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Sep. 4, 2024
Source: LG Seeds Agronomist news release WESTFIELD, Ind. -- "We're set up well for kernel-flex hybrids to have an excellent year," says LG Seeds Agronomist Bryant Luers. That's something he didn't see coming -- at least at the start of a challenging and lengthy planting season. "Things look excellent given the conditions we planted into." With corn kernel fill underway, Luers says mild overnight temperatures and timely moisture during August have been ideal. "Cooler temps, especially at night, help extend the grain fill period," he elaborates. And a post-tassel rain is helping corn plants take up nutrients and put them to use deepening kernels. Defining kernel flex "When I think of kernel flex, two things come to mind," Luers says. "No. 1 would be the depth of that kernel. How much that kernel can deepen and stretch out will have a significant impact on yield." The second part of kernel flex is the length of the grain fill period, Luers says. "That's a determinant of the product's test weight." "Throughout August, corn plants are taking up the moisture and nutrients in the soil and putting them to work filling kernels," Luers says. "How well and long the plant is able to do so determines how much kernels flex and how much yield is added." The degree to which yield hinges on kernel flex versus ear length versus ear girth depends on the corn hybrid. "For a product like LG64C20, for example, a good portion of that yield is determined by kernel flex," Luers says. At roughly 16 kernels around by 35 rows long, the ears don't seem super impressive -- that is, until you crack them open and see those deep kernels. What's the secret to producing BIG kernels? Producing big kernels involves selecting a kernel-flex hybrid, placing it wisely and managing it accordingly, Luers says. Farmers should also consider increasing populations with kernel-flex hybrids. "It's a bit counterintuitive," Luers says, "but given the background on most of the kernel-flex products, they tend to excel under higher populations." Kernel-flex corn hybrids perform best when placed on soil with high nutrient content. Conversely, placing a kernel-flex hybrid on a sand hill or clay knob can shorten the grain fill window, wasting the hybrid's yield potential. Luers encourages farmers to make sure this hybrid type has the nutrients it needs to flex its kernels, whether that's nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus or sulfur. Kernel-flex hybrids also do better with split applications of nitrogen. Fungicide application(s) is another "biggie" when it comes to kernel-flex hybrids. They support plant health and extend the grain-fill window, giving corn plants the opportunity to catch another rain or pull up more nutrients they can use to maximize kernel depth. Beyond that, whether a kernel-flex hybrid realizes the yields it's capable of depends on late-season weather. Timely rains are necessary for corn plants to take up nutrients -- especially this season when root systems are constricted in some areas. Cool temperatures, specifically during the overnight hours, also help lengthen the grain-fill period. Genetic diversity is important "Everyone is always looking for the highest-yielding product they can get on every acre, and the industry is increasingly relying on kernel depth for doing so," Luers says. "Farmers know how to handle kernel-flex products. They know they have to check all the boxes -- fertility, management, fungicide -- to maximize that yield, and they're willing to make it happen." But that doesn't mean a farmer should go all-in on kernel-depth flex hybrids. "Genetic diversity is always a smart choice," Luers says. If a season turns hot and dry in August, kernel-flex products are less likely to excel," he says. "If that's all you have on your farm, it can be challenging." A better strategy is to plant multiple hybrids that flex in different ways. "Anytime you can get plant diversity and genetic diversity in your field, it's a good idea," Luers says. For support making the most of kernel-depth flexing hybrids or making sure you have a diverse mix of products on your farm, reach out to your local LG Seeds agronomist. Tweet |
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