Tips for Growing BMR Corn Silage

Ashburn, VA (20146)

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Tips for growing BMR corn silage

For the best corn silage production results, follow these best practices for making silage with BMR hybrids.

1. Grow proper maturities

2. Choose your best fields

Plant where organic material is highest and soil has the best water-holding capacity.

3. Fertilize properly

Additional fertilization may be beneficial.
Consider increasing potassium to 5 percent to 20 percent to improve water regulation and stalk strength.
Additional nitrogen (N) will increase protection where leaf disease may be an issue. Sidedress N for maximum efficiency.

4. Understand optimal planting population

Ideal plant populations vary by geography. Consult your Mycogen Seeds representative for local guidelines.
As a general rule, BMR hybrids should be planted at lower populations.
Even under the best conditions, don’t exceed 34,000 plants per acre.

5. Protect roots

Select hybrids with the leading insect protection traits, including SmartStax®, Herculex® RW Rootworm Protection or Herculex XTRA Insect Protection, to protect from corn rootworms or secondary insects.
Consider a soil insecticide or seed treatment for non-insect-traited BMR hybrids.
Avoid compaction and other conditions that might hamper root development.

6. Control European corn borer

Hybrids with SmartStax and Herculex I Insect Protection protect silage corn against European corn borer (ECB) damage.
Plant early to reduce ECB susceptibility.

7. Watch for leaf diseases; have fungicides ready