Leonis

Leonis is a high-quality mid-early hybrid maize with a cream-colored, dent-type kernel and FAO index 260. It exhibits excellent tolerance to diseases such as smut, helminthosporium, stem and ear fusarium, as well as resistance to stalk breakage, cold, and drought. Plant height reaches 250–270 cm, ear attachment height is 85–90 cm, with ears containing 14–16 rows of kernels, 40 kernels per row, and a 1000-kernel weight of 360–380 g. Kernel protein content is 9.2%, starch content — 73.2%, ensuring high feed potential and versatility for grain and silage production.

Leonis grows well at early planting dates and demonstrates stable yields across various regions of Ukraine, including western, central, north-eastern, and southern areas. Recommended planting density depends on soil moisture: 75–80 thousand plants per hectare under optimal moisture, 65–70 thousand under suboptimal conditions. In 2011, the average dry grain yield was 9.5 t/ha, and subsequent years showed yields ranging from 77 to 130 c/ha across different regions, confirming the hybrid’s adaptability to various climatic conditions.

The hybrid has high leafiness, promoting the formation of large, well-filled ears. Thanks to its agronomic characteristics and resistance to adverse factors, Leonis is a reliable choice for farmers focused on efficient grain and silage production. Its cultivation contributes to minimizing costs and increasing productivity, making this hybrid promising for widespread use in Ukrainian agriculture.