Autumn corn has a relatively short growing season and is vulnerable to various environmental stresses, such as drought, high temperatures, early cold spells, and pests. These challenges can lead to small ears, poor kernel development, or even barren tops. To ensure a successful harvest, it's essential to implement the "five key measures" (the "five bogey") effectively.
One of the most critical periods for water demand is from the first 10 days after tasseling to 20 days post-tasseling. During this time, insufficient moisture can delay silking and reduce pollination success. If the soil lacks adequate water, plants may show signs of stress, like wilted leaves and stunted growth. To prevent this, it’s best to plant in areas with irrigation facilities. If the soil moisture drops below 60% after sowing, it’s important to water immediately to protect the seedlings. Once the plants emerge, if the leaves begin to curl, it’s a sign that drought protection is needed. Maintaining around 70% soil moisture during the booting stage is crucial—dew whitening is an indicator that irrigation is necessary. Studies have shown that irrigated fields can produce over 30% more yield than non-irrigated ones. Artificial pollination can also be used when silks appear; on sunny mornings between 9 and 11 a.m., manually transfer pollen every other day for 3–4 times to improve fertilization.
Sowing too late can expose the crop to low temperatures or cold dew after September 20, which can interfere with pollination and result in barren kernels. To avoid this, it's recommended to sow autumn corn by early August. Late planting can also cause the plant to experience high temperatures and shorter daylight hours, leading to premature reproductive growth and reduced vegetative development. To compensate, increasing plant density is beneficial. A recommended planting pattern is wide-narrow rows: 46 cm wide, 33 cm narrow, with 22 cm spacing, totaling about 5,500 plants per mu.
Fertilization should not be delayed either. Autumn corn typically requires two fertilizer applications—one during the jointing stage and another during the big bell-mouth phase. If nutrient levels are low, applying a concentrated dose of jointing fertilizer can help promote healthy ear development. After applying base fertilizer, apply 5 kg of urea and 5 kg of potassium when the plant has 4–5 leaves. At the 8–9 leaf stage, top-dress with 45% compound fertilizer at a rate of 45 kg per mu, combined with irrigation or direct application. Additionally, removing one-third of the male flowers at the beginning of tasseling can help concentrate nutrients on the female ears.
Insect pests like corn borers and aphids pose serious threats. During the seedling stage and the big bell-mouth period, using 3% carbofuran mixed with 1.5 kg of dry fine loess cakes per acre can help control corn borers. For aphid control, a solution of 10% osmium net diluted 2,500–3,000 times, combined with new high-fat film, is effective. In paddy fields, it's also important to monitor and manage diseases like sheath blight. Proper pest and disease management is essential for a healthy and productive crop.
Gummy Jelly,Center Filled Gummy Candy,Center Filled Jelly Gummy Candy,Collagen Center Filled Gummy Candy
Montreal Shantou Food Co., Ltd , https://www.montrealsnack.com