Hybrid maize RAM 8663 (FAO 340) is a simple modified mid-season hybrid intended for grain and silage production in steppe, forest-steppe zones, and the Polissia region. Plants are characterized by medium height ranging from 250 to 280 cm, do not bush, and have 16-17 leaves on the main stem. The ear is conical-cylindrical in shape, 23-27 cm long, positioned at a height of 70-80 cm, with 14-16 rows of kernels, each containing 36-40 kernels. Kernels are yellow-orange, dent type, with a 1000-kernel weight of 290-310 g. Grain yield reaches 82%, starch content is 72.1%, and protein content is 8%.
Hybrid RAM 8663 exhibits high resistance to major infectious diseases and pests, as well as lodging and stem breakage. It possesses high drought tolerance, making it a reliable choice for cultivation under variable climatic conditions in steppe and forest-steppe zones. Thanks to its wide ecological plasticity, this hybrid effectively utilizes mineral and organic fertilizers, contributing to significant yield increases.
The potential yield of the hybrid is 130-145 ц/га for grain and 600-650 ц/га for silage. The optimal planting density varies by region: for steppe zones, 55,000 plants per hectare is recommended; for forest-steppe zones — 55-65,000/ha; and for Polissia — 65-70,000/ha. RAM 8663 is a proven hybrid registered in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 2016 and produced by LLC "NPAK 'Stepna'".
