Corn empty stalks refer to corn plants that have developed tall, thick stalks but have failed to produce ears or tassels. This issue is a common challenge in corn farming and can significantly affect both yield and the economic returns of the crop.
The main causes of empty stalks include over-crowded planting, which leads to poor nutrient supply for both male and female ears. Another factor is drought or insufficient fertilization before flowering, which hinders proper development. Additionally, weak seedlings caused by missing or sparse stands can also lead to malnutrition, resulting in empty stalks.
To manage this problem effectively, several control measures should be taken. First, it's important to determine the right planting density based on the variety. Late-maturing varieties, such as Nongda 108, which have longer growth periods and taller plants, should be planted more sparsely, ideally at a rate of 3,000 or fewer per acre. Mid-maturing varieties like Zhengdan 958, Ludan 50, and Ludan 981 can be planted slightly denser, around 4,000 per acre. Early-maturing types, such as Daidan 4 and Luyu 10, tend to require higher density than mid-season varieties. In areas with poor soil fertility or limited water availability, planting density should be reduced, while in richer soils, it can be increased accordingly.
Proper timing of thinning is also crucial. Farmers should focus on early management, starting seedling thinning before the three-leaf stage, and performing it 3 to 4 times. Before the jointing stage, they should remove weak seedlings and keep only the strongest ones, ensuring even growth. If there are gaps in the field, it’s not advisable to transplant seedlings; instead, two healthy plants can be left to cover the space.
Finally, timely fertilization and irrigation are essential during the tasseling and flowering stages, when the plant is undergoing both vegetative and reproductive growth. A large amount of nutrients and water are needed during this period. If fertilization is delayed, ear formation may be affected, leading to empty stalks. Therefore, if dry weather or signs of nutrient deficiency occur, farmers should promptly irrigate and apply urea or diammonium phosphate to maintain plant health.
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