Comprehensive evaluation of 23 silage maize varieties in the Changji, Xinjiang

23 varieties of silage maize (Zea mays) collected in China were used as experimental materials to measure the growth period, agronomic traits, and yield. Grey correlation analysis was used to comprehensively analyze each variety aiming to screen out silage maize varieties suitable for popularization and planting in the Changji area, Xinjiang. The results showed that the yield of fresh grass of ‘Quchen No. 9’, ‘Xiansiyu No. 1’, ‘Dajingjiu 23’, and ‘Tunyu 168’ was more than 120 t·ha⁻¹, significantly higher than that of other varieties (P < 0.05). The yield of hay grass of ‘Quchen No. 9’ and ‘Dajingjiu 23’ was more than 37 t·ha ⁻¹. Combined with lodging rate, we found that the lodging situations of ‘Quchen No. 9’ and ‘Dajingjiu 23’ were higher than those of other varieties. According to grey correlation analysis, suitable varieties were screened out in this area: the early maturity silage corn varieties were ‘Jingke Silage 932’ and ‘Xianyu1’, medium maturity silage corn varieties were ‘Tunyu 168’ and ‘Beinong Silage 3651’, and late maturity silage corn varieties were ‘Heyu 36’, ‘Wenyu 3’ and ‘Beinong Silage 368’.