From the wide range of maize varieties available internationally, we determine the ones particularly suited in environmental, economic and qualitative terms to cultivation in integrated farming systems under Swiss growing conditions. The key quality criteria for grain maize and silage maize are polyunsaturated fatty-acid content and proportion of digestible organic matter, respectively.
Since 2002, and as part of variety testing, an additional test has been conducted in which the new maize varieties are artificially infected to determine their resistance to Exserohilum trucicum (=Helminthosporium turcicum).
Grain maize (Zea mays L.)
In collaboration with Delley Samen und Pflanzen AG, we test new domestic and foreign varieties in terms of their suitability for cultivation and utilisation. Here, the combination of precocity, standing ability, disease resistance and yield security are of prime importance. Analysis of the mono- and polyunsaturated fatty-acid content of the grains allows us to group varieties according to their suitability for use (suitability of the variety for pig fattening and cattle- or poultry feed). The results form the basis for the inclusion of new varieties in the National Varieties Catalogue, as well as in the List of Recommended Varieties published annually by the sector organisation Swiss Granum.
Silage maize (Zea mays L.)
In collaboration with Delley Samen und Pflanzen AG, we test new domestic and foreign varieties in terms of their suitability for cultivation and utilisation. Here, the combination of precocity, feed quality, standing ability and yield security are of prime importance. Analysis of the digestible organic-matter content in the dry matter hints at the energy concentration, and hence at the most efficient way to utilise the harvested biomass. The results form the basis for the inclusion of new varieties in the National Varieties Catalogue, as well as in the List of Recommended Varieties published annually by the sector organisation Swiss Granum.
From the wide range of international maize varieties on offer, Agroscope determines those which, from an environmental, economic and quality perspective, are most suitable for use in integrated cultivation systems under Swiss growing conditions. The selection is undertaken on the basis of surveys in the field, as well as quality testing of the harvested crop. The List of Recommended Maize Varieties is updated annually based on these results. Because of changing environmental conditions, Agroscope also investigates the suitability for cultivation in Switzerland of other similar crops to maize.
