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Intercropping Maize to increase yield
The farmer said, "The corn has gone and the strength is like a cow." Intercropping corn with other crops, such as soybeans, can lead to an 8% to 10% increase in yield compared to growing corn alone. This method not only boosts production but also improves plant health and resilience.
**1. Reasons for Increased Production**
There are several reasons why intercropping or detasseling (removing the tassels) can increase corn yield. First, it reduces nutrient competition between plants. By removing the tassels, the plant's energy is redirected toward developing larger, heavier ears of corn, which directly increases the overall yield.
Second, detasseling improves air circulation and light penetration within the cornfield. This enhances the efficiency of photosynthesis, especially in the middle and lower leaves. Studies have shown that after detasseling, the light intensity on the top leaves increased by an average of 27.2%, on the middle leaves by 21.4%, and on the lower leaves by 15.9%. This improved light exposure helps the plant accumulate more organic matter, leading to better growth and higher yields.
Third, detasseling can reduce pest damage. For example, the incidence of corn borers decreases by about one-third due to the removal of tassels. Additionally, detasseling makes the plants shorter and sturdier, reducing the risk of lodging (falling over), which is a common issue during heavy rain or wind.
**2. Method of Detasseling**
The detasseling process involves removing the tassels from some rows while leaving others intact. One common technique is to remove tassels from every other row, or to remove one tassel per plant in certain rows. This ensures that pollination still occurs effectively, as the tassels from the unremoved plants will still provide pollen for the remaining ones.
**3. Timing of Detasseling**
The best time to detassel is when the tassels are about 6.5 cm long, just before they begin 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 done too late, the plant becomes older and more fragile, making it harder to remove the tassels without causing injury to the leaves or stems.
Detasseling should be done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on sunny days. At this time, the plants have less moisture, making them easier to handle and reducing the chance of stem or leaf breakage. The wounds caused by detasseling also heal faster under these conditions.
**4. Number of Plants to Detassel**
The number of plants to detassel depends on the appearance of the corn and weather conditions. Typically, it’s recommended to remove between one-third and one-half of the total tassels. However, care must be taken not to remove too many, especially in areas where cross-pollination is necessary.
For instance, in intercropping systems with soybeans, or in plots located at the edge of large corn fields, it’s advisable to leave some tassels intact to ensure proper pollination.
**5. Proper Technique**
When detasseling, use your left hand to hold the upper part of the plant and gently bend it. With your right hand, grasp the tassel and pull it out firmly. Be careful not to damage the leaf sheath or the main stem. It’s best to perform the task two to three times throughout the season.
In addition, artificial pollination can be used in combination with detasseling. After manually pollinating the plants, all the tassels can be removed to further improve yield and quality. This method ensures better seed development and ultimately leads to a more productive harvest.