(July 2008) Striped corn is being observed on a wide scale in the Plains states this year. While the exact cause has yet to be determined, CROPLAN GENETICS® agronomists have their theories.

"Some people believe that corn possessing only the Roundup® Ready trait is experiencing manganese and zinc deficiencies," says Dale Strickler, CROPLAN GENETICS® regional agronomist. "However, I theorize that this corn is showing deficiencies due to a stunted root system because of cold and wet soils experienced this spring. The triple stacked versions are showing less striping than the Roundup® Ready versions of the same hybrids, side-by-side in the same field, so I believe the triple stacked corn is affected less because it has a slightly larger root mass."

Putting this theory to the test, Mid-Kansas Co-op applied MAX-IN® ZMB™ to a field with striped corn upon advice from Brian Townley, AgriSolutions™ account manager, and left a control strip. The thought is that if the corn is no longer striped after manganese and zinc is applied, there might have indeed been a nutrient deficiency due to the less aggressive root structure.

"MAX-IN® ZMB™ plant nutrients correct manganese, zinc and boron deficiencies in a broad spectrum of crops with a patented, crop-based adjuvant system for maximum nutrient efficacy," Strickler says. "If there is a nutrient deficiency, it's likely that MAX-IN® ZMB™ will reverse these symptoms."

Tissue tests should be back soon, which should either confirm or deny Strickler's hypothesis that the striping is caused by manganese deficiency, and that triple-stack hybrids are less susceptible to deficiency.

Triple stacked hybrids, which include the Roundup Ready® 2 trait and tolerance to corn borer and corn rootworm, provide yield protection that combines leading insect and weed-control technology to deliver stalk and root protection and convenient weed control.

"Benefits of triple stacked hybrids include larger root systems, greater standability and larger ears," Strickler explains. "This can mean healthier corn plants and higher yield potential."

Results of this test will be included in the next issue of Answer Plot® Advisor. For more information about managing nutrient levels, your local CROPLAN GENETICS® seed specialist have you covered. For the expertise needed to help you make crop management decisions that maximize your yield and reduce your risk, turn to your local seed specialist and check out your local Answer Plot® location as a third-party source to help sort out the other brands and find the answers for your toughest field.