Ultra early varieties set to project UK market forward?

摘要

A boom in maize acreage to satisfy market demand is being thwarted by a clumsy and disjointed European maize testing system which sidelines British growers most, according to maize breeders. The UK is still regarded as a relatively small market for maize breeders who are used to serving countries like Holland where just one variety alone (Tango) accounts for around a tenth of the maize acreage. While the UK is an inherently difficult market to satisfy, the move towards ultra early varieties is an indication of the pressure being put on breeders to produce varieties more suited to UK conditions. But maize breeders simply can't afford to produce varieties aimed at very specific markets. With the break-even point of a new variety around 5000 acres, designer maize is commerciallv unviable.