PRACTICE — a medium-early simple hybrid corn, intended for grain and silage cultivation. Plants of this variety have medium height and medium-width leaves, which provide optimal conditions for yield formation. In the Central Chernozem region, the average grain yield is 76.5 centners per hectare, with maximum yields reaching 142 centners per hectare. For planting, it is recommended to use a seeding rate of 80-90 thousand plants per hectare in well-watered zones and 60-70 thousand plants per hectare in areas with insufficient moisture.
Corn is a cross-pollinating plant, where pollen is carried by the wind. Male flowers are tassels at the top of the plant, while female flowers are ears. To obtain high-quality seeds, it is recommended to select 2-3 best plants in advance to avoid the risk of yield loss due to diseases or underdeveloped kernels. Seed ears are left on the field until full maturity, which occurs in mid-to-late September. Ripeness is indicated by the drying of the leaves surrounding the fruit and the development of a characteristic waxy sheen, yellow color, and firm structure in the kernels.
For successful cultivation of corn PRACTICE, it is essential to properly prepare the soil and provide optimal growing conditions. The best preceding crops are root vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkins, melons, and watermelons. The plant prefers fertile and well-heated areas with good sunlight exposure. In autumn, it is recommended to apply compost and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and in spring, to loosen the soil. During the vegetative period, soil loosening should be performed at least three times, gradually reducing depth as the plant grows to avoid damaging the root system. Irrigation should be regular but moderate, especially during the ear maturation period. When lateral shoots (suckers) appear, they should be removed to accelerate the maturation of main ears. Also effective is the companion planting method with cucumbers, where corn serves as a support for cucumbers, which increases the yield of both crops.
