raf
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by raf on Feb 3, 2021 17:38:44 GMT -6
I'm not certain the mechanism for smut, I've read that some fields are innoculated so that those ears will develop smut. In 2018 I had 2 ears with smut but in 19 & 20 no smut on any ears but I also grew different varieties of corn those years. This year I'm trying Tennessee Red Cob, I just can't find one that suits me....yet.
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Post by macmex on Feb 4, 2021 5:57:20 GMT -6
Last year wasn't a good year for my corn, either, and it was Mesquakie Indian. I lost the first planting and part of the second planting, planted the main crop late and probably because of the irregular rains, I had some mold trouble. Also, I planted it where it was difficult to irrigate, and because most of it got in so late, it suffered from some drought. (Drought/mold, strange)
My experience with Mesquakie Indian Corn is that when planted late I get small, nubby ears. I still do it, as some ears are better than no ears, but it's better to get it in early. Tony West (Appalachian Heirloom Plant Farm) did a wonderful write up on corn and fertility. If I recall, he said that different varieties have different fertility requirements and that one can tell if a corn has had it's requirements met by checking the stalk at dry down. If the corn is ready but there is still some green in the stalk, that means it had plenty of nourishment. I had never heard that before. From what I can tell, Tony really knows corn. He also grows some amazing old varieties.
Corn smut (Huitlacoche) is more likely to appear on corn grown in very acidic soil. One time, growing Nothstine Dent in the Pine Barrens of NJ, which has exceedingly acidic soil, I had more smut than corn! I imagine humidity also is a factor: higher humidity would equal higher smut production.
I get some smut most years and I'm fine with it. We just eat it.
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