Variety traits

Vegetation period — popcorn

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Popcorn Group)

The period from emergence to full grain maturity, which determines the popping ability of the corn. It is classified according to the FAO system from 90 to 130 days and is critically dependent on the sum of effective temperatures.

In the reference 10 varieties crop Popcorn, where this is mentioned in the description.

For popcorn, the vegetation period is measured as the number of days from the appearance of sprouts to the onset of the phase of full physiological maturity. The main planning tool is the calculation of the sum of effective temperatures at a base threshold of +10 °C, supplemented by an assessment of the progression through 16 main phenophases.

The classification of the crop corresponds to the FAO system: from early-maturing (90–100 days, FAO 100–200) to medium-late (120–130 days, FAO 401–500). The selection of a hybrid in accordance with the thermal resources of the region is critical, as immature grain loses its ability to pop effectively and has a low expansion coefficient.

The duration of the period is influenced by the external environment: high temperatures accelerate development, whereas a long photoperiod increases vegetation and biomass. In irrigated fields, the vegetation period may be longer than under dryland conditions, which, with proper management, contributes to increased yields.

General information about the subject — on the page Vegetation period.

Sources8

Varieties of Popcorn mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.