If maize production is to be successful it is essential to be clear about the intended end-use and the farm conditions in order to make a wise choice of variety and technology. Recommendations on the end-use of the varieties can only be made based on knowledge of both yield levels and chemical quality. A total of 96 hybrids from four FAO maturity groups were examined at four locations in 2008 in order to analyse their yield and quality and to determine the effect of ecological factors on a number of parameters. The highest yield averages were recorded for hybrids in the FAO 300 group (12.95 t ha -1) at locations with the highest rainfall (Debrecen). In Debrecen and Iregszemcse the plants were able to develop a second ear, thus increasing the yield average (12.31 t ha -1, 11.75 t ha -1). In Szarvas irrigation helped to achieve good yields and reduce drought damage (10.97 t ha -1), while in Martonvasar, although rainfall sums were adequate, the uneven distribution and atmospheric drought led to lower yields (9.65 t ha -1). In this experiment, early hybrids (FAO, 200, FAO 300) had the best yield stability. The starch content of the grain exhibited a close correlation with the yield average. The greatest starch incorporation was recorded for FAO 300 hybrids (72.86%). The expected negative correlation between starch content and protein/oil content was observed. The FAO 200 hybrids had the highest protein and oil contents (9.70 and 3.89%), which gradually declined at later maturity dates (FAO 500: 9.14 and 3.51%). The thousand-kernel mass and the length of the main ear were closely correlated with the maturity date, being lowest for the earliest hybrids (326.39 g, 18.91 cm) and highest in the latest group (346.91 g, 19.74 cm). For protein and oil content, genetic differences between the hybrids were greater (1.50, 1.00%) than between locations (0.97, 0.82%), while in the case of starch the latter caused greater differences (2.84, 4.06%).
