Managing early growth stages in maize
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, tied-ridging or wet ripping should be applied as early as
