The studies I have seen show no effect of tillers on production. Because they increase leaf area I suspect that they would increase the starch in the kernels of the main stalk = better seed.

I did an experiment this year. I suckered half my corn and left the rest as they were. Most of the plants are 6-7' tall and everything has silked/tasseled/pollinated. A couple more weeks and there done.

Looking at the plants I cannot tell any difference between the growth of the suckered and non-suckered ones. Ill know for sure once I taste the corn :)

So unless the suckered ones taste better Ill never sucker again. It wasnt that muck work, I have the same size plot as you ~75 plants that made it. A couple of the suckers have tasseled, but much slower than the main stalks. I think 1 has silked but It doesnt look like there is a cob forming under them... wierd. Also on the un-suckered side there are a few stalks with 3 cobs, 2 large and a small one. Hard to tell if the suckers had anything to do with that.

Spiced Ham has it right. The suckers have no effect that is measureable on the main stalk or the corn seed. Pull them off or not. It doesn't matter. The only thing I've noticed about taking them off is be sure to not damage the main stalk or it's roots. If you loosen the roots of the main stalk it can fall over in a rain storm.

they may have no effect but removing them may have a harmful
effects, when you remove them by damaging the roots of the main plant.

Thank you all for your very helpful responses. I will just leave them alone and be patient.

Thanks again!

My two cents is that if your planting is a little or a lot too crowded, snapping the suckers off at the base with the right motion would give the plants more light and room..