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Corn Watch: Here’s an example of why hybrid genetics matter.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

October 4, 2022

2 Min Read
hands holding and examining ear of corn still in the husk and attached to the stalk
UPRIGHT AND TIGHT: This hybrid produces high yield, but ears remain upright until black layer. That’s because the peduncle, which attaches the ear to the stalk (just below the fingers), is short. Photos by Tom J. Bechman

Dave Nanda has walked cornfields for over 60 years. The former plant breeder has a certain type of ear structure and design in mind when he compares one hybrid to another.

“All other things being equal, including yield potential, I prefer hybrids that allow ears to begin to droop over as corn reaches maturity versus hybrids that hold ears upright and tight,” says Nanda, director of genetics for Seed Genetics Direct. This company sponsors Corn Watch ’22.

Related: Mold, sprouting hiding in cornfields

“I also prefer ears with adequate husks that extend to the tip of the ear, but which aren’t so thick that the ear is sealed tight. These traits really come into play in years when ear molds are a threat. If ears remain upright and husks are tight, ears tend to hold more moisture, and it provides a more favorable environment for ear molds to develop.”

ear of corn showing signs of mold

The 2022 season was the perfect storm for ear molds in some locations. Extremely dry, hot, stressful conditions early followed by plentiful rains during grain fill predisposed plants to infections, Nanda says. These infections can appear either as ear molds and rots or as stalk rots, or both.

Ears held tighter to the stalk that don’t hang down during drydown are easier targets for molds because they hold moisture longer, Nanda says. Various ear molds, including gibberella and fusarium, appeared in the Corn Watch field this year, even before black layer occurred.

ear of corn with looser husks

To understand why some hybrids hold ears tighter to the stalk, Nanda refers to basic biology. He explains that the “peduncle” is the short stemmy structure connecting a fruiting body to the plant. In this case, it connects the base of the ear to the corn plant.

“It’s not a term farmers hear often, but it explains what’s happening here,” Nanda says. “The peduncle on hybrids in the Corn Watch field this year were short, due to their genetics, explaining why ears were held upright and close to the stalk.

“When plants were stressed early and then there is lots of moisture and warm weather later, ears with short peduncles held upright are easier targets for infection.”

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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