An ideotype of forage maize for north-west Europe.

Abstract

Morphological and physiological characteristics of an ideal genotype are described. High dry-matter yield is required and therefore the ideotype needs to have high crop-density tolerance and efficient photosynthesis. Low susceptibility to pests and diseases is important. A stocky stem would benefit intake, yield and lodging resistance but reduce digestibility and dry-matter content. Selection for root-lodging resistance might reduce whole-plant yield. Improvement of cellular contents is of little importance, but cell-wall digestibility could be improved without strongly affecting yield. To be of high nutritional value, the stover must have sufficient dry-matter content (30-35%) and a moderate level of water-soluble carbohydrates. The ideotype should have an early silking date, a large ear and a slow rate of grain filling. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)