Organic maize growers in the South West technically only have a choice of three varieties that they can plant, compared with the dozens of varieties available to conventional growers, according to Somerset-based maize specialist Andy Stainthorpe.

Organic producers are now required to plant maize seed that has been organically produced and this year there are only three variety options available, according to Andy Stainthorpe of Pioneer Hi-Bred, one of the few plant breeders to produce organic maize seed, in the form of early maturing hybrid Justina, for UK growers.

"Pioneer's organic Justina seed crops are grown to strict protocols in Austria and comply fully with EU regulation 2092/91 for organic farming. Standards of purity and germination remain unchanged and the company is planning to make a wider range of their hybrids available in future.

Failure of the majority of breeders to provide organic maize seed has led to a derogation on this ruling until December 31 2003.

"From the 2004 crop onwards all UK organic growers will have to use organically produced maize seed to retain organic status," Andy said.

In the meantime, the guidance from The Soil Association is that wherever possible organic growers should plant organically produced maize seed, with the exceptions being no organically produced seed available or only genuinely unsuitable varieties remaining.

"It is vital that organic growers select the most appropriate variety for their local conditions, particularly when they are working without the support of inputs," said Jonathan Bellamy. "And the role of the NIAB list is questionable as varieties are currently screened under a conventional input regime.

"Selecting an early variety that is reliable on light land is the key. Free-draining soils seem to be preferred for organic maize production and organic growers may elect to plant a little later when temperatures are higher.

"In theory crops should establish faster and meet in the rows quicker, making them less susceptible to bird attack and weed ingression.

"Later drilling may also provide the opportunity for an early weed flush to germinate and be harrowed-out prior to drilling," he added.

"However later drilling can delay harvest dates, so an early maturing variety with quick dry down prior to harvest is preferable. Later maturing hybrids such as Symphony may be unsuitable for many sites in the region."