What to Do About Multiple Ears on Corn? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Countermeasures
Corn is a very popular food crop in our country, with a large planting area. Although growing corn is relatively simple, many problems can still arise during cultivation, affecting corn yield. One of these is multiple ears on corn, which causes the ears to become smaller and severely reduces yield. So what should be done about multiple ears on corn? Below, the editor will give you a brief introduction. Let's take a look!
1. Variety Selection
One of the causes of multiple ears on corn is the variety itself. Before planting corn, we should scientifically choose suitable varieties according to local conditions. We must not blindly follow trends; the premise should be suitability for the local environment and the market. When selecting varieties, priority should be given to varieties with wide adaptability and strong stress resistance, which can effectively reduce multiple ears. If the variety being planted is one with a tendency toward multiple ears, then once the corn enters the silking stage, the ineffective ears should be removed promptly to avoid the occurrence of multiple ears.
2. Reasonable Planting
Corn is a cross-pollinated plant, and the main route of pollination is wind. Therefore, when planting corn, we should plant at a reasonable density to improve the air permeability of the cornfield and enhance wind pollination. This can effectively improve light energy utilization and the success rate of pollination. It is also very beneficial to the overall growth of corn, and the phenomenon of multiple ears can be effectively reduced. Planting density should be reasonably adjusted according to different varieties. For example, for compact-growing corn varieties, the number of plants per mu should be kept at around 4,300, and planting should not be too dense or too sparse.
3. Strengthen Management
Improper fertilizer and water application is also a main cause of multiple ears on corn. Corn's demand for fertilizer changes with the growth stage. During the seedling stage, because its growth capacity is not strong, its demand for nutrients is also relatively low. When it enters the jointing and tasseling stage, this is the peak period of corn's fertilizer demand. When fertilizing, fertilizer should be applied reasonably according to corn's fertilizer requirements, and excessive nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied. Then, when corn experiences water shortage, it should be watered promptly, especially around the tasseling stage, when corn is very sensitive to water demand. Soil moisture content should be kept at around 75% to minimize the phenomenon of multiple ears.
4. Artificial Pollination
After corn enters the silking stage, if multiple ears are found, then the ears on the lower part of the plant should be removed promptly to avoid consuming too many nutrients. It is enough to keep about two ears on the upper part of the plant, concentrating nutrients for the purpose of cultivating large ears and increasing corn yield. In addition, when removing ears, be careful not to damage the plant stems and leaves. Then, during the flowering period of corn, artificial pollination should be carried out appropriately, which can effectively increase the seed-setting rate of corn and reduce abnormal tasseling. If drought, strong winds, heavy rain and other conditions occur, then pollen collection and pollination should be carried out promptly from other locations.
The above is a brief introduction to what to do about multiple ears on corn. Multiple ears on corn can have a great impact on corn yield, so everyone must pay attention, strengthen management, and be more observant. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can be helpful to everyone.