Dessert R68 is an extra early maturing (1-2 days before Spirit) super sweet hybrid recommended for season-opening test operations. Plant is MDMV resistant, has strong growth, but short in stature.

Its yield potential is similar to that of Dessert 73, provided there is steady water supply and good nutrient provision. Must be isolated from other variety types (eg. Spirit)!

Dessert R68’s threshed product consists of beautifully coloured, medium size round corn kernels that are very sweet and tasty.

Dessert R68 is an extra early maturing, season-opening super sweet variety for trial use.

NOTATION:

1 = unacceptable, 2 = weak, 3 = acceptable, 4 = good, 5 = excellent.

The features provided are somewhat subject to change depending on the particular production and weather conditions.

GROWING TECHNOLOGY CORNER POINTS

for the large-scale production of Dessert R68

TOPCORN Kft., 2021

• ISOLATION (from non-supersweet sweet corn and maize)
• Distance: at least 150m or
• Time: at least 10-day flowering time difference - timing of sowing, or

       - variety pairing

• SEEDBED PREPARATION
• At the time of sowing the seed bed should be - settled (natural capillarity)

    - with an even surface

• In case of dry soil conditions irrigate (20-30 mm/m²) 4-8 days before sowing to build water reserves.
• Immediately prior to sowing only loosen the soil till sowing depth (3-4 cm).

• TIMING OF SOWING

• Optimum sowing period: middle of April – early May, when the soil temperature reaches 12 °C at sowing depth.
• Wait with sowing, if according to forecasts a cooling is expected in 24-48 hours.

• SOWING MACHINE ADJUSTMENT

• Seed discs with smaller holes (3-4 mm) are required ('sunflower' settings)
• Reduce driving speed

(» better soil tracking » more uniform sowing depth » rapid and uniform emergence »

 » consistent crop = bigger yields + less deduction by processors!).

• Sowing density: 56-62 thousand germ/ha

• SOWING DEPTH

The optimum sowing depth is determined by taking into account the following factors:

• in the specific area the sowing machine can ensure a uniform drilling depth
• the seed should have contact with a settled wet layer of soil

(or: leavening irrigation / with linear only! / within 24-48 hours!)

• recommended sowing depth is 3 cm, but the seed should never go deeper than 4 cm

• CHEMICAL WEED CONTROL

• Base treatment at the beginning of emergence (it’s safe enough then): Gardoprim Plus Gold
• Post-emergent treatment: Laudis (till 4-5 leafs it’s safe to use it on corn)
• Other post-treatments are considered high-risk (yield and quality reduction).

• CARE

The initial rapid and steady development should be helped by all means:

• starter fertilization (P-dominant NPK), as base- or possibly foliage fertilizer
• regular irrigation started in time and as necessary 

(Initially with a lower water dose /10-15 mm/, but more often)

• in the root switching period (3-5 leaves) in case of dry weather, irrigation is a must!
• use cultivator with shallow settings (after irrigation or rain)