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This update brings together key information to help you make confident, informed decisions throughout the maize growing season.
PACTS results for 2026/27 now available | Growing maize under film | Pioneer turns 100 in 2026! | Our expanding maize herbicide portfolio | Instinct: lock in Nitrogen to boost maize yields | Increase maize yields with BlueN | Want to hear more from us? | Ways to stay in touch
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PACTS® results for 2026/27 now available!
We are pleased to share the latest maize PACTS results from a full programme of UK and Ireland on-farm trials completed in 2025. PACTS (Pioneer® Accurate Crop Testing System) provides robust, locally relevant data to accurately demonstrate the performance of Pioneer maize hybrids.
The results are now finalised to support hybrid selection for the coming season, with trials covering the key maize‑growing regions across the UK and Ireland. The 2026/27 PACTS book is now available, featuring updated hybrid descriptions and the latest forage performance data. This year's line‑up includes established high performing favourites like P8200 and P7647, and the new hybrid P8153, each suitable for growing with the Samco System. For growing in the open, the trio of P68106, P7179 and P7326, provide real choice for challenging Irish conditions.
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Click here to download the 2026/27 edition of PACTS
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Growing maize under film
The Samco System provides significant amounts of extra heat during the first few weeks of growth when the maize plant is often challenged by cold temperatures. Over the course of the growing season the System can increase heat accumulation which may either bring forward the harvest date or increase yield. Different hybrids produce quite different results when planted using the Samco System. New hybrid and film combinations are tested as they become available.
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Latest PACTS Samco System Strip trial data:
The table can also be viewed on page 16 of the PACTS book.
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When considering to plant maize, careful site assessment is essential to ensure the location available is suitable. Sites where the Samco System is considered for use are often cooler locations where season long accumulated heat can be limited. These sites may be classed as less favourable, or even in some cases unfavourable or unsuitable. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified local advisor to determine whether a particular site is suitable for growing maize, and if so what type of hybrid should be sown and how it should be managed.
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Pioneer® turns 100 in 2026!
This year marks a major milestone - Pioneer celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, Pioneer has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, starting with the introduction of hybrid seed maize and continuing with breakthroughs in genetics.
This centenary is more than a celebration of the past - it’s about shaping the future of farming together. As we approach this historic moment, join us in commemorating a century of progress and partnership.
In 1989, Pioneer expanded its global footprint by establishing operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, marking a significant milestone in its European growth strategy. This move allowed the company to bring its expertise in hybrid seed technology closer to farmers in these regions, supporting local agriculture with innovative products and tailored agronomic services. The UK and Ireland entry reflected Pioneer’s commitment to advancing crop performance and strengthening relationships within the European farming community.
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Our expanding maize herbicide portfolio
Principal® Forte: With three active ingredients, Principal Forte provides broad-spectrum control of grass and broad‑leaved weeds, minimising tank mixes and giving your maize crop a strong start.
- Dose rate of 480 g/ha delivers 245 g/ha dicamba + 30 g/ha nicosulfuron + 15 g/ha rimsulfuron + 15 g/ha isoxadifen
- Apply with a non-ionic surfactant such as Activator 90 or vegetable oil adjuvant, such as Phase II
- Where tank mixed with mesotrione, the addition of an adjuvant is not required
- Comes in a 2.4kg pack, each pack will treat 5 ha
- Has few following crop restrictions meaning SFI options such as winter cover crop can be well utilised. Trials have also shown good safety when sowing ryegrass into the treated maize crop, 2-4 weeks after an application of Principal Forte
Pastor® Trio: A broad spectrum selective herbicide which is the preferred solution for mayweeds, thistles and docks. Also good on groundsel and brassica weeds like charlock and mustard. Now approved for tank mixing with nicosulfuron to enable a more comprehensive weed management approach.
LontrelTM 600: Controls many broad-leaved weeds including mayweeds, groundsel, thistles and volunteer potatoes.
Accent®: A high-quality water dispersible granule, containing 750 g/kg nicosulfuron, for the control of a wide range of weeds in forage maize.
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Instinct®: lock in Nitrogen to boost maize yields
As a crop, maize has traditionally been under-fertilised, and this is largely due to it requiring a significant amount of nitrogen - around half - post flowering. Nitrogen stabilisers slow down the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, preventing nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification. Trials using Corteva's Instinct have shown a reduction in leaching of around 50%, and a reduction in denitrification through greenhouse gases of approximately 45%. This means nitrogen is kept in the soil for longer, and for a crop such as maize, this has a significant impact on yields, as it is available to the plant when it is needed.
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Visual effects of Instinct are unmissable
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Increase maize yields with BlueNTM
BlueN is a nutrient efficiency biostimulant for use in a broad range of crops including maize. It contains Methylobacterium symbioticum, a bacteria found in nature.
It takes up nitrogen from the atmosphere and boosts nutrient efficiency throughout the duration of crop growth, contributing to increases in yield.
BlueN provides a sustainable, alternative and supplemental nitrogen source that reduces reliance on soil‑derived nitrogen, ensuring the plant has access to nitrogen all season-long.
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Key features of BlueN include:
- Provides a sustainable source of nitrogen
- Provides a supplemental source of nitrogen throughout the growing season particularly during periods of nitrogen demand from the crop
- Enhanced plant growth and resilience
These features give you stronger, more resilient crops by supporting natural growth, and ensuring a dependable, sustainable nitrogen supply throughout the season.
Learn more about BlueN here.
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Want to hear more from us?
Update your preferences and tailor your choices to make sure you receive the communications that are right for you. Don't forget to enter into our monthly prize draw by ticking the box before submitting to be in with the chance to win!
You can also stay in the loop with all the latest updates by following @CortevaIE on X and Facebook.
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USE PLANT PROTECTION & PLANT BIOSTIMULANT PRODUCTS SAFELY. Always read the label and product information before use. For further information including warning phrases and symbols refer to label. ®™ Trademarks Corteva Agriscience Limited and its affiliated companies. All other brand names are trademarks of other manufacturers for which proprietary rights may exist. All manufacturers trade names and trademarks are duly acknowledged. © 2026 Corteva. Principal® Forte contains nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, dicamba and isoxadifen. Pastor® Trio contains fluroxypyr, clopyralid and florasulam. Lontrel 600™ contains clopyralid. Accent® contains nicosulfuron. Instinct® contains nitrapyrin. BlueN® contains Methylobacterium symbioticum.  | | | | |
