Managing early growth stages in maize

This second article in a two-part series on production management of maize during the early growth phases focuses on water and disease management. Three top South African maize producers also provide advice on what farmers should look out for during this period. Magda du Toit reports.

- Magda du Toit

FAST FACTS

Use predator-friendly insecticides early in the season to allow predator populations to build up. Harsher pesticides should be used only if the predators cannot control pest numbers.

At two to three weeks after planting, be on the lookout for fall armyworn damage so that spraying decisions can be made early before damage reaches economic levels.

Early identification of foliar diseases can reduce the risk of widespread damage to crops.

This two-part series discusses the first 40 days of a maize plant’s development and the critical management practices to follow during this time. In the first article (see FW, 3 Dec 2021), the focus was on the different growth stages that occur during the vegetative phase, as well as weed control.

Another important production aspect to consider is water management. Rain-harvesting techniques such as mulching, potholing, tie-dridging or wet ripping should be applied as early as possible, especially if you are farming in a dry area where rainfall is unreliable.

According to Andries Wessels, seed product development manager at Syngenta, yield potential will be optimized if the stress on photosynthesis is kept to the minimum during the critical growth stages.

“Good moisture, nutrients, and pest and disease control management are all essential for protecting the yield potential,” he says.

PEST CONTROL