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Maize Tassel Cutting (Detasseling for grain drying)

Detasseling - mechanical removal of the male tassel from designated female rows - is the cornerstone of maize hybrid-seed production and is also occasionally practised in commercial fields to accelerate dry-down.

Key parameters

  • Purpose: ensure genetic purity of female parent in hybrid seed production
  • Timing: daily for ~14 days from tassel emergence
  • Yield Effect: tassel alone: 4-21% loss; with 2 leaves: 22-31%
  • AP Seed Zones: Nizamabad, Guntur, West Godavari for hybrid seed

Implementation and adoption

Tassels must be removed before pollen shed and the operation is repeated daily for ~14 days from tassel emergence. ICAR-IIMR and seed-industry data show removing the tassel alone reduces yield 4-21%; pulling with leaves reduces yield 22-66%. In AP, hybrid-seed production is concentrated in Nizamabad, Guntur and West Godavari districts.

See also: Maize Crop Overview, Rabi Yaasangi Maize, Fall Armyworm Maize, Hybrid Maize Variety Pioneer 3302, Hybrid Maize Variety Bayer Dekalb, Hybrid Maize Variety Syngenta Nk.

References

  1. Hybrid Seed Production of Maize - eAgri TNAU. http://eagri.org/eagri50/AEXT392/pdf/lec08.pdf
  2. Maize Hybrid Seed Production Manual - Excellence in Breeding. https://excellenceinbreeding.org/sites/default/files/manual/98078.pdf