This article was translated by the publication. Original article supplied in Afrikaans.

Reliability, stability, and especially adaptability of new cultivars are of utmost importance for successful maize production. In an environment of constantly evolving agronomic approaches and unpredictable climate (rainfall and temperature), peace of mind is constantly tested. Risk mitigation is about controlling what is controllable, and this is becoming increasingly important.

Controllable factors include crop rotation systems, the physical and chemical condition of the soil, the choice of geographic location regarding product placement, planting date, timing, planting depth, plant population, row width, and the practical implementation of available equipment. Insect and plant disease management are also crucial.

Cultivar selection – A crucial decision based on:

  • Yield potential
  • Multi-ear characteristics
  • Productive tillers
  • Genetics
  • Standability
  • Ear height
  • Leaf, root, and ear disease tolerance
  • Adaptability to variable temperatures
  • Rainfall conditions
  • Extreme soil variability
  • Population recommendations

What kind of peace of mind does a particular genetic platform offer for this?

Data

Multi-year strip trial data of P2885WBR (VTP version) indicates that this genetic platform meets these requirements. It is with excitement that the PowerCoreTM version, known as P2885WPW, is added to the Pioneer Western white cultivar package. PowerCoreTM provides protection against maize stalk borer and fits perfectly into a system where Roundup is used.

Against this background, Pioneer is pleased to introduce P2885WPW as the PowerCoreTM addition to this genetic platform.

Figure 1: An illustration where P2885WPW (the black line) is set to zero in terms of kilogram per hectare difference relative to other cultivars.

The black line in Figure 1 above represents P2885WPW, equated to zero in terms of kilogram per hectare (kg/ha) difference relative to other cultivars.

Impact data from the Western production region shows that P2885WPW demonstrates excellent genetic stability. P2885WPW narrowly outperforms the VTP version (P2885WBR) by 21 kg/ha (across 13 locations). The addition of the new PowerCoreTM technology has not compromised the remarkable yield performance and stability of this genetic platform.

In fact, P2885WPW compares very well with the formidable competitors “A” and “B.” P2885WPW surpasses competitor “A” by 98 kg/ha (across 31 locations) and only trails competitor “B” by 82 kg/ha (across 30 locations). P2885WPW performs on par with top-selling cultivars. A strong advantage of P2885WPW is its outstanding grain quality and excellent standability, which set it apart.

When comparing PowerCoreTM products, P2565WPW convincingly outperforms P2885WPW by 454 kg/ha (across 13 locations). On the other hand, P2885WPW surpasses P2849WPW by 84 kg/ha (across 29 locations). These three Pioneer white cultivars can be used together in the Western region, ensuring adaptability, stability, and risk diversification within a package. This is essential in an already unpredictable climatic environment and provides peace of mind.

The PowerCoreTM technology contains the Roundup gene. It fits excellently into a Roundup management system while simultaneously offering protection against maize stalk borer.

Agronomic characteristics

  • The multi-ear index is 1,76. While the ears are not uniformly sized, they develop relatively evenly.
  • P2885WPW is a maize plant that can produce multiple tillers if conditions are favourable.
  • The tillers are 24-60% productive, indicating strong genetic expression of multi-ear characteristics.
  • Excellent grain quality with an above-average test weight.
  • Seedling vigour is acceptable, leading to uniform emergence, which provides a strong foundation for yield potential.
  • Standability is excellent.
  • Plants are approximately 2,23 meters tall, with ears positioned at about 51% of plant height.
  • With ears carried at 1,13 meters high, the product is easy to harvest.

Summary

P2885WPW is a cultivar that provides solutions to mitigate risk. It offers excellent competitiveness in terms of yield, particularly due to its stability and adaptability, which result from the strong compensation ability of the genetic platform. Given its excellent agronomic traits, P2885WPW should be part of any white maize cultivar package planted in the Western production region for dryland conditions.

Population recommendations:

25 000 to 32 000 plants per hectare in high-potential conditions. 23 000 to 28 000 plants per hectare in low-potential conditions. The genetics perform well on all soil types but particularly excel on sandy soils. Any row configuration (0.9-1.5m rows) is acceptable.

For more information contact Pioneer by sending an e-mail to info.rsa@pioneer.com or visit their website on www.pioneer.com/za