Comparison of 27 varieties of silage maize in Central Hunan

The yield, agronomic traits, and nutritional qualities of 27 corn (Zea mays) varieties in Central Hunan were evaluated. Results showed that silage corn planted in Central Hunan obtained higher biological yield and nutritional quality. The biomass yields of silage were the highest for accessions ‘Mingfeng159’, ‘SA336’, ‘Beinong356’, ‘Beinong208’, ‘Lidan588’, ‘Lidan389’, and ‘Lidan638’, with hay yields above 20 t·ha⁻¹. In terms of quality, the content of crude protein (CP) was 7.91%～9.06%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was 40.03%～58.83%, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was 20.63%～29.90%. Four groups were obtained through systematic cluster analysis. The six silage maize varieties in Group 1 had best comprehensive traits, of which ‘Lidan638’ and ‘Lidan588’ had better nutritional qualities. This study suggests that they could be popularized in the hilly areas of Central Hunan.