Many growers reported lower yields and a high incidence of  
foliar disease. Pioneer positively diagnosed the following pathogens from leaf samples obtained from crops in the UK & Ireland; Eyespot (Aureobasidium zeae), Common Corn Rust (Puccinia sorghi), Northern Corn Leaf Spot (Bipolaris zeicola) and Alternaria.

Even with such challenges many Pioneer growers have confirmed forage maize yields and quality were satisfactory when seen in the context of the harsh weather. Maize continues to be the Irish dairy cow’s forage of choice.

Despite the challenges of 2008 many maize growers will now be looking forward and preparing for the season ahead. When doing so consider taking a representative soil sample from each field intended for planting maize. Once tested such a soil sample will highlight the phosphate, potassium and pH-status of an individual field and, after allowing for applications of slurry or farmyard manure, will enable the easy calculation of the quantity of inorganic fertilizer and lime needing to be applied. Your appointed Pioneer dealer will be happy to assist with this essential preparation.

Many fields will benefit from an application of a glyphosate based herbicide well prior to seedbed cultivations taking place. Such an application will help clean the field of existing weed growth, particularly perennial weeds such as couch, which cannot be easily controlled in the established maize crop.

If soil compaction is suspected or in evidence, and ground conditions are dry enough, consider sub-soiling or para-ploughing to break up plough pans. Such cultivations, particularly on headlands and in tractor wheelings, can significantly reduce the adverse effects of soil compaction on root development and crop yield.

Hybrid Choice for 2009

Pioneer’s hybrid JUSTINA was once again crowned the biggest selling maize hybrid in both the UK & Ireland in 2008 (source: Kleffman, UK; DAFRD, Ireland). A strong feature of JUSTINA has always been its ability to maintain a good level of performance under stress and Pioneer’s PACTS trial results clearly show its consistency across many different locations.

PR39D60 is a large stature, very high yielding hybrid that was in Pioneer’s PACTS trials for the third year in 2008. The three years of results show it to be a suitable hybrid for many sites in the open and all but the very marginal sites under film.

BENICIA is maintaining its enviable reputation for producing exceptional dry matter and starch yields when grown under film on favourable sites. This later maturing, flint grained hybrid has few equals.

PR39V43 is a new very early maturity hybrid that is likely to be a useful option on more marginal maize sites. PR39V43 has very good early vigour and good resistance to foliar diseases including Eyespot.

Other hybrids including the high yielding PR39W67 complement Pioneer’s strong line up for 2009.

The Pioneer PACTS Trial Results Book is now available for all growers who are planning to plant maize in 2008. This book shows the results from Pioneer's series of on-farm maize trials across the UK & Ireland. Simply ask your local Pioneer maize seed supplier for your copy. The Book details the yield results and the agronomic details, such as fertiliser applications and herbicide applications for each trial location. Also included are complete descriptions of each Pioneer maize variety with information including area of adaptation, sowing rate and agronomic scores specifically for Irish growing conditions.

Whatever your hybrid choice take care to ensure maize is planted into a warm, well tilled seedbed. Appropriate planting times vary depending on whether the crop is being grown in the open or under film but always consider that maize needs a minimum soil temperature of close to 10 degrees C to grow well.