fajr, a new early maturity grain maize hybrid (ksc 260)

fajr (ksc 260) is an early maturity grain maize hybrid that has been developed from a cross between two inbred lines (k1264/5-1×k615/1). this cross was carried out in 1998, for the first time. several characteristics of fajr hybrid were studied in different trials (preliminary, semi final, final and on-farm trails) over several locations during 1998 to 2005. the mean grain yield of the hybrid over all trials was 10.7tha-1 with a reasonable stability. it is earlier in maturity than commercial late and medium maturity grain maize hybrids such ksc704 and ksc647, in iran. its crop stand is uniform and attractive, leaves and stalks are green at maturity. ears are thin but kernels are long, grain moisture at harvest is very low, therefore it is suitable for second crop in temperate zones of iran. the fajr hybrid was officially introduced in march 2008