The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value and agronomic characteristics of maize genotypes for the silage production cultivars test center network of Super Early National Corn Genotypes; and to assess whether the genetic background (hybrids simple, doubles, triples, intervarieties and cultivated varieties) or the hardness of the grains (hard, soft flint and dent) may change the indication of maize cultivars for silage. The experiment was conducted at the experimental Federal Technological University of Paraná (Campus Dois Vizinhos). Thirty-two genotypes were harvested when the grains were in the dough soft dough stage, micro-ensiled in PVC silos, silage cutters and after 53 days after silage cutters. We evaluated the characteristics and chemical plant parameters of each genotype. We evaluated the relationship between genetic bases, hardness of the grain and individual characteristics of genotypes related to the production of corn silage. There was no significant difference between the contrast formed between the genetic and hardness of the grains for the characteristics studied. However, it was possible to identify superior genotypes for the production of silage whit bases in dry matter production by genotype YG AS 1555, AS 1572 YG, 30A37, 30A77, 20A78, DX 908, DX 603, 2A550, 2B433, AL2007A, EMBRAPA 1F640, PRE 22T10, PREXT0109, PRE 22D11, DKB330 YG (Test).
genetic basis of grain hardness; indicating cultivars
