Key Cultivation Techniques and Planting Precautions for Fresh-eating Waxy Corn
Waxy corn, commonly known as sticky corn, has nutrient-rich kernels that are abundant in lysine and vitamins and other nutrients essential to the human body, and also contain elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and selenium. In addition, cultivating waxy corn has a short cycle and high economic returns, and it is favored by the vast number of farmers and processing enterprises. So what are the cultivation techniques for fresh-eating waxy corn? What precautions are there when planting?
1. What are the cultivation techniques for waxy corn?
1. Isolated planting
Waxy corn is controlled by recessive genes. If it is “cross-pollinated” by other types of corn, it becomes non-waxy in that same generation. The following isolation methods can be used for planting:
(1) Spatial isolation: a distance of more than 350 m.
(2) Barrier isolation: use barriers such as hills, woods, and buildings.
(3) Time isolation: for spring sowing, sow at intervals of 30 days.
2. Sowing at the right time
Waxy corn is generally sown in mid-to-late November, with 2 rows per ridge, a row spacing of 25--30 cm, and 2--3 seeds per hole. Generally, the target stand density of waxy corn is 3500--4000 plants per mu. Note that too much soil should not be pressed along the film edges, so as to maximize the width of the film surface, enlarge the light-collecting area, and improve the utilization rate of the plastic film.
3. Field management
Drain and irrigate in a timely manner, and apply topdressing reasonably. According to the growth status of waxy corn and soil moisture conditions, drain and irrigate in a timely manner. Water promptly in case of drought and drain promptly in case of waterlogging. At the jointing stage and the large trumpet stage, carry out topdressing together with irrigation. Open furrows or dig holes 10 cm away from the waxy corn plants, and apply 16--18 kg of urea per mu. Spray 100--150 g of zinc sulfate diluted in 50 kg of water on the leaves 1--2 times to meet the corn's need for zinc and prevent white bud leaf disease.
2. What precautions are there for planting fresh-eating waxy corn?
1. Choose good varieties
It is best to choose hybrid varieties suitable for the local natural conditions and cultivation conditions. In terms of variety types, planting should be based on market demand, and attention should be paid to combining early-, mid-, and late-maturing varieties to extend the supply period for the market and meet the needs of the market and processing plants.
2. Plant in isolation from ordinary waxy corn
When waxy corn crosses with ordinary corn, pollen mixing will cause the seeds produced by the planted waxy corn to lose their waxy nature and reduce their commercial value. Therefore, waxy corn must be planted in isolation from other corn, generally maintaining a distance of more than 200 m. Another method is to sow at different times from other corn, with the flowering periods separated by more than 15 days.
3. Reasonable close planting is required
Early-maturing waxy corn, especially, has short plants, and should be about 4000 plants per mu; mid-maturing varieties should be about 3500 plants; late-maturing varieties should preferably be about 3200 plants.
4. Focus on increasing the application of organic fertilizer
For waxy corn fertilization techniques, attention should be paid to increasing the application of organic fertilizer and balancing the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Topdressing should mainly consist of quick-acting nitrogen and potassium fertilizers.
5. The harvest time must be well controlled
For spring-sown waxy corn, the harvest period is generally about 26-28 days after pollination, and for autumn-sown corn, the harvest period is preferably 35 days after pollination. Harvesting too early or too late is not conducive to the best commercial value of waxy corn. If harvested too early, the kernels are not strongly waxy and the taste is not good; if harvested too late, they lack freshness, sweetness, and aroma.