What causes empty stalks in corn? With detailed solutions

Empty stalks in corn are a common phenomenon during corn cultivation and have become one of the important causes affecting corn yield. An empty stalk in corn means no ear is produced. The normal empty stalk rate is around 2%, with relatively small losses, but once it becomes severe it can reach 30%, causing huge economic losses to farmers. So what causes empty stalks in corn? Let's take a look together with Qinnong Web.

1. High planting density

When planting corn, under the same planting environment, as planting density increases, the empty stalk rate of corn will also gradually increase. High planting density leads to poor field ventilation and insufficient light, reducing photosynthesis in corn and resulting in fewer synthesized nutrients, which causes nutrient deficiency and empty stalks.

Solution: Plant at a reasonable density. Different varieties have different requirements for planting density. When selecting seeds, you must adapt to local conditions and determine the appropriate planting density according to the variety, local environment, and cultivation method. Ensure ventilation and light penetration during corn growth so that the stems grow thick and strong, satisfy leaf photosynthesis, and provide sufficient nutrients for full ear development.

2. Low fertility

If fertility is insufficient during planting, corn growth cannot obtain adequate nutrients, causing poor development and empty stalks. In addition, applying fertilizer in an overly single manner results in a higher empty stalk rate than formula fertilization.

Solution: When planting, be sure to apply sufficient fertilizer to ensure nutrient supply, but at the same time do not apply fertilizer in a single manner. Combine organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizer, apply sufficient base fertilizer at planting, supplement with topdressing, and rationally match nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to ensure the nutrients needed for stem and ear growth.

3. Insufficient water

During the growth of corn stems and ears, a large amount of water needs to be absorbed from the soil. However, if the soil is too dry, causing insufficient water supply, corn will grow short and weak, leaves will turn yellow and wither, ear differentiation will be blocked, and empty stalks will appear.

Solution: During the jointing and tasseling stages of corn, if there is high temperature and drought and the soil is too dry, water in time to ensure the needs of corn growth. Pay attention to the amount when watering. If too much water is applied, drain it in time to avoid a counterproductive effect, which can also cause empty stalks.

4. Rainy weather

During the tasseling and pollen-shedding stage, if there is long-term rainy weather at this time, the pollen will absorb too much water and swell and rupture, die, or clump together, causing the pollen to lose its fertilizing function and resulting in empty stalks.

Solution: During this period, if the cause is weather, it is unavoidable. At this time, artificial pollination can be carried out to reduce the probability of empty stalks.

5. Pests and diseases

During corn growth, it will suffer from many pests and diseases. Diseases mainly harm plant growth and development, causing the plant to grow weakly and develop poorly, and in severe cases can cause death. Pests mainly gnaw on leaves and roots, destroying the conducting tissue, causing water and nutrients to be unable to transport normally, and finally leading to tissue necrosis and the formation of empty stalks.

Solution: When planting, attention must be paid to the prevention and control of pests and diseases, and they must not be taken lightly. In routine daily management, once pests and diseases are found, deal with them in time. After confirming a certain pest or disease, apply the appropriate treatment to eliminate it and ensure smooth crop growth.

The above are the causes of and solutions for empty stalks in corn brought to you by Qinnong Web. The content about empty stalks in corn is introduced here. If you want to learn more, please keep following Qinnong Web.