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The curvy corn problem solved
Turns out that culprit was an early wind storm which afflicted a hybrid when it was vulnerable to root lodging and green snap
by DAVID TOWNSENDIn our December issue we posed the question of what caused goose necking in the corn crop planted by Jack, a livestock producer from Stratford.
Kevin Ryersee of Pelee Island was one of several readers who answered correctly. He won a wireless weather station.
It turned out that root lodging, as a result of a severe wind storm that passed through Jack’s area early July, was the cause of the goose necking in one of the corn silage hybrids in his corn trial. The green snap noticed on this hybrid was also caused by the severe wind, which occurred during a vulnerable growth stage.
In Jack’s plot, this was the only hybrid to show root lodging, goose necking and green snap, which can all be attributed to the wind and the hybrid’s genetic makeup. This particular hybrid allocated energy first to quick growth and stalk elongation, while other hybrids focus their energy on building roots or strengthening the stalk as it grows.
July 1-15 is also the rapid growth stage for corn, when it shoots from knee to shoulder height. So, unfortunately for Jack, this silage hybrid got caught in the wind storm when it was taller and weaker than the other trial hybrids, making it vulnerable to root lodging and green snap.
The lack of rootworm larvae in the soil ruled out corn rootworm, even though early season rootworm damage can cause goose necking. The presence of green snap, however, was the key to identifying the issue. Green snap is rare in Ontario, only occurring with really strong winds. So, if the wind is strong enough to cause green snap, it’s strong enough to pull corn out by the roots.
Early season lodging can cause reduced yield, even though goose-necked corn continues to grow from secondary roots. The biggest challenge, however, comes with harvesting. Producers should harvest early as fully matured corn will not be able to handle the weight of a heavy rain or snowfall. This could mean additional dryer costs for grain corn.
Finally, producers cutting for silage should consider using a Kemper head on their harvester, which doesn’t have to follow straight rows like a conventional head. BF
David Townsend, CCA, is the Technical Services Manager for NK Brand, Syngenta Seeds. He is based in Arva, Ontario.
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