Corn Production in Manitoba

Reduced Stature Corn

Canamaize, a Western Canadian plant breeding and seed company based in Manitoba, is marketing a new corn family. BRC Syn, the first cultivar released from this family, is an open pollinated (as opposed to hybrid) synthetic corn that was selected for both short cool seasons and drought. Features include:

Plant height

Approximately 1.0 - 1.5m (3 - 5 ft.) in height depending on the environment, but individual plants may be shorter or taller then the average. Off-types such as dwarfs less than 1m (3 ft.) in height and tall plants, above 1.5m (5 ft.), occur at less than 1% of the population.

Early maturity

An estimated 2000 corn heat units (CHU) are required to reach physiological maturity.

Solid seeding

It is recommended that Canamaize be solid seeded, with an air seeder, hoe drill or a double disc press drill to achieve the optimal plant stand. Its short stature requires a higher plant stand for optimal yield. The optimum plant density is 60,000 plants/acre (approximately 1.4 plants/ft2).

Harvesting with small grain equipment

Harvested with conventional small grain harvesting equipment, including straight cutting, is possible. Swathing can also be used, however pickup losses will be higher due to the lack of stubble to hold the plants off the ground.

Expansion of corn production region

Reported yields of Canamaize have reached 130 bu/acre but yields of 60-80 bu/acre are more common. Yield performance within the traditional corn areas of Western Canada is also under review.

Kernel appearance

Smaller, harder kernel than conventional hybrid corn

Uses 

• Food and feed grain uses
• Late fall and early winter grazing of stover
• Silage