During maize cultivar testing, plant height is measured at the tassel emergence, ear silking, and milk stage phases using a measuring rod with an accuracy of 1 cm. The trait exhibits high genetic variability, which allows for the classification of hybrids into height groups to adapt to growing conditions.
Plant height determines agrotechnical parameters for sowing: low-growing hybrids allow for planting densities of up to 11–13 plants per square meter, whereas tall-growing ones require a reduction in density to 7–8 plants. Optimizing this parameter is critical for reducing competition for resources, increasing lodging resistance, and ensuring efficient mechanical harvesting.
When producing silage mass, plant height directly influences the volume of accumulated biomass; however, the hybrid's productivity also depends on the share of ears in the total dry matter. The final height value is formed under the influence of the hybrid's genetic potential, nutrient regime, and moisture availability level.
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Plant height.