Seeds for Success

Kernel jumbling and poor kernel set

Insect silk clipping and feeding of pollen at VT/R1 can result in kernel jumbling (ear on left). Photo courtesy of P. Thomison, OSU.

A key piece of harvest preparation includes estimating yield. Much of the Corn Belt experienced high heat during pollination and that can have an impact on kernel set, which in turn impacts yield.

Incomplete kernel set has varying impact levels, from severe reduction with mostly cob tissue and very few distinct kernels to limited reduction with a jumbled kernel set.

Poor pollination and incomplete kernel set is caused by multiple factors, including severe drought and high temperatures, as well as inadequate pollen supply, insect feeding and silk clipping.

If this is a recurring problem, plan ahead for 2021 to avoid late post-emergent, broadcast herbicide applications, according to research and recommendations from Kansas State University and The Ohio State University.

To manage kernel set, maintain appropriate soil fertility, adjust planting depth with varying soil conditions, adhere to recommended herbicide application dates and select seeding rates consistent for soil yield potential and date of planting. Avoid planting too early in wet soils and minimize weed competition with effective herbicide applications.

Talk to your AgVenture Yield Specialist for more information.

If you would like to learn more about how you can thrive by becoming an ISC, let us know.

Hear what farmers are saying

“I use AgVenture because of their excellent products, service, and agronomic support. When we need something they respond quickly. I can’t think of any reason why we wouldn’t use AgVenture. AgVenture stressed the importance of new technology on our farm and is helping us maximize our yield maps, soil grid maps, and fertilizer application data. I do business with AgVenture because they are very trustworthy and service oriented.”

- Kansas Farmer

“We’ve had the AgVenture Spangler 'Training Plots' for several years. The plots help us in our corn and soybean selections. For 3 generations, we have been using AgVenture Spangler products.”

- Wisconsin Farmer

“I consider everyone at AgVenture a friend and I can tell that they are really looking out for me and my farming operation. AgVenture is an easy company to work with and you cannot beat the service. When I have questions about my crops I call AgVenture and they are here right away helping me find the answer.”

- Kansas Farmer

“An AgVenture Yield Specialist showed me what my yields could be with AgVenture seed and I thought they were impossible because they were so good.”

- Nebraska Farmer