Starch levels continue to increase with some solid starch now present

Starch levels have continued increasing this week at all locations in the Grainseed/Farmers Weekly dry matter assessment, with some solid starch now present as the plant moves sugars in the leaf to starch in the grains, according to Grainseed’s technical manager, Neil Groom. “And with signs of an Indian summer maize growers should continue to keep an eye on their crops.

“Those that were drilled in good order continue to develop well with dry matters moving forward in areas that have enjoyed kinder weather. Wet conditions seen at the Leyburn and Dumfries site has encouraged vegative growth reducing overall dry matters, but cob maturity has continued to develop well,” he says.

“However, crops suffering excessive stress during the growing season continue developing but will not make full crops,” he adds. “And considering the conditions some double cobing and snouting has also been found, with the crop proving to be resilient.”