adminvillage in Murehwa.
Across 13 locations in Zimbabwe, SC533 gave a mean yield of 8,3t/ha in the 2010/11 seasons in the trials.
The hybrid is a medium-maturing variety that takes 131 days to mature while the SC513 takes 135 days, resulting in outstanding yields in high-potential areas — 7t/ha.
SC533 was constituted at the Seed Co Kadoma Research Centre in 2004 from parents generated from Seed Co’s elite germplasm.
The shelling percentage is quite high, with good ear placement and standing ability.
SC533 has got very long cobs, very good tip cover, semi flint grain, moderate dry down rate, as well as good tolerance to maize streak virus, common rust, and grey leaf spot.
The 533 hybrid was subjected to independent evaluation in Zimbabwe and tested in Malawi. SC533 is moderate to grey leaf spot and the hybrid performs outstandingly in Natural Region II and III.
“I am proud to announce that SC533 that we have just launched today is a product of long years of breeding and research efforts aimed at addressing farmers’ concerns pertaining to heat and drought conditions,” the company’s managing director, Mr Denias Zaranyika, said.
Farmers were also urged to try the new variety as it has high yield gains and agronomic advantages.
Online Reporter