The three new HSR Maize Seed hybrids that were introduced in May of this year have proven to be popular with farmers all across New Zealand as they produce great yields and showcase resilience in various conditions.
Triton, MaxTwo, and Spartacus underwent extensive research and development, including selective breeding and on-farm trials, to ensure their performance and adaptability to New Zealand's diverse climates.
HSR maize agronomist Guy Mason says the hybrids are built for various environmental conditions, including the shorter seasons in the South Island and the warmer conditions found in the North Island.
Mason said, “Each new hybrid has already produced great results to prove their position as strong performers and high yielders.”
One standout success was identified in Canterbury, where Triton delivered a 15% yield increase compared to a competitor maize hybrid when tested and weighed in a commercial paddock situation.
The Canterbury grower, initially trialing a few bags of Triton alongside their current maize choice, has now committed to growing HSR Triton in the upcoming season after witnessing the significant yield improvement.
"Triton is producing outstanding results for a reasonably short maturity hybrid,” explained Mason.
“It has generated considerable excitement among growers in the South Island, with many looking to trial Triton themselves.”
Farmers from Northland right through to Manawatu have embraced MaxTwo, which has delivered excellent silage yields and a robust agronomic package.
Mason explained that compared to another similar maturity HSR hybrid, Maximus, MaxTwo is raising the bar for 100CRM hybrids, offering superior yield and silage quality.
"We see MaxTwo as the perfect successor to Maximus, offering enhanced performance and resilience," says Mason.
Additionally, last season, Spartacus emerged as a strong performer in the North Island, demonstrating exceptional yield, standability, and disease tolerance.
In trials, Spartacus and another HSR hybrid, Obelix, both comfortably outperformed a competitor hybrid in terms of grain yield tonnage per hectare.
[Guy quote] Mason said, “It is awesome to see established hybrids like Obelix, growing alongside new hybrids, like Spartacus and between them producing higher yields for grain growers, and therefore higher financial returns.”
HSR continues to collaborate closely with genetic plant-breeding partners worldwide to develop new and exclusive hybrids with superior traits, ensuring that New Zealand farmers have access to the best possible maize seed varieties.
You can find out more about HSR’s full range of hybrids HERE
