Changing Planting Practices to Minimize Corn Pollen Drift

Last summer at the Graves-Chapple Farm, we planned a demonstration where we used white and yellow corn hybrids to show the movement of corn pollen. This demonstration was hit hard by the wind storm that hit last summer so we were not able to use measure results. However, as we looked at the rows, yellow kernels did show occasionally as far as 100 feet from the source which was the maximum distance we examined. The yellow hybrids if crossed on to white hybrids will cause the kernels of the white hybrids to turn yellow.
For those growers with identity preserved corn, the pollen from corn containing transgenic traits may contaminate by cross pollination the nearby non-GMO corn. There are different practices that can be used to minimize the movement and exposure of pollen drift.
Research indicates that most corn pollen is dropped within the first 20 feet from the source that it is released. However, research has shown that pollen grains can move as much as a half-mile by strong winds. Work by various sources indicates that a separation distance of 660 feet lessened pollen drift to less than one percent on a whole field basis.
To minimize pollen drift, one can use isolation, border rows, planting dates and hybrid maturities. Typically, most growers use isolation and border rows.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.