A Detailed Guide to the Latest Control Methods for Cold Temperature Injury in Corn
Corn is a warmth-loving crop with relatively high temperature requirements. In some years, because temperatures are relatively low, corn often suffers from low-temperature chilling injury. Encountering low temperatures during the sowing and emergence stage causes delayed emergence, weak seedlings, and reduced seed germination rates. This phenomenon is called cold temperature injury, so what should be done about cold temperature injury in corn? Follow the editor and take a look.
1. Fine land preparation
In northern regions, land preparation and fertilization should be done in autumn. After the soil is harrowed and compacted, ridges should be made and beds formed. Where irrigation conditions exist, basal water should be applied well in autumn and winter, followed by timely compaction and fine harrowing to prevent soil moisture loss, achieving level beds, fine soil, and a loose surface over a firm subsoil.
2. Select good varieties
Corn varieties differ greatly in low-temperature tolerance, so high-yielding varieties suited to the local area and tolerant of low temperatures should be selected according to local conditions. At the same time, the sowing period should be scientifically determined according to climate zoning, with appropriate early sowing so that the temperature indicators for each growth stage are met. The air temperature from sowing to emergence is best between 13-17 degrees, and must not be lower than 10 degrees. The average air temperature from emergence to silking should preferably be higher than 24 degrees, and not lower than 23 degrees. This favors photosynthesis, especially since higher temperatures in the later period and a large difference between day and night temperatures are beneficial for the accumulation of dry matter.
3. Reasonable dense planting
After emergence, thinning and final singling should be done in a timely manner to achieve a suitable density. Plastic film mulching cultivation should be adopted, as it uses less film and is convenient to manage. A wide-narrow row or large-small ridge planting method can be used, that is, a large row spacing of 80 cm and a small row spacing of 25 cm, covering 2 rows of corn with 70—75 cm wide film, with 10 cm of the film pressed into the soil on both sides. It is best to maintain 3800-4500 plants per mu, so that air and light penetration is also relatively good, and the edge-row advantage can be brought into play, also increasing yield by about 10%-15%.
4. Early sowing and early film mulching
Film mulching is generally done ten days to half a month earlier than open-field cultivation. After sowing, open a ditch on each side of the ridge, about 5 cm deep, press the plastic film tightly against the ground, with suitable tightness, and cover the film edges firmly with soil, so that the light-receiving surface of the film is more than 35 cm. For areas with weed problems, spray chemicals on the ridge surface before covering, which can excellently prevent weeds from growing.
The above is an introduction to control methods for cold temperature injury in corn. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.