What are the causes of red seedlings in corn and the control methods?

Corn is one of the important food crops in our country, and various problems are often encountered during corn planting, and red seedlings are one of them, often causing farmers great headaches. So what causes red seedlings in corn? How should they be controlled? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of red seedlings

1. Phosphorus deficiency

When the soil is deficient in phosphorus, the growth of corn seedlings cannot meet the demand, which will hinder root development and growth, and the seedlings will grow slowly. As the phosphorus element in the seedlings gradually decreases, the leaves will change from dark green to red or purple.

2. Waterlogging in the field

Poor field drainage and relatively high soil moisture seriously affect the absorption and metabolism of the root system, thus hindering root growth, causing poor vegetative growth of the plant and causing the seedlings to turn red or purple.

3. Underground pests

When the seedling root system is bitten by underground pests, such as wireworms, its absorption capacity is weakened, causing the seedlings to become weak and form red seedlings.

4. Low temperature

When planting in the north, corn is sown relatively early, so in early spring it is prone to late spring cold causing freezing damage, which will cause the whole seedling to turn red. With rising temperatures, this red seedling phenomenon will gradually ease and disappear in the later period.

5. Phytotoxicity

Phytotoxicity can hinder sugar metabolism in corn seedlings and produce large amounts of anthocyanins, forming purplish-red seedlings. If it occurs over a large area, you must consult the local agricultural department, and after identifying the cause, targeted remedial measures can be taken.

6. Other causes

Heavy clay soil, too shallow or too deep sowing, and improper fertilization can all cause seedling burn, and improper chemical treatment causing seedling poisoning can also lead to red seedlings.

II. Control measures

For the red seedling phenomenon caused by various reasons, when phosphorus is deficient, phosphate fertilizer can be applied in the base fertilizer, with 10-15 kg of superphosphate per mu, or during the seedling growth period, 300-fold diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be sprayed 2-3 times as a foliar fertilizer, once every 3-4 days. At the same time, the land should be leveled, drainage ditches should be dug, and after rain stops the water should dry, with no water accumulating in the field. For underground pests, seed soaking or seed dressing with chemicals can be used, preferably seed coating, as well as soil disinfection treatment. If sowing is too shallow or seedlings emerge early, water should be applied in a timely manner, and intertillage and loosening of the soil should be done to preserve moisture, so as to promote strong seedlings.

The above is an introduction to the causes of red seedlings in corn and control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.