What Causes Corn Seedlings to Change Color? Causes and Control Methods Explained
Corn is the most common crop in rural areas of China, and for many farmers it is the main source of income. Apart from pest and disease damage and death, the leaves and stems of corn stay green and dark green. However, many farmers have found that during planting, corn seedlings show abnormal colors, specifically yellowing, whitening and purpling of the leaves. What is going on here? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinnong Web.
1. Yellowing of leaves
The leaves of the seedlings begin to lose their green color and gradually turn yellow. This is mainly because the seedlings grow weakly and are not robust. In addition, sowing too deep, high planting density and poor soil are also factors leading to this phenomenon. If no measures are taken in this situation, in the later stage all the leaves will wither and fall off, leaving only a bare stalk.
Control methods: Choose plump, large seeds, and before planting treat them to promote sprouting and increase the germination rate. Plant at a reasonable density, strengthen management, weed frequently, and apply more nitrogen fertilizer to promote fast, robust growth.
2. Whitening of leaves
Whitening of leaves mainly occurs around the time the seedlings grow 3-4 true leaves. At this point the leaves begin to show a yellow-white color. As the seedlings grow and new leaves emerge, the yellow-white area keeps expanding, and finally the entire leaf turns yellow-white except for the veins. Purple also appears at the base, and after ten days to half a month, the purple turns white; the leaves are thin and weak, showing a white seedling appearance from a distance. In fact, all of this is caused by a lack of zinc in the seedlings.
Control methods: Now that we know the whitening of leaves is caused by zinc deficiency, we can treat the root cause. Apply more zinc fertilizer, and pay attention to the method when fertilizing: mix the zinc fertilizer evenly with fine soil, then sprinkle it beside the roots or seeds. You can also spray the leaves with a zinc fertilizer preparation, or dress the seeds with zinc fertilizer before planting.
3. Purpling of leaves
Purpling of leaves generally occurs after 2-3 true leaves have grown. As with the previous two, the seedlings begin to lose their green color and gradually turn purple, most noticeably on the leaves. In addition, growth is extremely slow. This is actually related to a deficiency of the phosphorus the seedlings need for growth, and this phenomenon is also easily triggered in low-lying, waterlogged areas.
Control methods: Apply more phosphorus fertilizer. As above, pay attention to the method when fertilizing, carry out careful cultivation, strengthen management, drain water promptly after the rainy season, and strengthen pest and disease control.
The above are the causes of corn seedling discoloration and the control methods brought to you by Qinnong Web. From this we can see that the main cause of corn seedling discoloration is a deficiency of some substance, so when planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, mix fertilizers reasonably, and avoid applying a single fertilizer.