KWS Brasil made advance selection of maize hybrids

In December, KWS held an event to exchange experiences and evaluate maize hybrids in their experimental areas. The meeting was attended by its leaders, researchers and collaborators, as well as consultants from partner companies.

Breeder Vânia Portes Kulka presented the KWS improvement project, which has integrated data from more than 70 countries such as Germany, USA, China and Argentina. The multinational research stations based in Brazil are also serving as a base for materials research for other countries, mainly China and African countries.

According to Vânia, the corn crop made a leap in productivity since the introduction of biotechnology in the crop, and the main factors responsible were:

- Development of superior genetics;

- Introduction of new technologies such as insect control through Viptera technology, today the most efficient in the market for corn pest control;

- Machines and equipment of higher quality and precision, combined with a qualified workforce;

- Increasing use of precision agriculture;

- Adoption of cultural practices and new technologies such as:

• Industrial seed treatment;
• Balanced levels of nutrients.

KWS's research sector has specific breeding guidelines, one focusing on grain maize and one on silage, the latter being coordinated by one of the leading experts on the subject, Dimas Antonio Del Bosco Cardoso.

According to Dimas, KWS seeks the best product possible to meet quality allied productivity. “Every 1% improvement in NDF, we can increase 0.2 liters of milk per cow / day, considering animals in feedlot systems, where the basis of the diet is silage. In addition to improving the NDF, we also look for a minimum of 35% starch, which represents 30 tons per ha of DM and a conversion of at least 1.6 liters per kg of DM. ”, Said the expert.

In addition to the materials that are already being sold, KWS has many other hybrids ready to be launched, all with specific characteristics, with high productive roof and stability even in adverse weather situations. Another concern of KWS is to position the correct hybrid according to the tenological level to be employed, serving the entire property segment.

During the event, all participants were able to make evaluations of KWS materials, aiming for the most transparent evaluation possible with the view of professionals and producers who are in the field every day. It is the understanding of management and researchers that the best material is one that, in addition to meeting the basic needs of quality production ceilings, also meets customer expectations by selecting the most appropriate materials for each growing region.

Since its founding in 1856, KWS has been working exclusively on seed breeding and technical services, and is proud to always be with the producer in over 70 countries.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in Portuguese. This English summary has been prepared with Google Translate and edited for clarity.