is an insidious disease," he explains. "The best management strategy is to select a hybrid resistant to this disease. It is unlikely to occur if there are no significant weather events, such as hail. Fusarium root rot can be mitigated through seed treatment agents and choosing resistant hybrids."
I do No-till, while my neighbor uses Strip-till. What hybrids do you recommend?
You need to choose hybrids that have a strong root system. Mr. Nahornyi notes that all VNIS hybrids are suitable for strip-till cultivation. However, hybrids such as VN 63, Gran 6, VN 6367, and Tesla have performed exceptionally well under no-till conditions.
What common mistakes do farmers make most often when choosing corn hybrids?
First, many farmers choose the wrong maturity group, which is a significant issue. Secondly, a common misconception is that choosing intensive hybrids will automatically lead to exceptional yields. However, this is not the case - if farmers opt for an intensive hybrid but fail to provide the necessary inputs, such as mineral nutrition and adequate moisture, the yield will suffer.
A third frequent mistake is sowing hybrids with the same FAO on the same farm.
Mr. Yuriy Nagorny, an agronomist at the Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding(VNIS), advises:
“When people ask me how to choose a hybrid, I always recommend sowing hybrids with different FAOs on the same farm. Some may perform well in one season while others excel in the next. This varies based on precipitation during critical times for corn growth. By diversifying, farmers can achieve an average positive result by the fall. Relying on a hybrid with a single FAO is like playing the lottery.”
Mr. Yuriy Nahornyi recommends allocating 25% of the area to early-maturing hybrids, 50% to those that best match the regional conditions, and reserving the remaining 25% for hybrids with higher FAO and later maturity.
Additionally, he emphasizes that corn is a thermophilic and moisture-loving crop. To ensure good seedling development, soil temperatures at seed depth should be at least 10°C, with an acceptable minimum of 8°C—but warmer temperatures are preferable. Many farmers overlook this guideline, leading to weak or nonexistent seedlings.
What are the criteria for choosing sunflower hybrids?
Maturity group. This criterion helps farmers choose a hybrid based on the number of active temperature sums in their region. It indicates whether the hybrid will have enough time to mature and dry out under local conditions and whether the farmer can harvest the sunflower before planting the next crop. If the next crop is a spring planting like corn, hybrids with a longer growing season can be selected. Conversely, shorter-season hybrids should be chosen if winter crops are planned to ensure timely harvesting and field preparation.
In Ukraine, there are five groups of sunflower maturity:
- early ripe - with a growing season of 70-105 days;
- medium early - 105-110 days;
- medium-ripening - 110-115 days;
- medium-late - 116-120 days;
- late-ripening - more than 121 days.
Mr. Yurii Nahornyi, an agronomist at the Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding (VNIS), emphasizes:
“Farmers must always assess their resources and technical capabilities while considering climatic conditions. For example, in northern and western Ukraine, where active temperature sums are lower, late-maturing sunflowers are unsuitable because they may remain green in the field as snowfall occurs. Therefore, hybrids with shorter growing seasons are preferable in these areas.”
It is also important to note that intensive sunflower hybrids require a strong agricultural foundation and adequate moisture, as well as extensive sunflower hybrids that are drought-resistant and can produce a good harvest even under unfavorable conditions.
What about sunflower diseases?
In recent years, the area dedicated to sunflower cultivation has increased in our country, leading to a rise in the number of diseases affecting this crop.
For example, ten years ago, fungicides were just beginning to gain attention, and most growers rarely applied them - if they did, it was typically only once. The situation has now changed dramatically; with the expansion of sowing areas, the prevalence of diseases has also increased. In many cases, achieving good yields without proper fungicide application has become challenging. Currently, sunflowers require at least two treatments with fungicides.
It is also crucial to consider the resistance of hybrids to various pathogens. Diseases such as downy mildew and different forms of sclerotinia can be particularly challenging to manage with fungicides alone. Breeders at VNIS are actively working on developing sunflower hybrids with genetic resistance to these diseases. We already have several resistant hybrids available in our portfolio, including Mastak, Magnum, Karlos 105, Folk, Vegas, Almera, and others.
Do I want to grow high oleic sunflower? How do I choose a hybrid?
The selection process for high oleic sunflowers is similar to that of conventional sunflowers, with considerations including maturity group, herbicide technology, resistance to broomrape, and hybrid intensity. It is advisable to choose hybrids from certified producers while also looking for an oleic acid content above 82%. Additionally, it is essential to maintain spatial isolation by at least 300 meters from conventional sunflower fields to prevent cross-pollination.
What are the most common mistakes farmers make when choosing sunflower hybrids?
Improper selection of a hybrid. One of the main mistakes is selecting a hybrid that is not suited for the farm's specific soil and climate zone. Mr. Yurii Nahornyi advises consulting with seed producers to identify the right hybrid. Intensive hybrids may struggle in the South due to excessive heat, while late-ripening hybrids may need more time to mature in the West.
Resistance to broomrape. Some farmers mistakenly believe that if sunflowers haven’t been planted in their fields for 10 years, they are free from broomrape infestations. However, broomrape can persist in the soil and can even parasitize other weeds, as it can be spread by wind and machinery.
Incorrectly selected cultivation technology. Selecting the wrong cultivation technology can also be a mistake. Classical cultivation methods may need to be more effective for fields infested with perennial weeds. The options for insurance and selective herbicides are limited for classical hybrids. Therefore, it is crucial to choose sunflower cultivation techniques based on the specific soil, climatic conditions, and types of weeds present.
Mr. Yurii Nagorny, an agronomist at the Ukrainian Scientific Institute of Plant Breeding (VNIS):
“Another common mistake is sowing too early. Some farmers think sunflowers are more cold-resistant than corn, so they can plant them as soon as the snow melts. While this is feasible for farmers in warmer regions like Odesa, where temperatures can reach +10-15°C in March, I recommend that farmers in the North and West wait for warmer conditions.”
In summary, choosing the right sunflower hybrid is a complex task that requires careful consideration. It's essential to consider not only the genetic potential of the hybrid but also the specific soil and climatic conditions, the field's agricultural background, and the farm's technical capabilities.
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