MEDIUM TO LATE TRANSITIONAL MAIZE VARIETIES

H 623:
This was released in 2000. This is an improvement over H622. The hybrid has green stems and is fairly prolific and bears huge thick cobs with large dent kernels.

ADAPTABILITY: This hybrid is recommended in areas where H622 was grown. In Kenya it performs best in the medium to high elevation zones which are wet and humid. The hybrid takes 150-180 days from planting to maturity. It is recommended to be grown between 1200-1700 m.a.s.l. where rainfall ranges from 800 - 1800mm.

AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: A spacing of 75 x 30 cm, 1 plant per hill is recommended. The hybrid out yields H622 by over 10% and has better husk cover.

DHO1:
Dry land hybrid 1 is an early drought tolerant maize variety released in 1995 to enhance maize production in the dry areas where Katumani B is grown. The hybrid has a medium size tassel with silks of light purple and cream colour.

ADAPTABILITY: This hybrid is recommended to be grown in Arid and Semi-Arid regions of Kenya. It will perform well in the cotton-zone where H511 finds tough going due to low precipitation. It will do well between 800-100 m.a.s.l. but can extend upto 1500 m.a.s.l but can extend upto 1500 m.a.s.l in the dry areas. It performs well in Kitui, Makueni and Baringo areas.

AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: In order to maximize yields, the hybrid should be sown just before the onset of rains. A seed rate of 20-25 kg/ha is recommended. A spacing of 90-30cm is best for the hybrid. It takes 100-120 days from planting to physiological maturity. The hybrid bears white semi-dent kernels. It has very good levels of resistance to leaf blight, common rust and ear-rot. It has the stay green trait.

DHO2:
Dry land hybrid 2 was also released in 1995. It has a green stem and light purple silk and open tassels.

ADAPTABILITY: It is also a drought resistant hybrid recommended in area where Katumani Composite is grown. It performs best within 100 - 1500 m.a.s.l. This hybrid fits in the transitional zone where H511 is too late and Kat CB too early. It has done well in Mwea, Kitui, parts of Makueni and Baringo.

AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: A spacing of 90 x 30cm is recommended. DHO2 is particularly resistant to maize streak virus. It is also tolerant to moisture stress and produces large cobs with dent to flint kernels. It has the stay green trait a high harvest index.