When walking through a corn field, growers often come across what appear to be branches growing from the main stem of the plant. Although tillers are found in many grasses, they are essential to other crops, and yet growers often don’t understand when they see them on a corn crop.
this Corn School, Aidan Filipchuk of PRIDE Seeds explains that tillers are a sign of ideal growing conditions. Full sun and abundant nutrients are one of three possible causes. Another cause of tillers (also known as succus) is early corn stress. Wind, hail, insects, or run-over damage from sprayers can all stress the emerging plants.
The third reason is the hybrid variety planted, as some varieties are more prone to tillering than others. The final reason is something farmers can address: nitrogen rates and planting density.
Filipchuk said tillers are usually nothing to worry about, especially if growers are only seeing one per plant. If there are three or four tillers per plant, it could be time to start considering some management decisions, as it could be a sign of too much nitrogen or that planting density is not up to target and the corn needs more space to grow tillers.
Going into the field and counting seedlings between the V3 and V6 stages is crucial, as it lets growers know if their planting or seeder is properly calibrated, helping them make important management decisions for this and future growing seasons.
Check out more episodes of Corn School. here!
subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | | All Podcasts
