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Channel Field Check Up Replanting May Not Be The Answer To Poor Emergence
MORGAN SCHMIDT
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
In a perfect spring, all of the conditions necessary for successful corn emergence will align to provide adequate soil moisture, appropriate soil temperature and good seed-to-soil contact. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of the planting season can derail any farmer’s best efforts for a perfect start to a corn crop.
Emergence problems and seedling injury can be caused by cloddy or sandy soils, crusting, compaction, disease, herbicide injury and cold temperatures.
When reality hits and it’s obvious that corn emergence is challenged, farmers have the hard decision of starting over or toughing it out. The decision to replant or not is best determined by taking a good look at your corn stand to determine if seedlings can recover yield potential. Your Channel Seedsman can be a great resource for helping you determine your best option.
Uneven Emergence
Uneven emergence leads to plants with differing growth stages and can reduce yield potential because later-emerging plants may not produce a normal ear. In a Minnesota study, corn planted at a normal time was compared to fields planted either 7 or 14 days later. Yield comparisons showed that corn yields from delayed plantings were reduced when compared to the normal stand. The longer the planting delay, the greater the yield loss. The data showed later emerging plants were found to have smaller stalks, smaller and fewer ears, more barren plants, and less grain per plant than normal planted corn. Yet, even with the handicap of small plants, the study surmised that replanting fields rarely leads to an increase in yield potential1.
When dealing with uneven stands, it is important to use recommended herbicide application rates to avoid injuring corn. Be sure to apply herbicide based on the most advanced leaf stage in the field and refer to the label and your herbicide representative for specific application information.
Leafing Out vs. Emergence
In emerging corn plants, the coleoptile is a shield that protects the contained seedling leaves as the shoot is pushed through the soil by the mesocotyl, the white internode tissue between the seed and the coleoptile. The light-sensitive coleoptile sends hormone signals to the mesocotyl. If the coleoptile senses light at an incorrect soil depth, the mesocotyl stops growing and the corn leaves can break through the coleoptile. Without the protection from the intact coleoptile, it is very difficult for the corn leaves to penetrate the soil surface.
An early field evaluation will provide an indication of seedling health and the potential to recover. Seedlings with coleoptiles and mesocotyls intact may have new leaf development and resume normal growth when temperatures warm and fields dry.
For information about corn emergence, contact your Channel Seedsman or visit channel.com. Sign up for agronomy alerts by texting JOIN to CHANNL (242665). Messaging and data rates apply.
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MORGAN SCHMIDT: Channel Agronomist
Source: 1 Elmore, R. and Abendroth, L. 2006. Yield effect of uneven corn heights. Iowa State University Agronomy Extension.
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