Hybrid maturity and the relative importance of grain and stover for the assessment of the forage potential of maize genotypes grown in marginal and non-marginal environments.

Ninety-seven maize hybrids of differing maturities and genetic constitutions were grown at three somewhat dissimilar environments (Agassiz, Sumas and Surrey) in British Columbia. The study attempted to elucidate the nature of relationships existing between important performance characteristics of maize for both forage (whole crop) and grain production. Forage yield was linearly related to grain yield at each location and the relationship was distinct for each location. However, grain yield was not a good indicator of forage productivity, with coefficients of determination of 51.0, 33.1 and 13.5% for Agassiz, Sumas and Surrey, respectively. Maize hybrids best adapted for forage production were somewhat later in corn heat unit (CHU) maturity ratings than those adapted for grain production. However, the CHU rating system appears to be less useful for making practical management decisions on the most suitable hybrid maturity for the production of forage than it is for the production of grain. At each location...