2 eared hybrid corn better than one

A corn plant normally yield only one ear.

Thus, one that turns out two is a big boon to the corn industry.

Now, it is no longer a wonder for corn plants, particularly hybrids, to produce doubled-eared corn, a headway in R&D that could boost corn production.

Take the case of Hendrito Revamonte of Baungon, Bukidnon, who harvested an average of 10 tons per hectare in last year’s wet season using Pioneer R hybrid 30M50. The national average for corn production is only 3.5 t/ha.

The outstanding farmer reported that he only planted 60,000 kernels of the hybrid per hectare instead of the normal 70,000 kernels/ha method. This technique allowed additional space for the plants to get more fertilizer nutrients from the soil.

Hybrid 30M50 has been found in studies to have the potential of producing double ears per plant as compared to the normal characteristics of other hybrid corn varieties that yield only one ear per corn plant.

For his feat, Revamonte has been visited and commended by Department of Agriculture representative, Quedancor officials headed by president Nelson Buenaflor, and co-farmers. He is said to be a strong contender for the 2004 Gawad Saka Award for Outstanding Corn Farmer, an annual Da-organized event that recognizes achievers in agriculture.

"We are proud to have Revamonte as one of our best Pioneer farmers who continually excel in hybrid corn production," said Pioner regional sales manger Vivencio Seguilon.

Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Iowa-based Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. – a DuPont company– is the country’s leading producer of high-quality hybrid seed corn. – Rudy A. Fernandez