Field Crops> Maize> Seed and Sowing

Certified seeds of improved varieties should be used for sowing. Before planting, the seed lot must be tested for its germination percentage and the seed quantity to be adjusted accordingly. For getting the highest yield it is necessary to use new hybrid seed every year. The yield may be reduced by using the seed from one's own hybrid crop, by about 30 per cent. However, the composite maize varieties do not have this characteristic and, therefore, a farmer can use the seeds from his own composite crop for next year also, provided no mixture has been allowed in the field and at the threshing floor. It is advisable to change the seed of composite also after every three to four years.