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Flex-Ear -vs- Fixed-Ear Corn Hybrids
Some corn hybrids are identified and marketed as "flex-ear hybrids" - hybrids that will adjust to growing conditions by changing ear size which allows them to take better advantage of optimum growing conditions. Some hybrids are called "fixed-ear" hybrids and are thought to have a fixed ear size which cannot adjust to the environment. The perception is that a flex hybrid can adjust to good growing conditions and increase its ear size and yield while a fixed ear hybrid cannot. Plant population is therefore considered more important for a fixed-ear hybrid than for a flex-ear hybrid.
While there may be small differences among hybrids in compensation ability, all corn hybrids can and do adjust their yield components during the growing season. There are different kinds of yield component adjustments according to the grow stage at which they occur. Adjustments include number of ears per plant, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row and kernel size. Number of ears per plant can also be adjust; ears can even appear on tillers. If grain is produced on tillers, plant population is too low for optimum profitability.
Optimum plant population may differ slightly for hybrids, but this is not because some hybrids cannot adjust their components of yield as growing conditions change. Number of ears per plant, number of kernels per row and kernel size can change at several stages of growth for all corn hybrids. For maximum profitability, growers should select high-yielding corn hybrids maturity adapted for their area and plant them at the population recommended by the seed dealer.
SOURCE: Minnesota Extension Crop News
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