White Hybrid Research Articles

Accelerated reproduction of the parental lines of white cabbage using rosette plants (steckling) and artificial climate chambers

Relevance. The technology of producing cabbage seeds with the traditional method takes almost 2 years. Its high labor intensity caused the need to search for cheaper methods of selection and seed production. One of the ways to speed up the stages of the selection process is the use of artificial climate chambers. The aim of research is to obtain seeds of promising inbred lines of late maturing white cabbage and hybrid combinations with their participation using rosette plants (steckling) in artificial climate chambers. Materials and Methods. The material was inbred pure lines of 5-6 generations of inbreeding, obtained from promising hybrid combinations of domestic and foreign breeding. The research was conducted in 2023-2024. Sowing in Plantek 64 cassettes was carried out on July 10, then the seedlings were transplanted into vegetative vessels with an optimal volume of 5-6 liters and installed in the open ground for the growth of a leaf outlet. In the phase 10-13 of real leaves, the plugs were placed in an artificial climate chamber. During the growth and development period, biometric and phenological observations were carried out, and an analysis of seed setting was carried out during the hybridization of inbred lines.Results. As a result of research in the study of hybrid seed production under artificial climate chamber conditions, high rates of seed setting in buds under cross-pollination of rosette plants of white cabbage were revealed. Genotypes with high seed set rate under geitenogamous bud pollination were also identified. The weight of 1000 seeds of the studied plants was within the range of 2.5-5.14 g. Genotypes 383-3, 384-2 and 384-7 were selected, which had the highest percentage of seeds in the fractional composition with size more than 2 mm 80.3%, 43.5% and 59.4%, respectively. When genotypes 384-2 and 384-7 were used in hybrid combinations as a maternal component, high quality indicators of the obtained seeds were revealed.Conclusion. For the studied genotypes of white cabbage, when grown in an artificial climate chamber, no significant effect on seed quality was found; the genotype had a greater effect on seed quality indicators.

Pricing exchange options under hybrid stochastic volatility and interest rate models

This paper investigates the pricing of exchange options under hybrid models integrating stochastic volatility and stochastic interest rates. It aims to achieve two primary objectives. First, we derive a closed-form pricing formula for exchange options under a two-factor Heston–Hull–White hybrid model, which accounts for long-term volatility and exhibits relatively broad correlations among the dynamics of asset prices, volatilities, and interest rates. Second, we explore the Heston model’s integration with a generalized single-factor stochastic interest rate model, illustrating that the price is not dependent on the specific form of the interest rate process. A closed-form pricing formula for exchange options under this framework is also derived. Our numerical experiments support the proposed formulas and elucidate the effects of various parameters on option prices.

Use of the Sulfur-Containing Growth Regulator Tiaton for Rooting Micro-Gears of Grapes in Culture in vitro

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a nutrient solution for the rhizogenesis of grape micro–gears in the Murasiga-Skuga medium (MS) with the addition of various concentrations of the drug Tiaton (0.1, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 ml/l). In experiments, the effect of different concentrations of the drug Tiaton on the rooting and vegetative growth of grapes of the Khasansky and Moskovsky White hybrids in vitro was studied. When the Tiaton preparation was added to the MS nutrient medium in various concentrations, the rooting capacity of the micro-gears of the Khasansky hybrid grape increased by 40%, the total root length increased by 2.4 times compared with the control. In the Moscow White hybrid, when using the Triaton growth regulator, an increase in the rooting capacity of micro gears up to 25% and the total root length by 1.5 times is shown. The optimal concentrations of the Triaton preparation for addition to the MS nutrient solution for optimal rhizogenesis of micro-gears and the development of vegetative growth of cuttings of the studied grape hybrids have been established. Thus, for Khasansky hybrid grapes, the most optimal medium for improving rooting and root development of micro gears was ½ MS + 0.15 ml/l of Tiaton preparation. In the Moscow White hybrid, a significant increase in the rooting capacity of micro-gears and good development of the root system was obtained when Tiaton was added to the nutrient medium for rhizogenase of micro-gears in concentrations (0.15 and 0.20 ml/l).

Multifunctional FFP2 Face Mask for White Light Disinfection and Pathogens Detection using Hybrid Nanostructures and Optical Metasurfaces.

A new generation of an FFP2 (Filtering Face Piece of type 2) smart face mask is achieved by integrating broadband hybrid nanomaterials and a self-assembled optical metasurface. The multifunctional FFP2 face mask shows simultaneously white light-assisted on-demand disinfection properties and versatile biosensing capabilities. These properties are achieved by a powerful combination of white light thermoplasmonic responsive hybrid nanomaterials, which provide excellent photo-thermal disinfection properties, and optical metasurface-based colorimetric biosensors, with a very low limit of pathogens detection. The realized system is studied in optical, morphological, spectroscopic, and cell viability assay experiments and environmental monitoring of harmful pathogens, thus highlighting the extraordinary properties in reusability and pathogens detection of the innovative face mask.

Genome-wide association study reveals 2 copy number variations associated with the variation of plumage color in the white duck hybrid population

Plumage color is an intuitive external poultry characteristic with rich manifestations and complex genetic mechanisms. In our previous study, we observed that there were more dark variations in plumage color in the F2 population derived from the hybridization of 2 white duck varieties. Therefore, based on the statistics of plumage color of 308 F2 populations, we further used the resequencing data of these individuals to detect copy number variations (CNVs) in the whole genome and conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to determine the genetic basis related to plumage color traits. The CNV detection revealed 9,337 CNVs, with an average length of 15,950 bp and a total length of 142.02 MB, accounting for approximately 12.91% of the reference genome. The CNV distribution on the chromosomes was relatively uniform, and the number of CNVs on each chromosome positively correlated with the length of the chromosome. In the pure black plumage group, 2,101 CNVs were only identified, and 1,714 were specifically identified in the pure white plumage group. Ten CNVs were randomly selected for validation using quantitative real-time PCR, and 9 CNVs had the same CNV types as predicted, with an accuracy of 90%. Based on GWAS, we identified 2 CNVs potentially associated with plumage color variations, with the associated CNV regions covering 9 genes. Enrichment analysis of these 9 candidate genes showed significant enrichment of 3 pathways (ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, RNA transport, and protein export) and 17 gene ontology terms. Among these, VWA5A can downregulate MITF by binding to the regulatory factors SOX10. The occurrence of CNV may indirectly contribute to duck plumage color variation by affecting the regulatory factors of the switch gene MITF in the melanogenesis pathway. These findings have improved the understanding of the genetic basis of duck plumage color variation and have been beneficial for developing and using plumage color traits in subsequent poultry breeding.

White Light Emissive Tetraphenylethene Molecular Cage-Based Hybrid Nanoparticles for Intracellular Long-Term Imaging

White Light Emissive Tetraphenylethene Molecular Cage-Based Hybrid Nanoparticles for Intracellular Long-Term Imaging

Gene expression profiles of white bass (Morone chrysops) and hybrid striped bass (M. chrysops x M. saxatilis) gill tissue following Flavobacterium covae infection

Columnaris disease is a prevalent disease in freshwater environments caused by the ubiquitous aquatic pathogen Flavobacterium species. Adhesion to the external mucosal surfaces of fishes is the initial stage of infection, and the gills specifically have been identified as both a primary target and release site for this pathogen. Demonstrated here and in previous research, the hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), a prominent United States aquaculture product, is more susceptible to infection with F. covae than the maternal white bass (M. chrysops) parental species. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying differences in resistance between these fish we examined gill gene expression profiles using RNA sequencing at different timepoints after F. covae infection. Patterns of differential gene expression and association with key enrichment terms indicate the effective immune response observed in white bass includes the up-regulation of multiple cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17C, TNF-α, G-CSF, IL-8, CCL16, CXCL9), hepcidins (HAMP and HAMP2), ribosomal subunit components (e.g., RPL13), and, interestingly, the down-regulation of leptin (LEPA) during initial (1 – 4 h) stages of infection. Conversely, up-regulation of the same genes was not detected in hybrid striped bass until 24 h after infection, indicating a delay in immune response mechanisms that is ultimately ineffective in protecting the host, as this was concurrent with the onset of mortality in these fish. Collectively, the presented results include several putative pathways and candidate genes for further investigation toward characterizing immune defense mechanisms underlying the resistance (white bass) and susceptibility (hybrid striped bass) for selective breeding efforts and/or biotechnological intervention.

Water productivity at two sowing dates of simple white grain maize hybrids

In Mexico, maize stands out for its economic, food and cultural importance. Since ancient times, attempts have been made to increase maize grain yields with different alternatives, including hybridization. Currently, maize hybridization offers great advantages since from the first simple hybrids it is possible to evaluate important variables such as water productivity. The present work was carried out under field conditions in southern Sonora, in two sowing seasons: December 2022- May 2023 (SD 1) and April-August 2023 (SD 2). The research aimed to evaluate the effect of two sowing dates (SD) on phenology, water requirements, water productivity and grain yield. Three single white grain hybrids (L5 X L7; L1 X L2; L2 X L7) obtained from a dialelic design were evaluated. Phenophase occurrence time, irrigation time and interval, total water volume, evapotranspiration, grain yield and water productivity were the evaluated variables. The results showed that in SD 2 significantly reduced the time of occurrence of phenophases in all hybrids due to the effect of temperature. Irrigation time was significantly shorter in SD 2 compared to SD 1. Similarly, the irrigation interval decreased in SD 2 compared to SD 1 with a significant increase in the irrigation lamina. It was necessary to apply two more irrigations to achieve grain filling. Water productivity showed highly significant differences between hybrids and between sowing dates. The simple hybrid L5 X L7 showed better agronomic performance on both sowing dates, demonstrating tolerance to the increase in temperature on SD 2.

Finding the last missing white oak hybrid from the Iberian Peninsula (Fagaceae, Quercus, sect. Quercus)

The genus Quercus is widely known for its ability to hybridize among sympatric species, especially inside the same Section. The Iberian Peninsula is a major phylogeographic hotspot for oak diversity, with almost all possible combinations of hybrids already described inside sect. Quercus. In this work we present the remaining hybrid not yet described among the Iberian white oaks; we found it in one of the few areas (in the Southern Iberian Peninsula) where both parents (the Algerian oak, Q. canariensis, and the Lusitanian dwarf oak, Q. lusitanica) grow sympatrically. We provide a description of this nothotaxon (which we named Quercus ×gaonae) based on morphological characters related to leaf shape and trichome analysis. This work emphasizes the practice of natural history and encourages botanists to keep up their work on describing plant diversity in a major hotspot like the Mediterranean Basin.

Enhancing the stability and biological activity of curcumin through incorporating zein-sodium alginate-egg white peptides hybrid assemblies

Optimizing biological potency by orchestrating the cooperative assembly of diverse polar functional elements holds significant promise in advancing functional foods. Herein, we meticulously engineered hybrid assemblies by leveraging the inherent architectural domains in zein-sodium alginate (Z-SA) framework, aiming for the cooperative assembly of egg white peptide (EWP) and Curcumin (Cur). Results unveiled a synergistic effect in biological activity and physical stability arising from the cooperative assembly of Cur and EWP. This phenomenon can be attributed to Z-EWP, providing ample structural domains for Cur, thereby enhancing its solubility. Moreover, during the assembly process, EWP preferred interaction with the external environment, sacrificing shielding the more active Cur from oxidative damage. Additionally, the lyophilized Cur-Z-EWP-SA demonstrated excellent re-dispersibility and aqueous solubility, allowing for effective re-solubilization in milk and showcasing exceptional stability throughout storage. Furthermore, the functional milk beverage with Cur-Z-EWP-SA exhibited a discernible in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, effectively mitigating ulcerative colitis.

Development of high-amylose maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes adapted to Indian conditions through molecular breeding

Context Amylose is a type of resistant starch with numerous health benefits and industrial applications. Starch from maize (Zea mays L.) usually has an amylose content of ~25%. Aims The aim was to develop high-amylose maize genotypes suitable for human consumption and adapted to Indian conditions. Methods Marker-assisted backcross breeding was used to transfer the mutant ae1 allele from a high-amylose donor from the USA into the three parents (HKI 1344, HKI 1378, HKI 1348-6-2) of two high-yielding white maize hybrids (HM5 and HM12) grown in India. Key results In converted lines, amylose content was 40.40–58.10% of total kernel starch, compared with 22.25–26.39% in parents. The percentage increase in amylose content was 63.70–153.03%. There was a significant amount of background recovery in each backcross generation: 66.80–79% in BC1F1, 72.85–88.60% in BC2F1, and 84.45–93.70% in BC2F2. Overall, the total kernel starch content was reduced (by ~22%) in the ae1-introgressed families. Conclusions The converted lines developed in the study are enriched with kernel amylose while showing significant background recovery. Implications The high-amylose lines developed may be highly beneficial for diabetic patients and in the bioplastics industry, and should be suitable for growing under Indian conditions.

Development of high-yielding white maize hybrids with better chapatti-making quality compared to traditionally used local landraces.

The present research focuses on the chapatti making quality of high-yielding white maize hybrids compared to available low-yielding local yellow and white landraces in India. In this study, the top nine superior hybrids were selected for testing the physical properties of the maize kernels, proximate composition of flours and chapattis, physical parameters of chapatti, textural properties, sensory evaluation of chapattis and pasting properties of maize flour. The results revealed the superiority of white maize hybrids (WMH), viz., WHM 1, WHM 2, and WHM 8 over the local yellow and white landraces for most of the parameters studied. In sensory analysis, though, the yellow landrace was considered superior by the panellists in terms of colour but the white maize hybrids outperformed in overall sensory analysis and were more acceptable than the yellow and white maize landraces. These high yielding white maize hybrids with good consumer acceptance may cater for the needs of rural and tribal populations in India who prefer white maize as a staple food.

Ceratobasidium sp isolates from native orchid species of Western Ghats, India support enhanced growth of Phalaenopsis hybrid seedlings

Mycorrhiza-assisted cultivation of orchid seedlings has immense potential for enhanced growth and adaptability of orchids to facilitate conservation and cultivation with minimum application of nutrients and plant protection chemicals. Phalaenopsis hybrids are highly attractive and cultivated mostly as potted orchid plants and are prone to several fungal pathogens. The present study evaluates the effect of 4 orchid symbionts in combination with NPK fertilizer on the seedling growth of symbiotic seedlings of Phalaenopsis white and day-star hybrids under ex-vitro conditions. Four fungal isolates viz., Ceratobasidium_Wyd2 (MW595786; MTCC13384), Ceratobasidium_Idk (MW595787: MTCC13383), Ceratobasidium_Vs1 (OL374050; MTCC13377) and Ceratobasidium _Vs2 (OL374052: MTCC13378) grown on sterilized coir pith medium for 10 days and were transferred onto earthen pots for planting of seedlings. One-year-old seedlings used for the study possessed an average 2.70 g fresh weight. On conclusion of the experiment, after 6 months, the seedlings of day-star hybrid grown in the presence of both fungus and NPK fertilizer exhibited enhanced growth compared to either of them applied individually. The highest weight gain was supported by VS1 (12.4±1.8 g) followed by VS2 (10.7± 4.6 g) and Wyd2 (9.8±1.7 g). Those fungi also supported appreciable growth individually, giving 6.5±3.1, 6.9±2.2, and 6.5±0.8 g weight gain respectively. If the nutrient alone was applied, the weight gain was very low (2.8±0.9 g) nearly equal to control (1.8±1.8 g) without having fungi or nutrients. The mycorrhizae re-isolated from the roots of seedlings exhibiting enhanced growth were confirmed as Vs1 and Vs2 through sequencing of the ITS region. Formulation of a potting medium including Ceratobasidium species isolates VS1 and VS2 is thus possible to grow Phalaenopsis seedlings to get enhanced growth.

Genetic diversity analysis and heterotic grouping of Indian white maize inbred lines using combining ability and SNP markers

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is a versatile crop with high genetic yield potential and various uses. While yellow maize is primarily used for animal feed, white maize is preferred as a food by rural and tribal populations in India. However, white maize landraces suffer immensely in terms of low yield. Heterotic grouping is an excellent method to develop hybrids with increased yield potential in maize. The heterotic grouping of 78 white maize inbred lines was performed using combining ability and molecular diversity analysis. The lines were crossed with two testers, and the resulting hybrids were evaluated for grain yield at three locations representing different agroecological zones in India. The combining ability analysis based on specific combining ability effects on mean grain yield was used to classify the inbred lines into heterotic groups (HG‐A: 18 inbreds; HG‐B: 33 inbreds). Additionally, marker‐based clustering using 62,470 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated through genotyping by sequencing was also employed to determine the genetic relationships among these lines. The combining ability information was superimposed on marker‐based clustering data to obtain the heterotic grouping information, and two distinct HGs with 7 (HG‐1) and 18 inbred lines (HG‐2) were developed. The results of this study will contribute to the development of high‐performing white maize hybrids through the efficient utilization of clear‐cut and well‐defined HGs. Hence, the use of SNP markers along with the combining ability of inbred lines is a useful method for heterotic grouping and understanding of genetic relationships of white maize.

Selection of extra-early white quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines for drought and low soil nitrogen resilient hybrid production

In West and Central Africa (WCA), drought and low soil nitrogen (low N) impede increased maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and production. Due to climate change, the two stresses usually occur together, leading to food, nutritional, and economic insecurity in the sub-region. There is, therefore, the need for the development and availability of high-yielding extra-early maturing white Quality Protein Maize (QPM) synthetics and hybrids with resilience to the prevailing stresses through the identification of superior climate smart (extra-early maturing) QPM inbreds under stress (drought and low soil N) conditions. The study was conducted to identify stress-resilient QPM inbred lines for hybrid production and assess the association between grain yield and other studied characters. During the 2012 minor and major rainy seasons, 96 extra-early white QPM inbreds and four (4) normal endosperm maize inbred checks were assessed in multi-location trials under stress and optimal conditions in Nigeria. The experiments were laid out in a 10 × 10 simple lattice design with two replications. Data were recorded on grain yield and other agronomic traits. Significant variations (p < 0.01) were detected among the inbred lines for measured characters, indicating adequate genetic variability among the inbreds to allow for selection and improvement of grain yield and other measured traits. Grain yield was interrelated with all the traits used in the selection index. Moderate to high estimates of heritability were observed for most of the measured traits under stress conditions, indicating that the traits could be easily transmitted to the progenies. Fifty-seven out of the 96 QPM inbreds evaluated exhibited varying degrees of resilience to drought and low N. The QPM inbreds with desired traits may be used as genetic resources for the incorporation of tolerance genes into QPM populations in the tropics, as well as for the development of drought and low N resilient synthetics and hybrids in WCA.

Yield potential of onion genotypes in the Planicie Huasteca, Mexico

Objective: To identify new generation onion genotypes with high yield per unit that meet the bulb quality characteristics required by the export market.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Eight onion hybrids with yellow bulb, six hybrids with white bulb, and three hybrids with purple bulb were evaluated. The experiments were established with drip irrigation and fertigation. The agronomic characteristics of the plant and the production and quality of the bulb were evaluated, using the USDA specifications for bulb width and shape. The experiments were carried out using a completely randomized block design, with three replications; the statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software, version 9.2.
 Results: The best onion genetic materials for the Planicie Huasteca were the yellow bulb hybrids Wayne and Don Víctor, the white bulb hybrids Blanca Grande, Monja Blanca, and Don Alberto, and the purple bulb hybrid Rasta, all of which have high production capacity and bulb quality.
 Study Limitations/Implications: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most extensive horticultural crop in the Planicie Huasteca, Mexico. Although regional producers establish outstanding genotypes, they require information about the new generation genetic materials, if they are to remain competitive in the export market. Therefore, the new genotypes with the best high yield potential and bulb quality must be evaluated to select those that meet the requirements of the market.
 Findings/Conclusions: Yellow, white, and purple bulb onion genotypes with high production capacity that meet the requirements of the markets were identified.

Variabilidade do regime hídrico durante a fenofase de florescimento de híbridos de milho de grãos brancos e amarelos e sua relação com a produtividade de grãos

ABSTRACT The impact of low water availability on maize yield depends on the severity of the water deficit and the phenological stage of the crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variability of the water regime during flowering in white (GB) and yellow (GA) maize hybrids and its effects on grain yield. The study was conducted under field conditions in a pelic vertisol soil in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. The drought condition of the crop was 75% of soil humidity with a soil water potential of -1.5 MPa. Hydraulic conductivity (Lp), water (Ψr) and osmotic (Ψs) potentials of the roots (during flowering phenophase), grain yield and water productivity were the evaluated variables. As results, significant variability of the water regime variables was obtained among the evaluated hybrids, resulting in variation of grain yield. The white-grain hybrids with the highest Lp were GB4 and GB5 and for yellow-grain GA2 and GA10, all exceeding 347.75 mg m-1 s-1 MPa-1. In some hybrids Ψr and Ψs, decreased to more than -1.85 and -2.80 MPa, respectively, showing positive responsiveness during flowering to the drought condition of the soil. There was positive and significant correlation between Lp x Yield, and highly significant negative correlation between Ψs x Yield. The highest yielding hybrids were GB4 (8000 kg ha-1) and GA2 (7800 kg ha-1). These hybrids will continue to be evaluated for other variables for validation and recommendation for drought conditions.

Drought-induced growth phenotypes are associated with genetic variation across a white pine hybrid zone

Understanding relationships among warming climate, increased drought severity, and the genetic architecture of hybrid drought resilience is necessary for forest conservation and management. We calculated three drought-related tree-ring-growth indices (dendrophenotypes) using tree-ring data from hybrid Pinus strobiformis–Pinus flexilis study trees at nine sites across Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Along with hybrid index (percentage of P. strobiformis ancestry inherited by a single tree) and climate variables, we used dendrophenotypes to (Q1) examine relationships among climate and hybrid index, (Q2) examine relationships between dendrophenotypes and hybrid index, and (Q3) conduct a genotype–phenotype analysis. We observed a significant correlation between hybrid index and dendrophenotypes resulting from high-temperature drought in addition to a significant correlation between those dendrophenotypes and our dataset of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We conclude that P. strobiformis–P. flexilis trees exhibiting higher hybrid indices are more resilient to high-temperature drought events and encourage future research that identifies a genetic linkage between relevant loci and their conferred physiological benefits.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЕ ПОТОМКИ СОРТА ВИНОГРАДА ПЛАТОВСКИЙ

Сreation of new, well adapted to the limiting factors of the natural environment, high-quality grapevine varieties is relevant and contributes to the implementation of a new federal project "Stimulating the development of viticulture and winemaking in Russia". The article consid-ers the agrobiological characteristics of white technical hybrid forms of grapevine bred by ARRIV&W − branch FSBSI FRARC – off-springs of Platovsky variety – a donor of valu-able traits. Based on the results of agrobiologi-cal and uvological studies, the ripening dates of berries were determined, the most winter-hardy ones were identified − Izumrud, Muscat Pla-tovsky, Nectariу and 2-16-5-9; productive − 2-15-4-9 and Muscat Platovsky; on the high yield of juice - 2-15-4-6 and 2-16-2-3. High-quality wines were obtained from hybrid forms Izumrud, Nectariу, 2-15-4-9. The conducted studies made it possible to recommend 2-15-4-6, 2-15-4-9, 2-16-5-9 and 11-28-4-4 for further study with subsequent transfer to the State testing and use in breeding as initial forms of valuable traits. Izumrud and Nectariу have been transferred to the State Test, and Muscat Platovsky is being prepared for transfer in 2023.

Effects of planting date, environments and their interaction on grain yield and quality traits of maize hybrids

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops for most low-income households in the Southern African region. Erratic and inconsistent rainfall distribution across maize-growing areas is a major threat to maize production. Late rains in recent years have forced farmers to plant later than the optimal planting dates, leading to poor maize quality being reported by industry, which raised the question of the influence of later planting dates on grain yield and quality traits of maize. Three yellow and three white maize hybrids were evaluated at three planting dates in three different production environments for three consecutive seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The second and third planting dates caused a significant yield decrease of 23.37 % and 53.73 % from the first planting date across environments, respectively. Planting date three was associated with decreased grain yield, starch content, and increased protein but no significant change in fat and fiber content. Some hybrids yielded relatively well at all planting dates. In conclusion, the early planting date was the most suitable for maize grain yield and starch production in the maize-growing areas of the country. However, planting in January should be avoided at all costs, as it leads to very low yield and poor grain quality.