Maize seedling management needs "early management coarse early method"
Bioantibody Biotechnology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bioantibodymedical.com
September 21 09:35:36, 2025
Corn is sown during the seedling stage, which is also known as the jointing stage. This phase is crucial for the plant's development, focusing on the growth of long roots, differentiation of stem segments, and the establishment of a strong root system. At this stage, corn seedlings prefer warm conditions, are relatively drought-resistant, but are vulnerable to earthworms and competition from weeds. Farmers must pay close attention to ensuring uniform seedling emergence and avoiding both seedling shortages and weed infestations. The soil should remain loose to promote healthy root development.
Field management during the seedling stage should follow the principle of "early and thorough care" to avoid the formation of "old seedlings," which can hinder growth. The goal is to achieve strong, uniform, and early-emerging seedlings. Key practices include:
1. **Thinning Seedlings:** It is important to thin seedlings during the three-leaf to four-leaf stage. Remove weak, diseased, or hybrid seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones. In areas with poor germination, two plants per spot can be kept to maintain proper density.
2. **Weeding and Cultivation:** After the seedlings emerge, timely cultivation helps loosen the soil, control weeds, and encourage deep root growth. Cultivation should be done 2–3 times. The first pass is done before the seedlings appear, at a depth of 3–5 cm, while subsequent passes occur before the jointing stage, at a depth of 8–10 cm. Proper technique ensures that shallow areas are worked lightly while deeper rows are cultivated more thoroughly.
3. **Top-Dressing and Watering:** Fertilization is typically applied after the seedling stage and before jointing. It helps strengthen the roots, improve stalk vigor, and lay the foundation for ear and tassel development. If necessary, an early top-dress should be given to weaker plants to accelerate their growth. Watering during the seedling stage accounts for about 31.8% of the total water use, with soil moisture ideally maintained at around 65%. One to two irrigation sessions are sufficient, with each session covering approximately 667 square meters and using about 60 cubic meters of water. Drainage trenches should be dug to prevent waterlogging, and timely cultivation helps restore seedling health.
4. **Pest Control:** Common pests during the seedling stage include armyworms and thrips. Armyworms can be controlled by spraying a 3000-fold dilution of 50% phoxim emulsion. Thrips can be managed using 40% dimethoate or 50% dichlorvos diluted 1500 times. Spraying dimethoate or pyrethroid-based pesticides can also help control aphids and other harmful insects, reducing the risk of viral diseases in the crop.