How to promote germination and sowing of corn

Corn germination and sowing can be achieved through methods such as warm water soaking, wet cloth wrapping, sand storage germination, constant temperature box germination, and chemical treatment. Different methods are suitable for different climatic conditions and planting needs, and the appropriate method should be selected according to the actual situation.

1. Warm water soaking method

Soak corn seeds in water at around 40 degrees Celsius for 8 hours, let the water cool naturally, and continue soaking for 24 hours. Change the water every 6 hours during this period, and after the seeds are swollen, remove them and drain them. This method can soften the seed coat and promote enzyme activity, making it suitable for use in spring when the temperature is low. Note that water temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius can burn the embryo.

2. Wet cloth wrapping method

Wrap the soaked seeds with moist gauze and place them in an environment of 20-25 degrees Celsius to maintain humidity. Rinse with clean water once a day to prevent mold growth, and after 2-3 days, the embryonic root can break through the seed coat before sowing. This method is easy to operate and suitable for small-scale planting. Attention should be paid to environmental ventilation to avoid the growth of mold.

3. Sand storage germination method

Mix the soaked corn seeds with moist river sand in a ratio of 1:3, and stack them at a height not exceeding 30 centimeters. Keep the sand humidity at around 60% and the temperature at 18-22 degrees. After 5-7 days, sieve out the exposed white seeds. This method has high uniformity in germination and is suitable for large-scale seedling cultivation. It needs to be regularly flipped to prevent local overheating.

4. Constant temperature box germination method

uses a professional constant temperature box to control the temperature at 28 degrees and humidity at 85% to promote germination. The seeds are spread flat on the sterilized seedling tray, and germination can be completed within 24-36 hours. This method has a germination rate of over 95% and is suitable for laboratory or precision planting. Regular ventilation and air exchange should be taken into account.

5. pharmaceutical treatment method

Soak the seeds in gibberellin solution according to the instructions for 6 hours, or disinfect them with carbendazim. Medications can break seed dormancy and prevent diseases. After treatment, they need to be rinsed clean with water. Suitable for areas with aged seeds or high incidence of diseases, strict control of pesticide concentration is necessary to avoid drug damage. Before sowing corn, it is necessary to test the germination rate of the seeds and select plump and undamaged seeds for treatment. After germination, timely sowing should be carried out to avoid excessively long young roots. The optimal sowing depth is 3-5 centimeters, and the soil moisture should be maintained at 60% -70%. After emergence, pay attention to checking and supplementing seedlings, and promote root development by combining tillage and weeding. Different varieties have different requirements for germination, and it is recommended to refer to the cultivation techniques of specific varieties. If continuous rainy weather occurs after sowing, timely drainage should be carried out to prevent seed rot. In arid areas, plastic film covering can be used to maintain soil moisture.