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Cultivation

Silage and haylage

Cultivation of maize for silage and haylage aims to maximize the energy value of biomass through the selection of hybrids with high fiber digestibility and optimal grain composition. Key factors include leafiness, the Stay Green effect, and the balance between yield and feed quality.

Mentioned in descriptions 13 089 varieties reference book.

When selecting a hybrid for silage or haylage use, the priority becomes the total energy value of the plant rather than just grain yield. Breeding of such hybrids is focused on improving digestibility by reducing the content of indigestible lignin and improving the structure of plant fibers. Distinguishing features include increased leafiness and the Stay Green effect, which allows plants to remain green longer, extending the optimal harvest window without quality loss.

The choice of variety directly affects the efficiency of fermentation in the bunker and the digestibility of feed in the animal rumen. For silage, hybrids with floury or semi-dent grain types are preferred, as they are easier to grind and more quickly digestible. High phytosanitary resistance to diseases such as boil smut, fusarium, and stalk rots is critically important, as plant infection significantly reduces the quality of the final feed.

Agronomic practices for silage crops allow for an increase in plant density by 15–20% relative to grain crops; however, excessive thickening leads to a decrease in the proportion of ears and a drop in the total energy of the mass. Optimal harvesting is carried out when the moisture content of the entire biomass reaches the 30–35% range. The economic efficiency of using such varieties is evaluated by indicators of fiber digestibility and digestible starch content, which determines livestock productivity.

Sources10

Breakdown by crop

Found in these crops

Varieties that feature this in their description

Selection based on the description text, not official resistance ratings: such data is not available in registers. Mention indicates that the trait is discussed in the variety's sources; see the variety's profile for details on what is specifically stated.

J9937Z

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

Monsanto Tehnology LLC, USA

UA
6 records

Jeronimo

Active

Bromus catharticus Vahl · Rescue grass

Gentos S.A.

IT
10 records

Icicle

Active

Pisum sativum L. · Pea

ProGene Plant Research LLC

DE
6 records

Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover

AgResearch (NZ)

FR
6 records

Genesis

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

NSW DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

IT
8 records

Emarwan

Active

Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover

TURF-SEED INC

CZ
6 records

Doyen

Terminated

Hordeum vulgare L. · Barley

Syngenta UK Ltd

FR
8 records

Dorike

Active

Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart · Italian ryegrass

STELLING DIETER

LU
5 records

Lotus corniculatus L. · Bird's-foot trefoil

GONZALO RAMÓN COLLAZO PICCARDO^^^Lorenzo Musa

IT
7 records

Diper

Protection expired

Trifolium pratense L. · Red clover

L'INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA

FR
5 records

Lolium multiflorum Lam. · Italian ryegrass

DEUTSCHE SAATVEREDELUNG AG

DE
7 records

Adonai

Active

Glycine max (L.) Merr. · Soybean

E.R.S.A. Friuli-Venezia Giulia

IT
7 records

Aberzeus

Active

Lolium perenne L. · Perennial ryegrass

Aberystwyth University (IBERS)

IE
8 records

PHB18

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

7 records

PHNAR

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL

8 records

Falcon

Active

Hordeum vulgare L. · Barley

PLANT BREEDING INTERNATIONAL CAMBRIDGE

6 records

Stanley

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

MAS SEEDS

DE IT UA
7 records

Zea mays L. · Maize

Pierre GARRAUD

IT UA
7 records

Zea mays L. · Maize

LIDEA FRANCE SAS

AT DE LT
10 records

Katarsis

Active

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

KWS SAAT SE & CO.KGAA

BE CZ FR NL
5 records

ES Makila

Protection expired

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Euralis Semences FR

BE CZ FR PL
5 records

Norico

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

ROBERT TAUCHER

DE SK UA
7 records

MAS 36A

Active

Zea mays L. · Maize

MAS SEEDS

IT RO SI UA
8 records

Zea mays L. · Maize

Stephane Melkior

IT UA
8 records

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