Not all maize hybrids are created equal. The right hybrid suits the unique conditions of your farm, explains Pannar’s Reggie Mchunu in this article.
When the planting season arrives, farmers make a series of decisions that can make or break their harvest. Among these, hybrid selection stands as one of the most important.
According to Reggie Mchunu, key accounts manager at Pannar, this decision directly influences a farm’s profitability, productivity, and sustainability.
“Hybrid selection is very critical. If you look at the production cost of maize, for instance, it comes to about R22 000 per hectare. Of that, hybrid seed only makes up around 10%.
“Yet, that 10% is what you expect to generate your entire return. So, it becomes imperative that one chooses the correct hybrid.”
However, more than that, farmers are advised to choose hybrids that are suited to their area in order not just to break even, but to be profitable.
What makes a good hybrid?
Understanding what makes a good hybrid is critically important because it directly affects the profitability and sustainability of a farming operation.
According to Mchunu, hybrids differ in many ways, and it’s important for farmers to understand what those differences mean for their fields.
1. Yield potential
Yield is often top of mind for farmers. But Mchunu cautions that not all hybrids deliver the same results in every location. “You need to find the appropriate hybrid with high yield potential for your particular area,” he says.
2. Adaptability
Climate and soil conditions vary widely across regions. A hybrid that thrives in one area may struggle in another. Ask yourself: Will this hybrid fit my environment? Is it suited to the weather and conditions I typically face?
3. Disease resistance
With changing weather patterns, disease pressure is on the rise. Diseases like grey leaf spot or northern corn leaf blight are yield thieves. Choosing hybrids with strong resistance reduces the need for spraying, saves costs, and protects your harvest.
4. Standability
A crop’s ability to remain upright until harvest is essential. Lodging can cause up to 50% crop loss. When plants fall over, they’re hard to harvest and prone to pest damage. Choose a hybrid with good standability.
5. GM traits and weed control
Farmers also need to decide whether to plant genetically modified hybrids. Traits like glyphosate resistance simplify weed control. There are also Bt hybrids that offer stalk borer resistance. But remember, regulations require you to plant a refuge, which is a portion of non-Bt maize to prevent resistance in pests.
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What is a hybrid package, and why does it matter?
No two seasons are ever the same, and no single hybrid can do it all. That is why Mchunu strongly advises farmers to plant a hybrid package rather than relying on just one variety.
A hybrid package is a strategic mix of two or more maize hybrids planted on the same farm in a single season. Instead of putting all your resources into one hybrid, you diversify your crop by selecting hybrids with different strengths, maturities, and stress tolerances.
For example, weather variability and pollination timing are just two factors that can affect hybrid performance.
“If one hybrid falls short at pollination, another might compensate. Similarly, if adverse weather impacts one hybrid, others can pick up the slack.
“Seasons don’t always behave. We’ve seen more erratic rain patterns since 2019. That’s why it’s critical to match your hybrid to the predicted climate.”
He explains that short-season hybrids (around 90 days) are great when planting late or in dry conditions. Long-season hybrids (up to 140 days) can deliver higher yields, but only if the season allows.
“Understanding seasonal forecasts and hybrid growth classes is vital. Choose drought-tolerant hybrids for dry years, and disease-tolerant ones for wet years.”
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Multi-eared vs. single-eared hybrids
When it comes to maize hybrids, not all plants produce the same number of ears. Mchunu explains that some hybrids are bred for prolificacy, meaning they produce more than one cob per plant.
“Short-season hybrids generally produce one ear. They’re ideal for high-density planting. Some farmers go as high as 80 000 plants per hectare, especially under irrigation.”
Long-season, multi-eared hybrids need more space. “They don’t tolerate crowding. Planting more than 44 000 per hectare can reduce their potential. But managed properly, they can achieve excellent yields.”
In dryland conditions, Mchunu advises caution. “You can’t push population density like you do under pivots. Match your hybrid and population to your resources.”
The role of germination and early vigour
When it comes to germination and early vigour, Mhcunu says farmers should want all their plants to emerge at the same time.
“The one that germinates first becomes dominant. Bigger stalk, bigger cob. The late one falls behind.”
Even germination leads to uniform development and optimal yields. “Test your germination, especially if the seed is from a previous season. Any gaps in your stand are lost yield.”
Early vigour is part of what he calls the “foundation phase.” A strong start sets the tone for the entire season.
At the end of the day, hybrid selection is not a one-size-fits-all decision.
As Mchunu puts it, “Selecting a hybrid isn’t just about what’s new or what your neighbour’s planting; it’s about knowing your land, your season, and your market. If you choose right, that 10% seed cost can give you the return you need to thrive.”
Contact your local Pannar representative or visit www.pannar.com for hybrid recommendations suited to your region.
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