Thunderpop
Thunderpop sets the benchmark in Australia in commercially available popcorn hybrids. Thunderpop has a 90% butterfly flake style, which is suitable for microwave, oil and hot air popping. The large strong flake will process well and is ideal for direct consumption. The hull breaks up well and the flake is large and white. Expansions of 38 - 43 are commercial for this variety. Recommended expansion moisture is 13 - 14.2 %.
Its relative maturity to harvest is shorter than Snowpop by almost 5%, on a strong single stalked plant with a significant yield advantage over all other commercial varieties.
Grain size varies depending on year, however generally Thunderpop will be in the range of 65 - 70 kernels per 10 grams. Making it a large grain type most desired by the industry. Kernel colour is dark yellow to orange. The glume sheds well leaving a clean sample.
The hybrid seed will generally have a seed count of 6300 - 6800 seeds per kilogram. Under irrigated conditions planting populations should be between 65,000 - 80,000 established plants per hectare.
Dry land recommended planting populations would vary depending on rainfall and location but would be between 35,000 - 50,000 established plants per hectare.
