KCC 5502 — a maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid with high yield potential, designed for grain production. Depending on the growing region, the hybrid demonstrates mid-early and late characteristics, with a vegetation period from 92 to 122 days. The plant is tall, with medium width leaves and medium or weak anthocyanin coloration of the first leaf sheath and stem roots. The ear is medium or long, cylindrical or slightly conical, with an anthocyanin color of the shank from weak to strong. Grain is dented or intermediate, closer to flinty, with yellow or orange coloring on the upper and lower parts.
The hybrid is characterized by good resistance to major maize diseases, including stalk rot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight, as well as low susceptibility to Fusarium ear rot and bacterial wilt. In field conditions, the plant is slightly damaged by European corn borer. Grain yield varies depending on the region: in the North Caucasian region, the average yield is about 64.3 c/ha, in the Central Black Earth Region — up to 83.5 c/ha, in the Middle Volga Region — about 82.9 c/ha, and in the Lower Volga Region — 61.3 c/ha. The grain moisture content at harvest is within the range of 17.6% to 28%, which contributes to ease of storage and processing.
KCC 5502 is suitable for intensive cultivation technologies and provides quick water release during ripening, facilitating harvesting. The recommended plant density is 60-80 thousand plants per hectare depending on the moisture zone. The hybrid is included in the state registers of several regions of Russia, which confirms its adaptability and stability in various climatic conditions. High yield potential and disease resistance make KCC 5502 a profitable choice for grain production.
