Recently, farmers and grassroots technicians have been asking a lot of questions about the phenomenon of corn producing tillers. They want to know why this happens, under what conditions it is more common, why there seems to be an increase this year, and whether this affects the yield of the crop. Here are detailed answers to these concerns:
Why does corn produce tillers?
A: Corn plants have axillary buds at each node along the stem. Normally, only the top five to eight leaf buds develop into ears, while the rest remain dormant due to strong apical dominance. However, when the apical dominance is weakened—whether by environmental stress, disease, or other factors—these lower axillary buds can start growing into tillers. This is relatively rare in healthy, well-nourished plants, but can occur during early growth stages if the plant's natural growth balance is disrupted.
Under what conditions is tiller formation more common?
A: Several factors can trigger tillering in corn. One is infection from diseases like maize rough dwarf virus. Another is phytotoxicity caused by herbicides applied after emergence. Dwarfing agents used to control plant height can also lead to tillering. Additionally, high temperatures and drought during the seedling stage often weaken the main growth point, leading to increased tiller production. Some corn varieties are more prone to tillering than others, especially those with weaker apical dominance.
Why is tiller formation more common this year?
A: This year, Summer maize in our province experienced prolonged periods of high temperature and drought from late June to mid-July, with very little rainfall. These stressful conditions inhibited the development of the main shoot, causing the plant to divert energy to producing tillers instead. At the same time, the high light intensity and heat promoted greater photosynthesis, providing more nutrients for tiller formation. As a result, we've seen an unusual increase in tiller production this season.
Does tiller formation affect yield?
A: In grain corn production, tillers are generally not beneficial. They consume valuable nutrients that would otherwise go to the main ear, and they often do not develop into productive ears. Even if they do bear some grain, it tends to be small and less valuable. Tiller growth can also make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, tillers can significantly reduce grain yield. However, if the goal is to harvest the whole plant for silage or livestock feed, tillers may actually increase biomass and are not considered harmful.
What should farmers do after corn starts producing tillers?
A: If you're growing corn for grain, it's best to remove the tillers as soon as possible, ideally on sunny days between 9 AM and 5 PM. Removing them early helps minimize nutrient loss and reduces the risk of disease or pest infestation. However, if you're growing corn for silage or green feeding, there's no need to remove the tillers—they can contribute to overall biomass. Always assess your farming goals before deciding on any management practices.
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