Technical guidance issued for Northeast region to promote early maturation of corn and protect autumn grain

This year, corn planting in the Northeast region encountered unfavorable weather such as drought and late spring cold, and the sowing period in most areas was 5-7 days later than usual. Since July, most areas have experienced sustained drought, with precipitation generally below normal, and the tasseling and silking stage of corn was generally about 5 days later than usual, with the overall growth process delayed. At present, corn in the Northeast region is in the grain-filling stage. Considering the severe impact of El Nino this year, the Northeast region may encounter autumn drought and early frost, and the Ministry of Agriculture organized experts for consultation to formulate technical guidance for promoting early maturation of corn and protecting autumn grain in the Northeast region, effectively strengthening field management and ensuring that every grain is harvested and stored.

First, combat autumn drought according to local conditions. Pay close attention to weather changes, and guide farmers in scientific water-saving and drought-resistant measures according to the degree of drought in each area. Areas with better conditions may adopt efficient water-saving irrigation technical measures such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, micro-sprinkler irrigation, and Xiaobailong; areas with relatively poor conditions may adopt water-saving irrigation methods such as staggered ridge irrigation and alternate ridge irrigation, effectively reducing water use and costs, ensuring irrigation wherever possible, and striving to minimize the impact of drought.

Second, coordinate pest and disease control. In an El Nino year, uncertain extreme weather can easily cause disasters such as diseases, insect pests, and premature senescence. Dynamic monitoring of pests and diseases in the later growth stages of corn and disaster forecasting and early warning must be done in advance, related materials such as pesticides and equipment must be stockpiled, and chemical control and biological control must be combined, implementing unified prevention and control and mass prevention and mass treatment, to effectively control outbreaks of second-generation armyworm, aphids, red spiders, and other pests.

Third, strengthen field management to promote early maturation. For plots whose development has been delayed by drought, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer in a timely and appropriate amount in combination with irrigation to promote grain filling. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied deeply or covered with soil after application to prevent fertilizer damage caused by high temperatures; in the later growth stage, reduce competition for water through measures such as loosening autumn ridges and pulling large weeds; through cutting empty plants, removing lower leaves, and peeling back husks on standing stalks for drying, improve ventilation and light penetration, reduce disease infection, reduce nutrient consumption, and promote grain filling; use foliar fertilizer spraying or additional application of plant growth regulators to accelerate grain filling and maturation.

Fourth, take multiple measures to prevent early frost. Sustained high temperature and drought have caused delayed corn growth and development, and late-maturing varieties and low-lying plots should be protected against early frost invasion. Pay close attention to early warning information from meteorological departments, irrigate in the evening two days before frost appears to increase soil moisture and raise the near-surface air temperature; seize key time periods, place chaff, straw, weeds, sawdust, and other materials at the upwind mouth, and ignite them for fumigation before cold air below zero degrees Celsius arrives, or set up windbreaks on the north side of the field and take other measures to increase the local environmental temperature and reduce the harm of low-temperature frost.

Fifth, harvest mechanically at the appropriate time to ensure a bumper harvest. Before early frost arrives, appropriately delay corn harvest time to extend the effective grain-filling period, accelerate dehydration of ears and grains, reduce grain moisture content, and improve corn yield and grain quality. Harvest when the bracts are dry, the black layer appears, and the milk line of the grains disappears. According to variety characteristics and later drying conditions, promote mechanical ear picking and mechanical grain harvesting, and at the same time crush straw and return it to the field. After harvest, avoid piling in large heaps, turn and dry frequently, and store by using stacks or arranging rows and other methods to prevent internal accumulation of moisture and temperature that leads to mold.