Preceon™ Smart Corn System Management
December 28, 2023
The Preceon™ Smart Corn System* featuring short stature corn products produced by Bayer Crop Science will be the newest technology to generate a lot of talk among customers and growers. Short stature corn offers several benefits to corn producers across the world including better field access, and improved standability, particularly during high wind events. However, being different than traditional corn products, management may require additional approaches.
- Planting Rates: One strategy is increased planting rates to help drive yield potential. Due to a shorter base and girthier stalk, there is less risk for greensnap in Preceon™ corn products. With this reduced risk of snapping, planting rates can be increased to densities higher than what growers may be accustomed to with tall corn products.
- Fertility: Preceon™ corn may require elevated levels of fertility due to the higher planting densities. With more plants per acre, more kernels to fill can be expected which requires more nutrient uptake. Thus, our recommendation to farmers is to keep the soil well fed and place Preceon™ corn products on higher fertility ground to help maximize the yield potential of this system. If needed, short statured corn offers better field accessibility for in-crop nutrient applications and a prolonged period for sidedressing nitrogen. This can enable more efficient placement of nutrients to support the crop’s yield potential.
- Accessibility: Since traditional corn can grow between 9 to 12 feet tall, accessibility for ground rig applications of fungicides and other agronomic products can be limited. Preceon™ corn grows up to 7 feet tall which allows for much better access by ground rigs (Figure 1). The reduced height allows for multiple applications of fungicide, insecticide, or fertilizer via ground rig, providing additional flexibility for the farmer. Additionally, applications may be made with equipment farmers already own which can help alleviate time constraints that are typically witnessed each growing season.
*The Preceon™ Smart Corn System, including short stature corn developed through traditional breeding, is expected to be available, subject to final commercialization decisions, for planting in the 2024 growing season.
Mitchell Greve
Channel Agronomist
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