High oil corn is the fastest growing segment of the value-enhanced corn market. This technology is different than most hybrid seed corn because there are two different types of corn in the bag. It is the pollinator or male plant that produces the high oil trait. In most varieties, these plants do not set an ear. These male plants are competing for light, water and nutrients without adding to overall production per acre.
Some seed companies recommend an increased seeding rate for high oil corn.
There is no evidence to indicate that the optimum seeding rate for high oil corn is higher than for normal corn. The optimum rate for a high oil variety should be similar to the optimum rate for the equivalent normal oil variety. Higher plant populations may also aggravate the effects of a drought in dryland production. Producers also need to consider added costs of production. This increases cost of production by 25 to 32 cents per bushel.