**Fresh Corn Cultivation and Management Techniques in the Field**
After planting, the period from emergence to the jointing stage is critical for promoting early growth and establishing a strong foundation for high yields. Proper management during this time is essential. Here are key steps to follow:
1. **Temperature Control and Film Removal**:
Maintain greenhouse temperatures between 25-30°C. If temperatures rise above 10°C at night, avoid opening the shed to increase the temperature difference, which helps the corn grow stronger. When nighttime temperatures stabilize above 12°C, remove the plastic film around April 15-20. Be cautious of high temperatures (above 23°C), as they can damage young plants.
2. **Drainage System Maintenance**:
Corn is sensitive to both waterlogging and drought. Ensure that ditches are deepened and cleaned regularly to support efficient irrigation and drainage. This helps maintain optimal soil moisture levels throughout the growing season.
3. **Pest and Disease Control**:
After transplanting, corn may be affected by pests such as ground beetles and aphids. Use trichlorfon bait to control ground beetles and apply imidacloprid to manage aphids. Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious infestations.
4. **Tiller Removal**:
Maize is a single-ear crop, so any tillers that appear should be removed immediately. These tillers consume valuable nutrients without contributing significantly to yield, so prompt removal is important for healthy plant development.
5. **Joint and Stem Fertilization**:
During the jointing and thickening stage, some plants may show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or red stems. Apply a balanced fertilizer, typically about 10 kg of urea per acre, to strengthen weak seedlings and promote robust growth.
**Boot Stage to Harvest Management**
1. **Apply Panicle Fertilizer**:
The panicle fertilization stage is crucial for determining ear size and grain yield. It should be applied after the joints have formed and before silking, typically when the plant has 13-14 leaves in spring-sown corn and 12-13 leaves in summer-sown corn. Apply approximately 15 kg of urea per mu to support ear development.
2. **Remove Extra Ears**:
After silking, multiple ears may form on a single stalk. Remove all but the top ear to concentrate nutrients and ensure larger, more uniform ears. Avoid damaging the stems or leaves during this process.
3. **Drought Resistance Measures**:
At the booting stage, corn has high water requirements. In case of prolonged dry weather, provide timely irrigation. Furrow irrigation and rapid drainage are recommended to maintain proper soil moisture.
4. **Pest Prevention**:
Corn borers and aphids can severely impact the quality of fresh corn, especially in summer and autumn crops. At the tasseling and silking stages, use bio-pesticides like diphtheria or imidacloprid to control pests. Avoid using organophosphorus pesticides to protect the environment and maintain product quality.
**Timely Harvesting**
Waxy corn is typically ready for harvest about 25 days after pollination in spring-sown crops and 22-23 days in summer-sown ones. Harvest when the kernels are pasty but not watery, and the silk turns dark brown. In hot conditions, check frequently to ensure timely harvesting and maintain the quality and flavor of the ears. Harvesting in batches ensures the best possible product quality.
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