Free app aims to help farmers with maize selection decisions
© Dave/Adobe Stock Maize growers can download a free app that complements the Descriptive List to help them make informed choices when selecting maize varieties this new year.
The Maize Manager app is Android- and iOS-compatible and was devised by LG Seeds.
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LG Seeds maize manager Tim Richmond said: “When it comes to choosing which variety to grow, the first port of call should be to study the independent data provided by the British Society Of Plant Breeders/Niab forage maize Descriptive List.
“Beyond that, growers can also use the free app to determine which variety or varieties are best suited to their specific location and to ensure their 2023 crop delivers a reliable return on investment.”
How the Maize Manager app works
- Latest trials data are drawn on to compare energy output (for milk, meat, or biogas), comparing different varieties within a similar maturity range
- A postcode and Met Office data are used to calculate Ontario heat unit accumulations for the farm. From these, varieties are recommended that suit the location and purpose of the crop
- A seeding rate calculator helps determine optimum seed rates
- A new animal nutrition tool highlights cost savings of a high-yielding variety for milk yields, liveweight gains or biogas output on anaerobic digester units
The app can be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play stores or by visiting https://lgseeds.co.uk/maize-manager-app/