Selecting the appropriate maize variety is crucial for achieving high yields in South Africa’s diverse agricultural landscapes. In 2024, several maize hybrids have demonstrated exceptional performance, combining high yield potential with resilience to environmental stresses and diseases. Here are some top-performing maize varieties to consider:
PAN 3P-924PW
An ultra-early yellow maize hybrid that boasts rapid dry-down and an attractive grain type. It has shown remarkable yields, reaching up to 19 tonnes per hectare under irrigation. This hybrid is well-suited for both irrigation and high-potential dryland conditions, maintaining excellent standability even at high plant populations.
PAN 4P-928PW
This early yellow maize hybrid offers excellent yield potential and thrives under higher plant populations. It is particularly recommended for high-potential lands in the eastern production areas, thanks to its balanced agronomic traits and good standability.
PAN 5P-990PW
A medium-early yellow maize hybrid that is widely adapted and delivers stable performance across various production areas. It exhibits excellent early vigor and standability, making it a reliable choice for diverse farming conditions.
PAN 5P-947PW
This medium-early white maize hybrid with PowerCore® technology offers broad-spectrum protection against above-ground pests and glyphosate herbicide tolerance. It has demonstrated exceptional yield potential and stability, particularly in the sandy soils of the northwestern Free State and North West regions.
PAN 5P-955PW
An exciting new medium-early white maize hybrid tailored for the western production areas. It features good standability, excellent prolificacy, and strong seedling vigor, making it ideal for sandy soils in the northwestern Free State.
CIM23SAPP1A-02
Developed for intermediate-maturing white maize, this hybrid is high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and resistant to diseases such as gray leaf spot, turcicum leaf blight, ear rots, and maize streak virus. It is designed to perform well in stress-prone agroecologies of Southern Africa.
CIM23SAPP1B-02
A late-maturing white maize hybrid that combines high yield potential with drought and low-nitrogen tolerance. It also offers resistance to maize streak virus, turcicum leaf blight, and ear rots, making it suitable for challenging growing conditions.
CIM22NUVA-75
This orange-grain maize hybrid is biofortified with provitamin A, offering nutritional benefits alongside high yield potential. It is drought-tolerant, nitrogen-use efficient, and resistant to multiple diseases, including gray leaf spot and maize streak virus.
When selecting a maize variety, it’s essential to consider factors such as local climate, soil type, disease prevalence, and intended use (e.g., grain or silage production). Consulting with local agricultural extension services or seed representatives can provide valuable insights tailored to specific regions and farming conditions.
