The hybrid corn Lopino is a high-potential mid-season crop designed for maximum forage production, including grain and silage. Plants reach a height of 250-260 cm, do not form tillers, and exhibit good regenerative capacity, which is especially important when growing for silage. The leaf apparatus is semi-erectoid, promoting efficient photosynthesis and formation of large, cylindrical ears 19-23 cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter. The ear contains 14-16 rows of cream-colored, toothed kernels, with kernel numbers per row ranging from 28 to 42 depending on growing conditions. Kernels are large, yellow or orange, with a 1000-kernel weight of approximately 290-300 g, ensuring a high grain yield of 80-85%.
Hybrid Lopino is characterized by high resistance to adverse factors: germination, frost, drought, diseases, and pests, as confirmed by 9-point scale evaluations. It is adapted for cultivation across various climatic zones of Ukraine, including Polissia, Forest-Steppe, and Steppe. Potential grain yield is 12.0-12.5 t/ha, and silage yield — 50.0-65.0 t/ha. To achieve maximum results, intensive cultivation technologies with minimal or zero tillage and optimal mineral fertilizer application are recommended, which not only ensures high yields but also preserves soil fertility.
Key agronomic features include timely harvesting to avoid over-maturity and loss of grain quality. The ear attaches at a height of 100-105 cm, facilitating harvest and reducing losses. The hybrid has been registered in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2007 and is a result of work by the Institute of Steppe Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Due to its characteristics and versatility, Lopino is suitable for various cultivation technologies and ensures stable high yields under diverse conditions.
