North Pacific Squid Ring,Seafood Squid Ring Frozen,Frozen Food Squid Ring Zhoushan Xifeng aquatic co lid. , https://www.xifengaquatic.com
Intercropping Maize to increase yield
The farmer remarked, "The corn has gone, and the strength is like a cow." When corn is intercropped with other plants, it can produce 8% to 10% more yield compared to pure corn cultivation. This technique, known as detasseling or intercropping, not only boosts production but also improves plant health and resilience.
**1. Reasons for Increased Production**
The increase in yield from detasseling can be attributed to several factors. First, it reduces nutrient competition between plants. By removing the tassels, the corn plants can focus their energy on developing larger, heavier ears of corn. Second, detasseling enhances air circulation and light penetration within the crop. Studies show that after detasseling, the light intensity on the top leaves increased by an average of 27.2%, middle leaves by 21.4%, and lower leaves by 15.9%. This improved light exposure boosts photosynthesis, leading to greater accumulation of organic matter. Third, detasseling helps reduce pest damage. For example, the incidence of corn borers can decrease by up to one-third. Additionally, shorter plant height after detasseling makes the crops less prone to lodging, especially during strong winds.
**2. Methods of Detasseling**
The method of detasseling involves selectively removing tassels from some rows while leaving others intact. One common approach is to remove tassels from alternate rows or to remove one male plant from each row. This ensures that pollination still occurs effectively, maintaining genetic diversity and seed quality.
**3. Timing of Detasseling**
The best time to perform detasseling is when the tassels are about 6.5 cm long, just before they start to open. It’s important not to do it too early or too late. If done too early, the tassels may be difficult to remove without damaging the plant. If delayed, the plant may become too mature, making the process harder and potentially harming the leaves. It's recommended to work between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on sunny days, when the plants have less moisture, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting faster healing of any wounds.
**4. Number of Plants to Detassel**
The number of plants to detassel depends on the appearance of the corn and local weather conditions. Typically, 1/3 to 1/2 of the total plants should be removed. However, in certain situations—such as in corn-soybean intercropping systems or along the edges of large corn fields—some plants should not be detasseled to ensure proper pollination and maintain overall productivity.
**5. Proper Technique**
When detasseling, hold the plant with your left hand and gently bend it. Use your right hand to pull out the tassel firmly but carefully, avoiding damage to the leaf sheath. It’s advisable to perform this task two or three times throughout the growing season. In addition, artificial pollination can be used alongside full tassel removal to further enhance yield and quality.
By following these techniques, farmers can maximize their corn yields while maintaining healthy, productive crops.