Посев и сорта
FAO maturity group
A classification system established by the Food and Agriculture Organization to indicate the relative maturity period of maize hybrids from emergence to physiological grain maturity.
Также говорят: FAO number, maturity index, relative maturity
The FAO rating is essential for selecting hybrids that fit the thermal resources of a specific growing season. By choosing the correct group, producers can ensure the crop reaches maturity before the first frost, which is vital for both yield and grain quality.
A common mistake is selecting high-FAO hybrids in regions with short summers, leading to excessively high grain moisture at harvest. This results in significant drying costs and storage risks due to higher potential for spoilage.