Increasing Leaf Surface Area to Boost Yields

As the price of farm land increases and the amount of farmable acres decreases, growers must produce grain more efficiently. Stine Seed Company believes the future of corn production lies in the ability to grow more plants per acre, and to help those plants use sunlight and soil nutrients to increase their yield potentials.

Stine Seed’s corn breeding program continues to push population limits above 40,000 plants per acre. Along with increasing populations, Stine Seed is developing plants with more usable leaf surface area. For example, Stine researchers are developing hybrids with wider leaves that are better suited to intercept sunlight. In addition, while most corn hybrids have five or six leaves above the ear, Stine is developing Elite corn hybrids with seven leaves above the ear. More leaves above the ear allows the plant to have more usable leaf surface area to capture more sunlight. Through photosynthesis, the plant converts sunlight into energy to make grain and increase yield. 

The researchers at Stine Seed Company will continue to breed and evaluate their corn hybrids, plant structures and yield potentials to ensure growers are getting the most bang for their buck. To determine which Stine Seed corn hybrid is best suited for your fields, visit www.stineseed.com.