C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2014-24

Two procedures that are widely used for estimating corn grain yields prior to harvest are the YIELD COMPONENT METHOD (also referred to as the "slide rule" or corn yield calculator) and the EAR WEIGHT METHOD. Each method will often produce yield estimates that are within 20 bu/ac of actual yield. Such estimates can be helpful for general planning purposes.

 THE YIELD COMPONENT METHOD was developed by the Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Illinois. The principle advantage to this method is that it can be used as early as the milk stage of kernel development, a stage many Ohio corn fields have probably achieved. The yield component method involves use of a numerical constant for kernel weight which is figured into an equation in order to calculate grain yield. This numerical constant is sometimes referred to as a "fudge‑factor" since it is based on a predetermined average kernel weight. Since weight per kernel will vary depending on hybrid and environment, the yield component method should be used only to estimate relative grain yields, i.e. "ballpark" grain yields. When below normal rainfall occurs during grain fill (resulting in low kernel weights), the yield component method will OVERESTIMATE yields. In a year with good grain fill conditions (resulting in high kernel weights) the method will underestimate grain yields.

In the past, the YIELD COMPONENT METHOD equation used a "fudge factor" of 90 (as the average value for kernel weight, expressed as 90,000 kernels per 56 lb bushel), but kernel size has increased as hybrids have improved over the years. Dr. Bob Nielsen at Purdue University suggests that a "fudge factor" of 80 to 85 (85,000 kernels per 56 lb bushel) is a more realistic value to use in the yield estimation equation today. Moreover, given the exceptionally favorable growing conditions we have experienced in 2014, a fudge factor of 75 (75,000 kernels per 56 lb bushel) may be appropriate for some fields . For more on this checkhttp://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/YldEstMethod.html.

Step 1. Count the number of harvestable ears in a length of row equivalent to 1/1000th acre. For 30‑inch rows, this would be 17 ft. 5 in.

Step 2. On every fifth ear, count the number of kernel rows per ear and determine the average.

Step 3. On each of these ears count the number of kernels per row and determine the average. (Do not count kernels on either the butt or tip of the ear that are less than half the size of normal size kernels.)

Step 4. Yield (bushels per acre) equals (ear #) x (avg. row #) x (avg. kernel #) divided by 85.

Step 5. Repeat the procedure for at least four additional sites across the field. Keep in mind that uniformity of plant development affects the accuracy of  the estimation technique.

The more variable crop development is across a field, the greater the number of samples that should be taken to estimate yield for the field.

Example: You are evaluating a field with 30‑inch rows. You counted 29 ears (per 17' 5" = row section). Sampling every fifth ear resulted in an average row number of 16 and an average number of kernels per row of 33. The estimated yield for that site in the field would be (29 x 16 x 33) divided by 85, which equals 180 bu/acre.

THE EAR WEIGHT METHOD can only be used after the grain is physiologically mature (black layer), which occurs at about 30‑35% grain moisture. Since this method is based on actual ear weight, it should be somewhat more accurate than the yield component method above. However, there still is a fudge factor in the formula to account for average shellout percentage.

Sample several sites in the field. At each site, measure off a length of row equal to 1/1000th acre. Count the number of harvestable ears in the 1/1000th acre. Weigh every fifth ear and calculate the average ear weight (pounds) for the site. Hand shell the same ears, mix the grain well, and determine an average percent grain moisture with a portable moisture tester.

Calculate estimated grain yield as follows:

Step A) Multiply ear number by average ear weight.

Step B) Multiply average grain moisture by 1.411.

Step C) Add 46.2 to the result from step B.

Step D) Divide the result from step A by the result from step C.

Step E) Multiply the result from step D by 1,000.

Example: You are evaluating a field with 30‑inch rows. You counted 24 ears (per 17 ft. 5 in. section). Sampling every fifth ear resulted in an average ear weight of 1/2 pound. The average grain moisture was 30 percent. Estimated yield would be [(24 x 0.5) / ((1.411 x 30) + 46.2)] x 1,000, which equals 135 bu/acre.

Because it can be used at a relatively early stage of kernel development, the Yield Component Method may be of greater assistance to farmers trying to make a decision about whether to harvest their corn for grain or silage.

Reference: Nielsen, RL. 2013.  Estimating Corn Grain Yield Prior to Harvest. Corny News Network, Purdue University. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/YldEstMethod.html. (URL checked July 2014).

Our new Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa Field Guide can be ordered here:  http://estore.osu-extension.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2841. 

During field surveys last week we found the usual culprits, Phytophthora stem rot, some brown spot and frogeye leafspot.  Two finds, downy mildew and bacterial pustule, were found in several fields.  Both are considered minor diseases as yield reductions have been minor or difficult to document.  Reports from other states and some parts of Ohio, Downy mildew may be at higher incidence.  I expect that some of this is due to the cool nights, misty weather we have had this summer.

Symptoms of downy mildew on the top of the leaves are yellow chlorotic spots, almost round in shape.  If the humidity is high, on the underside of the leaf is a necrotic spot (very small) with white “fuzz”.  This “fuzz” are the fruiting structures (sporangia) of the oomycete fungus Peronospora manshurica.  If in doubt, place the leaf in a plastic bag with a moist (not sopping wet) paper towel and wait about 6 hours.  The sporangia will form and that is the diagnostic feature of this pathogen.

Symptoms of bacterial pustule are dark brown, necrotic areas surrounded by yellow.  On the underside of the leaf, inside these necrotic areas are raised bumps.  Also on the underside of the leaf we can see watersoaking around the new lesions, very classic for symptoms for a bacterial disease.  For bacterial blight, there is still the yellow halo and water soaking but the lesions are flat.  To separate the symptoms of soybean rust from bacterial pustule, with high humidity, spores would be present in the pustule, and the necrotic area around the pustule tends to be much smaller. 

Again, for both of these pathogens, downy mildew and bacterial diseases in general, there are no products that have demonstrated efficacy in field conditions.  Enjoy the scouting there is lots to find this year.