Why is corn not tasseling? Detailed explanation of prevention and control measures

As a major food crop in China, corn is one of the important economic crops in our country. However, in recent years, the phenomenon of corn not tasseling has become increasingly serious, severely affecting corn yield and bringing great economic losses to farmers. So what are the nutritional causes of corn not tasseling? Let us learn about it together.

1. Symptoms of no tasseling

Corn not tasseling can manifest as three symptoms. First, no tassel is produced at all. Second, the tassel produced is relatively short, only about 10 cm, with no branching and no anthers. Third, the tassel produced has only 2-3 branches, and only a small amount of anthers on the main-axis florets, with a relatively small amount of pollen. No matter which of the above three symptoms occurs, it will cause a serious phenomenon of no pollen or extremely little pollen, making it impossible for corn to complete pollination normally and affecting yield.

2. Causes of no tasseling

There are multiple causes of corn not tasseling. First, soil drought. Corn is relatively sensitive to water at the tasseling stage. If water is insufficient, poor tassel emergence or no tasseling will occur, and normal fertilization cannot be completed. Second, insufficient nutrition. After corn enters the jointing stage, vegetative growth accelerates, and during tassel differentiation the demand for nutrients increases day by day. If nutrition is insufficient at this time, it is also a cause of no tasseling. Third, phytotoxicity. With the large-scale application of herbicides, they can seriously affect the normal growth of corn, and in severe cases can lead to no tasseling, reduced yield, or even total crop failure. Fourth, damage from diseases and insect pests. The diseases and insect pests of corn are becoming increasingly serious. The diseases and insect pests that commonly cause corn not to tassel include smut, maize rough dwarf disease, and Asian corn borer, aphids, red spider mites, and so on. Fifth, too long a photoperiod. Corn is a short-day crop and can only tassel, flower, and set seed normally under short-day conditions. If the daily light duration exceeds 12 hours, it will cause improper tasseling or no tasseling.

3. Prevention and control measures

It is necessary to ensure the water supply for corn during the ear stage. In areas with good conditions, two irrigations should be carried out during the jointing stage and half a month before the tasseling stage. In areas with poorer conditions, drought prevention work should be done well, and after rain, intertillage and soil loosening should be carried out to do a good job of water conservation. During the tasseling stage, the nutritional needs of corn must be ensured. The timing and amount of fertilization should be determined according to the fertility of the field. For fields with good fertility and strong seedling growth, less and later fertilization can be applied, while for poor land and fields with weak, thin seedlings, more and earlier fertilization should be applied. Topdressing is carried out in two applications. The first is during the jointing stage combined with watering, applying 5-7 kg of urea or 15-20 kg of ammonium bicarbonate per mu. The second is carried out 10-15 days before tasseling, combined with watering, applying 10-15 kg of urea or 30-40 kg of ammonium bicarbonate per mu. When using chemicals, pay attention to the type and concentration of the chemicals. Attention should also be paid to the prevention and control of diseases and insect pests, and diseased plants should be treated promptly.

The above is an introduction to the causes of corn not tasseling and prevention and control measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.