Lonoke County
 Agriculture
Podcast
April 23, 2008
Corn Replant Considerations (1:31 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Susan Scott
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Heavy rain and pesky birds are causing some central Arkansas farmers to
replant corn fields. This is Susan Scott, County Extension Agent with the
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.
Fields in the England area received up to 15 inches of rain within 21 days
after planting. Bird damage, compacted soil and cool temperatures have delayed
or prevented seed germination and emergence.
Research conducted after last year’s freeze shows that a final healthy plant
population of 25,000 plants per acre is the bare minimum stand to keep. Current
University of Arkansas research shows that a final population of 33,000 plants per
acre is the highest yielding population for most varieties.
When is it too late to plant corn? Research from Marianna shows very little
correlation between an April planting date and yield. Plant population affects
yield more than planting date through the first week of May. Bt hybrids yield
more than their conventional counterparts planted this late. Remember there is a
50% refuge requirement with Bt hybrids.
Destroying partial stands of corn can be challenging. Ignite is effective
only if it does not have the Liberty gene. Select can be used at low rates but
there is a plant back restriction. Gramoxone is also an option. Knocking the
tops off the beds and re-hipping the beds may be the best option to completely
destroy the stand.
Yields can be maintained when plant populations are 25 to 33,000 per acre.
Proper irrigation, fertility, and pest management will become more important
when we are trying to keep this late planted crop stress free.
For more information contact the Lonoke County Extension office.
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