Corn FESTAL / FESTEL is a simple modified mid-early hybrid with a maturity index of FAO 260, registered in the State Register of Varieties of Ukraine since 2017. The main purpose of the hybrid is grain production. Plants are tall, reaching 240-250 cm in height, and do not bush. The ear is positioned at a height of 90-100 cm above the soil level, has a cylindrical shape 23-24 cm long with 16 rows of kernels. The ear stalk is colored red. The kernels are yellow-orange, dent-shaped, round, with a 1000-kernel weight of 300-320 g. Grain yield reaches 80-82%.
The hybrid exhibits intensive grain moisture release, which allows saving costs on forced drying. A strong stalk provides high resistance to lodging and breakage, as well as good resistance to major diseases and pests. FESTAL shows high drought and heat tolerance, making it suitable for cultivation in various climatic zones of Ukraine, including Steppe, Forest-Steppe, and Polissia.
The potential yield of the hybrid is confirmed by test results: in 2013, the average yield was about 9 t/ha, in 2014 — more than 8 t/ha at grain moisture of 17-21%. The maximum yield, recorded at the Institute of Agronomy of NAAN in Chabany, reached 12.24 t/ha. The hybrid responds well to improved growing conditions, allowing farmers to achieve stable and high grain yields.
