New early maize variety KWS Exelon has been added to the British Society of Plant Breeders’ Forage Maize Descriptive List for 2022. One of the highest-yielding options at 18.9t/ha, KWS Exelon has a predicted ME of 11.73 MJ/Kg, with starch at 34.1 pr cent. It has an FAO (or maturity rating) of 170 and has shown excellent early vigour across all soil types.
Classified as a first choice variety for favourable sites, KWS Exelon signals a new direction in modern maize breeding, according to John Burgess of KWS.
“KWS Exelon has the potential to carry 20 rings of grain, while a typical older hybrid has an average number of 15-16,” he said. “It has a genetic trait that positions the weight of the ears close to the base of the plant, thereby reducing the risk of root lodging. This feature has become particularly important during the past couple of years as the UK has been subject to some very high wind speeds.
“The additional grain rings and modified ear insertion height are just two examples of the rapid genetic progress that has been achieved in our maize breeding programme during the past few years. These features will be incorporated into all of the upcoming KWS early and ultra-early hybrid candidates.”
KWS Exelon produces an energy-dense forage and can also be used as a bulk crop for biogas cropping. It’s recommended at an inclusion rate of 50-70 per cent in dairy cow total mixed rations, or for beef finishing. It’s also ideal for the production of corn cob mix and crimped or dried grain maize.
