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Tom J. Bechman
PICK UP THE PATTERN: Notice the odd pattern of shorter, lighter-colored plants that runs diagonally but flips direction at the midpoint of this cornfield. Corn Watch: Tissue testing can help compare regular and affected plants.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
The pattern was obvious in a cornfield Dave Nanda spotted on the way to look at the Corn Watch field in 2020. It was confusing, yet obvious. It begged for a follow-up.
What made this pattern unusual was that it reversed itself halfway through the field, Nanda says. He is director of genetics for Seed Genetics Direct, sponsor of Corn Watch ’21, and the main consultant who observes the Corn Watch field. The goal is to learn things through observations in the Corn Watch field that help you make more informed decisions on your fields.
Final sampling time
Samples were pulled at the V5 stage in 2020. Zinc was borderline. Adding it might have boosted yields, even though zinc was added with the starter. At the 12-leaf stage, tissue tests showed that key nutrient levels for nitrogen and potassium were dropping, most likely because the field had just suffered through a very dry period. Rain refreshed the plants, but nutrient levels weren’t up yet when samples were taken hours after the rain.
The recommended time to take the third sample if you’re only taking three is at R1, Bower says. According to the Purdue University Corn and Soybean Field Guide, it’s just before pollination and silking. By R2, kernels have formed blisters. In the Corn Watch 2020 field, samples were pulled at R2, which is still valuable information.