Maize hybrid SUSANN now registered by the German Variety Office

The maize hybrid SUSANN S260 K280 has now been registered by the German Variety Office as an extraordinary new breeding success for the SAATEN-UNION, Isernhagen. Besides SUSANN ten additional new maize varieties were registered in five European countries for the SAATEN-UNION in 2009.

The yield potential of SUSANN is outstanding. The variety office conferred grade nine in kernel yield to SUSANN, based on the top ranking in both testing years. 

Under good circumstances SUSANN is developing a very broad ear tip, the so called “Hammerkolben” with dent type kernels. That improves its suitability in an early harvest without high losses due to kernel damage and also its use as CCM. After a long ripening, it can also be used for dry milling. The kernels contain an outstanding amount of starch. 

For silage use SUSANN was given the grade eight for total dry mass yield. At the same time SUSANN as a hybrid with a prominent ear is increasing the starch content in the silage. In both testing years SUSANN had the highest starch content as compared to other maize hybrids in its testing group. 

The good grades for lodging (2) and stalk rot (3) show the solid basis of this variety. Additionally it shows low infection levels with corn smut and a very good resistance against the expanding disease corn leaf blight. 

Other important aspects are the higher yields as compared to transgenic corn under heavy attack from the European corn borer. Even when suffering medium infestation levels SUSANN is capable to deal better with this stress adding to other environmental factors like heat than other varieties. 

SUSANN can be planted early, it tolerates cold periods without problems. For moderate climatic regions we recommend nine plants per square meter, adding or subtracting one plant at better or worse locations. Seeds are currently available.

Isernhagen, 17.02.2009