How to Detassel Corn: Detailed Explanation of Methods and Precautions
Management during the tasseling stage of corn affects corn yield, and at this time there is a technique that can increase yield, namely detasseling. Many people wonder whether detasseling corn really increases yield. In fact, according to practical production evidence, detasseling can increase yield by 5%-8%. So how should corn be detasseled? What should be noted when detasseling? Let's take a look together.
1. Detasseling time
The best time to detassel is when the tassel has emerged 6-7 cm from the top leaf and has not yet shed pollen; the yield-increasing effect is also relatively obvious at this time. This is because the stalk of the tassel is relatively crisp and tender, and the node area of the tassel is not firmly attached, making it easy to pull out. If you wait until it has grown and developed for a period of time, the stalk becomes older and the nodes become firmly attached; then when detasseling, it is not only difficult to pull out, but the top leaf is also very easily pulled off, and the stalk is easily broken. This not only fails to achieve the effect of detasseling, but also affects yield. Detasseling should be done on a sunny day, but avoid the period of strong light, so the best time is generally in the afternoon or afternoon, during a period when the sunshine is bright but not intense. In this way, the temperature is suitable, and the wound after detasseling heals easily, so as to avoid infection by pathogens. Never detassel on cloudy and rainy days, so as to avoid water soaking into the ear and causing rot and death.
2. Detasseling methods
When detasseling, you must also master the method and not do it blindly, otherwise it will have the opposite effect. Generally, detasseling is carried out on alternate rows or alternate plants, removing tassels that have not yet bloomed and shed pollen, so that normal pollination between plants will not be affected. Corn has many tassels and produces a large amount of pollen. Pollen is mainly spread by wind, and pollen has extremely strong respiration, which consumes a large amount of nutrients from the plant, competes with the ear for nutrients, and is detrimental to corn growth. Therefore, removing part of the tassels will not affect the growth of corn and can also avoid unnecessary nutrient consumption. After the plants have completed pollination, all tassels can be cut off to reduce nutrient consumption, so that the plant's nutrients are concentrated in supplying the ear, allowing it to grow and develop rapidly and increasing yield.
3. Precautions for detasseling
When detasseling, be careful not to cut off the plant's leaves, otherwise it will affect the photosynthesis of corn, reduce the nutrients synthesized by corn, and then reduce yield, failing to achieve the purpose of increasing yield. In addition, pay attention to the time of detasseling and detassel in a timely manner. If detasseling is too late, the yield-increasing effect will not be obvious. Detasseling should be done on alternate rows or alternate plants; do not detassel every plant. Also, do not remove the tassels at the field edges and field ends.
The above are the methods and precautions for detasseling corn. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about corn cultivation knowledge, please follow us.