1

CORN
MANAGEMENT
2
STAGING VEGETATIVE GROWTH IN CORN

LEAF STAGE DEFINITIONS FOR CORN

There is no standard method for leaf staging corn. The
two most widely used methods are easy to learn. Both
methods begin counting leaves with the first true leaf
(short and rounded tip).

The Leaf Collar Method

This method is the one preferred by most university
agronomists. Only leaves with visible leaf collars are
counted. The leaf collar is the off-color green "band"
at the base of the leaf blade, near the stem of the corn
plant. If a plant has three visible leaf collars, then it is
described as leaf stage V3.

Start with first oval-shaped leaf as V1. Field defined

as being at a given stage when at least 50% of plants
show collars.

Field corn developmental stages—based on the

Leaf Collar Method

Vegetative Stages Reproductive Stages

VE Emergence R1 Silking
V1 First Leaf R2 Blister
V2 Second Leaf R3 Milk
V3 Third Leaf R4 Dough
V(n) Nth-node R5 Dent
VT Tasseling R6 Physiological
maturity
 3
The Horizontal Leaf Method

This method is most commonly used by crop insurance

adjusters and is the one referred to in the Defoliation
Yield Loss table on page 7 of this guide. It differs from
the Leaf Collar Method in that leaf collars are ignored.
The last leaf that is counted is the uppermost leaf that
is 40 to 50 percent exposed from the whorl, with a leaf
tip usually beginning to droop down or pointing below
the horizontal (see fig. 1, page 5).

1. Identify uppermost leaf that is 40 to 50 percent

exposed and whose tip is below the horizontal.

2. Typically, a “horizontal leaf” growth stage will be 1 to

2 leaf stages greater than the collar method.

A timeline for corn growth and development

Growth Approx. Cum. Calendar
Stage* GDDs** GDDs Date
Planting May 1
VE Emergence 100 100 May 10
V3 3 leaves 180 280 May 24
V6 6 leaves 180 460 Jun 4
V9 9 leaves 180 640 Jun 14
V12 12 leaves 180 820 Jun 23
V15 15 leaves 180 1000 Jun 30
V18 18 leaves 180 1180 Jul 8
VT Tassel 60 1300 Jul 13
R1 Silking 60 1360 Jul 15
R2 Blister 300 1660 Jul 27
R3 Milk 200 1860 Aug 5
R4 Dough 140 2000 Aug 11
R5 Dent 300 2300 Aug 25
1/2 Milkline 220 2520 Sep 5
R6 Black Layer 200 2720 Sep 17
* Based on leaf collar method as defined by Ritchie et al. (1986),
“How a Corn Plant Develops,” Spec. Rep. #48, Iowa State Univ.
** Approximate growing degree days (GDDs) between growth
stages.
4
Comparison of the Two Leaf Staging Methods

A simple relationship exists between the two methods

of leaf staging. For corn that is younger than about 5
leaf collars, the Horizontal Leaf Method will usually
result in leaf stages that are one greater than the Leaf
Collar Method. For example, if the Leaf Collar Method
results in a leaf stage of V3, the Horizontal Leaf Method
would likely result in a 4-leaf stage.

For corn that is older than 5 leaf collars, the Horizontal

Leaf Method will usually result in leaf stages that are
two greater than the Leaf Collar Method. For example,
if the Leaf Collar Method results in a leaf stage of V6,
the Horizontal Leaf Method would likely result in a
8-leaf stage.

When Lower Leaves are Missing

Lower leaves on older plants usually disappear, mak-
ing leaf stage determination difficult. Staging older
corn begins by first splitting the stalk neatly down the
middle and looking for the first noticeably elongated
stalk internode. This internode is usually 1/2 to 3/4 inch
long (see fig. 1 on the next page). Carefully identify
the leaf whose leaf sheath attaches to this node. The
5th leaf is usually attached to the node above this
elongated internode. Continue counting the remainder
of the leaves with leaf collars to complete leaf stage
determination of the plant.
 5
CORN GROWTH STAGES (cont.)

Corn plant in the 5-leaf growth stage. (Tip of leaf 5 no longer

points upward, so it is the “indicator leaf.”)

Figure 2. INTERNAL ANATOMY OF A 10-LEAF

STAGE CORN PLANT (Adapted from original drawing
by R. Kent Crookston)
6
Predicting Leaf Stage Development in Corn

Given an understanding of corn leaf stage develop-

ment and heat unit calculation, a grower can predict
what leaf stage of development a particular field is at
given its planting date and temperatures since plant-
ing. It is useful to know when the crop emerged, but
if you do not you can estimate that event also. Corn
emergence typically requires 100 to 150 GDDs.

Corn leaf developmental rates may be characterized

by two phases. From emergence to V10 (ten visible
leaf collars), leaf emergence occurs approximately
every 82 GDDs. From V10 to tasseling, leaf collar
emergence occurs more rapidly at approximately
one leaf every 50 GDDs. Previously, about 60 to 65
GDDs were associated with the appearance of new
leaf collars during vegetative growth.

Example (from reference noted below): A field was

planted on April 28, but you do not know exactly
when it emerged. Since planting, approximately 785
GDDs have accumulated. If you assume that the crop
emerged in about 120 GDDs, then the estimated leaf
stage for the crop would be about V8. This estimate is
calculated by first subtracting 120 from 785 to account
for the estimated thermal time to emergence, then
dividing the result (665) by 82 (equal to 8.1).

These predictions of leaf stage development are only

estimates. The existence of other growth-limiting stress-
es and conditions (nutrient deficiencies, compaction,
etc.) may influence the accuracy of these estimates.
Reference: Nielsen, R.L. 2008. Use Thermal Time to Predict
Leaf Stage Development in Corn Corny News Articles, Purdue
Univ. [On-Line]. Available at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/
corn/news/timeless/vstageprediction.html
 ESTIMATED % CORN GRAIN YIELD LOSS DUE TO DEFOLIATION AT
VARIOUS GROWTH STAGES1

Growth % Leaf Defoliation

Stage2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% Yield Loss
7 leaf 0 0 0 1 2 4 5 6 8 9
9 leaf 0 0 1 2 4 6 7 9 11 13
11 leaf 0 1 2 5 7 9 11 14 18 22
13 leaf 0 1 3 6 10 13 17 22 28 34
15 leaf 1 2 5 9 15 20 26 34 42 51
17 leaf 2 4 7 13 21 28 37 48 59 72
19-21 leaf 3 6 11 18 27 38 51 64 79 96
Tassel 3 7 13 21 31 42 55 68 83 100
Silked 3 7 12 20 29 39 51 65 80 97
Silks Brown 2 6 11 18 27 36 47 60 74 90
Blister 2 5 10 16 22 30 39 50 60 73
Milk 1 3 7 12 18 24 32 41 49 59
Soft Dough 1 2 4 8 12 17 23 29 35 41
Early Dent 0 1 2 5 9 13 18 23 27 32
Late Dent 0 0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
Mature 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 Adapted from the National Crop Insurance Service’s "Corn Loss Instructions" (Rev. 1984)
2 As determined by counting fully expanded leaves (i.e., those with 40-50% of leaf exposed from whorl and whose
tip points below the horizontal.)
7
 8
INSECT SCOUTING CALENDAR FOR CORN
Pest Apr May June Jul Aug Sep Oct
Flea Beetle
Seedcorn Maggot
White Grub
Wireworm
Cutworm (including black)
True Armyworm
Stalk Borer
Slugs
Corn Rootworm
European Corn Borer (1st)
Corn Rootworm Adult
Western Bean Cutworm
Corn Leaf Aphid
European Corn Borer (2nd)
 9
CORN PESTS
Pest Corn Stage Symptoms
Seed Maggot Seed No Emergence
Wireworm Seed & Seedling No Emergence or
Dead Early Whorl
Slug Seedlings Foliar injury
Black Cutworm Seedling to 6 Leaf Below ground injury
& above ground
cutting
Stalk Borer Seedling to Stalk bored
Early Whorl above ground
Armyworm Pre-Whorl Foliar injury
to Whorl
Note: Significant in no-till corn in grassy cover

Corn Borer Early Whorl Foliar shot holes,

to Harvest stalk & ear tunneling
Rootworm (lv) June & July Root injury
& lodging
Note: Predominantly a problem on continuous corn but
may be a problem on first year corn.

Rootworm (Ad) July & Aug. Foliar & silk injury

Western Bean
Cutworm July & Aug. Ear feeding
10
SEEDCORN MAGGOT

Larva, Pupae & Damage

Identification & Incidence: Corn emergence failure
due to feeding by small, yellowish white, legless fly lar-
vae (maggots) on geminating seeds. Damage is likely
to occur in fields having high organic matter (especially
fields that have had green material, such as cover
crops or weeds incorporated into the soil) and when
cool and damp soil conditions delay emergence.

Sampling: Maggots may be detected by inspecting

seed rows exhibiting lack of emergence. Assessment
is based on examination of 3 feet of row at 3 or more
locations.

Economic Threshold: No economic threshold exists

for this insect.

Management Options: Seed maggot injury may be

prevented by use of seed treatment or soil insecticide.
For a list of labeled insecticides, see http://entomology.
osu.edu/ag/. Avoid planting during periods of cool and
wet growing conditions.
 11
WIREWORMS

Larva &
damage
Identification & Incidence: Seed or seedling stage
may be attacked by yellow-brown beetle larvae exhibit-
ing a coarse skin appearance. Injured seeds exhibit
chewed cavities. Wireworm feeding at base of corn
seedling will kill growing point of plants. Wireworms
are most common in corn following sod, old hay fields,
or equivalent grassy conditions.

Sampling: Preplant detection of wireworms may be

achieved by making 5 random digs and inspecting
approximately a square foot of soil at each dig. Place-
ment of bait traps of grain covered with black plastic
also enables early detection.

Economic Threshold: Preventive treatment is war-

ranted when wireworms are easily detected.

Management Options: Where a field has a history of

wireworms, preventive treatment with a seed treatment
or soil insecticide is warranted. For a list of labeled
insecticides, see http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/. Res-
cue treatment of wireworms following emergence is
not an option.
12
BLACK CUTWORM
Larva &
damage

Identification & Incidence: Loss of stand prior to

emergence or due to above ground cutting or below
ground tunneling injury indicates presence of black
cutworms, which are dark colored larvae with minimal
markings ranging in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in
length. Incidence of black cutworm injury increases
as tillage is reduced and when broadleaf weeds are
abundant prior to planting.
Sampling: Check 20 plants in 5 locations weekly for
cutworm injury beginning after initial emergence of
corn. Determine percent of plants being damaged and
collect a number of cutworm larvae to determine the
predominant stage of larval development.
Economic Threshold: If corn is in the 2nd or 3rd leaf
stage, an additional 3 or 4 plants may be affected for
every plant exhibiting fresh injury. If corn has reached
the 5th or 6th leaf stage, additional stand injury will
be minimal. Rescue treatment should be based on
estimated additional stand loss.
Management Options: Reduced tillage or no-tillage
fields with substantial broadleaf weed infestations may
warrant preventive treatment. If preventive treatment is
not applied, rescue treatment may be applied if severe
infestations are detected early. For a list of labeled
insecticides, see http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/. Early
tillage and good weed control will reduce incidence of
cutworm infestation.
 13
COMMON STALK BORER

Larva Damage
Identification & Incidence: Common stalk borer
(CSB) over winters in egg stage on various plants
especially grassy weeds. Eggs hatch in May or June
and larvae develop on their host plants moving to
corn when host plant is killed or too small for the
larva. Larvae are marked with white and purple-brown
stripes. They are about 1-1/2 inches in length when
full grown.

Sampling: Sample 20 plants in 5 places recording

damaged plants. Record larval size, stage of larval
development and location of stalk borer larva in the
plant.

Economic Threshold: Rescue treatment may be

necessary when 3% or more of the stand is being
damaged and before the larvae have burrowed deep
into the plants.

Management Options: Good weed control will reduce

the incidence of stalk borer. For a list of labeled insec-
ticides, see http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/.
14
FLEA BEETLES

Adult Damage
Identification & Incidence: Tiny black insects less
than an 1/8 inch long that feed on newly emerging
corn plants. Flea beetle (FB) activity is indicated by
“windowpane” feeding on the leaves. The corn flea
beetle is a vector of Stewart’s wilt. They are normally
more of a problem following a mild winter.

Sampling: Check 20 plants in 5 places for FB on

newly emerging corn plants. Record percent of plants
with feeding, severity of feeding and whether or not
beetles are present.

Economic Threshold: Treatment is warranted if 3%

of more of the plants are wilting/dying. Flea beetle
control can be accomplished by either foliar sprays
or seed treatments at planting time.

Management Options: For a list of labeled insecti-

cides, see http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/.
 15
SLUGS

Damage

Identification & Incidence: Slugs are soft-bodied

animals belonging to a class called Gastropoda (not
insects). They range in color from pale cream to gray
to shiny black and range in size as adults from less
than an inch to over two inches in length. They can
damage seeds and seedlings reducing stand and
may defoliate established stands that may delay plant
development.

Sampling: Inspect 20 plants in 5 areas of the field and

determine percentage of plants being fed upon and
percent defoliation. Slugs are nocturnal animals and it
may be necessary to inspect fields at dusk or after dark
to see slugs and determine population densities.

Economic Threshold: Treatment may be necessary if

defoliation is greater than 40% on slow growing plants
or if more than 3% of the plants are being killed.

Management Options: Several formulations of metal-

dehyde are labeled for use on corn for slug control. For
a list of labeled molluscicides, see http://entomology.
osu.edu/ag/.
16
COMMON or TRUE ARMYWORM

Larva

Damage

Identification & Incidence: Corn planted no-tillage in

grassy cover crops, sod or hay is susceptible to army-
worms, which are striped larvae that feed on foliage
during the pre-whorl and whorl stages. Infestations tend
to occur more often during wet spring seasons. Significant
armyworm infestation of no-tillage corn following corn or
soybeans is rare.
Sampling: High risk no-tillage corn planted in grassy
ground cover should be inspected regularly. Inspect 20
plants in 5 locations and determine percent of plants
damaged and collect a number of armyworm larvae to de-
termine the predominant stage of larval development.
Economic Threshold: If 25% of a stand or more exhibits
armyworm injury and potential stand defoliation of 50%
or more is anticipated, rescue treatment is warranted.
If less than 25% of a stand is infested, inspections
should be repeated days later until status of infestation
is resolved.
Management Options: High risk corn stands which
cannot be scouted may warrant use of preventive treat-
ment. Scouting and rescue treatment is preferred since
armyworm is relatively easy to control if detected early.
For a list of labeled insecticides, see http://entomology.
osu.edu/ag/.
 17
CORN ROOTWORM
Identification & Incidence: Corn root systems exhibit-
ing injury ranging from scars to elimination of entire
roots or nodes indicates presence of rootworms, which
are small beetle larvae of either the western or north-
ern corn rootworm leaf beetles. Injury occurs during
June and early July following the hatch of larvae from
overwintering eggs in the soil. Significant root injury
will lead to lodging and a loss in yield. Adult rootworm
beetles feed on foliage and silks from late July through
September. Until recently, rootworm injury was limited
to continuous corn, since rootworm beetle adults only
deposited their eggs in corn fields. But, a new variant
of western corn rootworm, which deposits its eggs in
soybeans, is now capable of causing significant injury
to first year corn following soybeans. This new variant,
commonly called the first year corn rootworm, used
to be only a problem in some of the states west of
Ohio. However, it is now causing economic problems
in western and central Ohio.
Sampling & Assessment: Potential rootworm injury
may be estimated by monitoring the abundance of
adult rootworm beetles from late July to early Sep-
tember in fields to be planted to corn the following
year. Where corn is to be planted after corn, adult
abundance may be evaluated by visual counts or by
using yellow sticky traps. Where corn is to be planted
after soybeans, adult activity may be evaluated by
using yellow sticky traps.
Management Options: Where first year corn
rootworm is not a problem, annual rotation of corn with
an alternative crop will eliminate rootworm problems. If
the first year corn rootworm is present, corn following
soybeans may be susceptible to rootworm injury.
Where a significant potential for rootworm injury exists
in continuous corn or first year corn following soybeans,
18
CORN ROOTWORM (cont.)
use of a seed treatment, transgenic rootworm hybrid,
or soil insecticide as a preventive treatment will reduce
rootworm injury. For a list of labeled insecticides, see
http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/.

Larva

Western adults

Northern adult Southern adult

 19
EUROPEAN CORN BORER

Larva Larva & damage

Identification & Incidence: Foliar shot hole injury
of mid-whorl corn followed by infestation of larvae in
stalks in late June or July is first brood European corn
borer (ECB) injury. Second brood ECB larvae infest
tassels, ears and stalks in August and early Septem-
ber. In general, 1st brood ECB is more common in
early planted corn, and 2nd brood ECB is common in
late planted corn.
Sampling: To evaluate 1st brood ECB, inspect 20
plants at 5 or more locations weekly during whorl
stage. Early detection of 2nd brood ECB is difficult.
To evaluate 2nd brood ECB, inspect 20 plants at 5
locations for egg masses or early larva.
Economic Threshold: First Brood: Detection of ECB
larvae in 75% or more of stand may warrant treatment
if an average of 1 larvae per stalk can be prevented
from completing development. Second Brood: Treat-
ment may be warranted if 50% or more of the plants
have eggs or early larva. Fields having severe 2nd
brood ECB infestations should be harvested early to
minimize stalk lodging and ear drop.
Management Options: If significant ECB infestations
are detected prior to stalk boring, chemical treatment
may be applied. For a list of labeled insecticides, see
http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/. Planting of ECB resis-
tant or transgenic Bt-Corn is a preventive option.
20
WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM

Identification and Incidence: Feeding on ear tips or

dime-sized holes in middle of corn ear is western bean
cutworm (WBC) damage. May find >1 larvae per ear.
Damage occurs from late July until end of September.
Sampling: Milk jug traps with WBC pheromone lures are
used to monitor adult flight from June through Sept. Traps
are placed at edge of cornfield and monitored at least
weekly. Once adults are caught, inspect corn for eggs
or larvae. Sample 20 consecutive plants in 5 different
areas of the field. Eggs are laid on upper leaf surfaces.
In pre-tassel corn, larvae could be found feeding on the
tassel in the whorl. After tassel emergence, larvae will
be found on leaves, but eventually will migrate to the
silks and ears.
Economic Threshold: If 5-8% of plants sampled have
either eggs or larvae, treatment should be considered.
Repeated application may be necessary if adult flights
continue through August.
Management Options: Many insecticides are labeled for
WBC control, and timing of application should be after
95% of field has tasseled and before larvae enter the ear.
See http://entomology.osu.edu/ag/ for a list of labeled in-
secticides. Transgenic corn with Cry1F Bt gene (Herculex
I, Herculex Xtra, Smartstax) or the newer Viptera trait has
activity against WBC.
 21
WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM (WBC)
Distribution
2006: collected 3 adults   2007: collected 6 adults

   2008:

   2009:
22
CORN ROOTWORM
Distribution of Western Corn Rootworm Variant
   2008:

Data in the above figure shows trapping results from

2008, as well as yearly predicted distributions. In 2009,
all fields monitored were below economic threshold.

Note: OSU Extension/OARDC has been monitoring for

the variant in Ohio since 1996. From 2001-2007, fields
in western OH counties (outlined by the 2007 line in
the above figure) were consistently over threshold. In
2008 and 2009 a substantial decrease in the number
of fields over threshold
occurred. Reasons for this
decrease are unclear, but
may suggest future inci-
dence of the variant may
be low. Scouting is still
recommended in fields
where first year corn is to
be planted.
 23
CORN LEAF APHID

Corn leaf aphids

Identification & Incidence: At late whorl and early
tassel stages of corn development, blue-green aphid
colonies may develop which generate honeydew that
disrupts pollination. Feeding activity of corn leaf aphid
(CLA) may also delay development of corn under
drought stress.

Sampling: Evaluation of CLA is based on inspection of

20 plants at 3 or more locations to determine percent
of stand having CLA colonies.

Economic Threshold: When 50% or more of the

plants have colonies, rescue action may be warranted.
Presence of insect predators (Lady beetles, etc.)
indicate a potential decline in CLA activity.

Management Options: Heavy infestations on stands

under stress may warrant rescue treatment. Natural
predator activity often controls infestations. For a list
of labeled insecticides, see http://entomology.osu.
edu/ag/.
 24
WEED THRESHOLD INFORMATION FOR CORN

% Yield Reduction
WEEDS 1 2 4 6 8 10

(Number of weeds/100 ft of row)

C. Cocklebur or G. Ragweed 4 8 16 28 34 40

Redroot Pigweed or C. Lambsquarters 12 25 50 100 125 150

Shattercane (2-3/clump) 6 12 25 50 75 100

Giant Foxtail (5-8/clump) 10 20 50 100 150 200

Source: Univ. of Illinois Field Crop Scouting Manual

NOTE: All effects are additive. If more than one weed exists, add the effects of each yield reduction to get total yield
reduction.
 25
HERBICIDE INJURY DIAGNOSIS—CORN
Germination/Emergence

Poor germination and uneven emergence

• Not typical of herbicide injury, but incorporating
pendimethalin (not labeled for PPI use in corn) or
carryover of trifluralin can cause poor emergence.
“Clubbed-roots” should be visible.
Leaf-out underground
• Acetamide herbicides—metolachlor, s-metolachlor,
alachlor, dimethenamid—can cause leaf-out under
cold and wet conditions. Crusted or cloddy soils can
also be a cause.
Emergence To Tasseling

Buggy-whipping/twisting/leaf crinkling
• Characteristic of acetamide herbicides—metolachlor,
s-metolachlor, alachlor, dimethenamid. Usually
occurs under cold and wet soil conditions, and is
often temporary. Dicamba and/or 2,4-D, especially
when mixed with an acetamide herbicide, can cause
similar symptoms, but corn may be rolled tighter
and lay more horizontal to soil surface. Yield can
be reduced when plants fail to unfurl soon enough
after emergence.
26
HERBICIDE INJURY DIAGNOSIS—CORN
(cont.)

Stunted plants/interveinal yellowing and/or purpling

of leaves
• Carryover or tank contamination from ALS-inhib-
iting herbicides—Scepter, chlorimuron, Pursuit,
FirstRate. Check lateral roots for a “bottlebrush”
appearance. Fields affected by carryover may take
on an uneven appearance with intermixed areas of
stunted and healthy plants. Persistence of Scep-
ter increases at soil pH of 5.5 or less and under
drought conditions. Persistence of chlorimuron
increases at soil pH above 6.8.
• Preplant/preemergence applications of Hornet
and Python may cause injury under cold and wet
conditions.
• Application of products containing nicosulfuron,
rimsulfuron, primisulfuron, prosulfuron, or flumet-
sulam, or application of Lightning on Clearfield
Corn, in the same season as organophosphate
soil insecticides can cause the these symptoms,
along with severe leaf margin crinkling and “onion-
leafing.”
 27
HERBICIDE INJURY DIAGNOSIS—CORN
(cont.)

Stunted plants/white leaves and/or shoots

• Misapplication or drift of glyphosate at a low dose
(usually at spike stage).
• Balance or Callisto can cause these symptoms.
Severe injury with Balance may include stunting,
leaves turning necrotic, buggy-whipping, and stand
loss. Injury with Balance is most common under
the following conditions: sandy soil types; shallow
planting depth (less than 1.5 inches); cold and
wet soil; spray overlaps; soil pH approaching 7.5;
organic matter less than 1.5 %.
Stunted plants/short swollen and/or “clubbed roots”
• Carryover or misapplication of DNA herbicides—
pendimethalin or trifluralin.
White/bleached leaves
• Misapplication or carryover from Command. The
plant will usually grow out of slight discoloration.
However, if more than 75 % of the plant tissue is
white the plant will probably die. Carryover is most
likely on soils with a pH below 5.5.
• Postemergence application of Callisto. Increased
risk of injury when used in the same season as
organophosphate insecticides, or when mixed with
methylated seed oil.
28
HERBICIDE INJURY DIAGNOSIS—CORN
(cont.)

Leaf burn on leaf margins of older leaves

• Photosynthetic inhibitors may cause yellowing
(chlorosis) of leaf margins followed by death (ne-
crosis) of the oldest leaves on the plant. Herbicides
in this group include atrazine, metribuzin, Lorox,
simazine. Injury is more likely at soil pH greater
than 7.2.
Speckled to burned leaves
• Postemergence applications of Aim, Buctril, Cadet,
Resource, atrazine plus crop oil concentrate, or
Callisto (only the first few days after application).
Effects are usually temporary unless a large portion
of the plant is brown.
Yellow to translucent color on new leaves
• Misapplication or drift of ACCase-inhibiting herbi-
cides—Assure II, Fusilade DX, Fusion, Poast/Poast
Plus, or clethodim. The whorl will be easily pulled
from the rest of the plant, and have a collapsed
brown tip on the end near the growing point.
Speckled leaves due to drift
• Aim, Cadet, Cobra, Flexstar/Reflex, Gramoxone
Max, Resource, or Ultra Blazer drift. Usually only
cosmetic injury.
Bent or “goose-necked” stalks/fused brace-roots
• Postemergence applications of growth regulator
herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba. Plants may
become brittle and prone to lodging. More severe
during periods of high temperatures and rapid node
elongation.
 29
HERBICIDE INJURY DIAGNOSIS—CORN
(cont.)

Veinal chlorosis or browning/collapse at leaf arch/

buggy-whipping
• Carryover of fomesafen (Flexstar, Reflex). Most
likely where fomesafen is applied late in soybeans
the prior season and dry conditions occur follow-
ing application. Plants may die in areas of spray
overlap, but most corn will survive injury.
Pollination

Poor pollination
• Late season applications of 2,4-D or dicamba at
“tassel” to “dough” stages of development.
• Late applications of Lightning to Clearfield corn.
Maturity

Ear-Pinching
• Postemergence broadcast applications of products
containing nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, primisulfuron,
or flumetsulam after corn has reached 6 collars.
Ear-pinching results from the base of the ear having
a normal number of kernel rows, while the upper
part of the ear has about 50% fewer rows.
 30
TIME OF DISEASE OCCURRENCE IN CORN
 31
EXAMPLES OF CORN LEAF DAMAGE

1 5 25 50
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF DAMAGED
From: James, C. 1971. A manual of assessment keys for
plant diseases. The American Phytopathological Society,
3340 Pilot Knob Rd., St. Paul, MN 55121
32
SEEDLING BLIGHTS

Description: Wilting and dying of young seedlings

during and after emergence are the first signs of blight.
A soft watery rot of the roots, mesocotyl and crown are
typical symptoms. Seeds with a white or pinkish weft of
mold around them are indications of seed rot. Various
seed borne and soil borne fungi cause seedling blight.
Not to be confused with insect injury.

Location: State wide, particularly in early planted

fields or fields with compaction, wet soil or very dry soil
and reduced tillage fields when emergence has been
delayed by cold soil. Cold, wet compacted fields have
particular problems with seedling blight.

Time of attack: Blights occur when seedlings are put

under stress or are subjected for extended periods to
conditions limiting rapid growth of the young plant.
Generally, April through Mid June.

Management:
• Fungicide seed treatment
• Improve drainage
 33
NORTHERN CORN LEAF BLIGHT

Description: Lesions of northern corn leaf blight

(NCLB) are large (1-6" long x ½-1" wide), cigar-shaped
and brown to tan in color. During periods of high humid-
ity, lesions may have grayish-green centers due to the
production of dark-colored spores on dead tissue.

Location: NCLB can be found throughout Ohio.

Time of attack: Wet humid weather favors NCLB,

especially during periods of heavy dew and fog.
Symptoms may occur as early as silking, but are more
prevalent during later stages of development.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
34
SOUTHERN CORN LEAF BLIGHT

Description: Lesions of southern corn leaf blight

(SCLB) are small (1/4-1" long x 1/4" wide) and tan in
color. Lesions may be oval or have parallel sides. On
some hybrids, lesions may be surrounded by yellow
halos, but other hybrids may have reddish brown
borders.

Location: SCLB can be found throughout Ohio, but

is more prevalent in the southern half of the state.
Usually only occurs on hybrids that lack adequate
resistance.

Time of attack: Wet humid weather favors SCLB,

especially during periods of heavy dew and fog.
Symptoms may occur as early as silking, but are more
prevalent during later stages of development.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
 35
STEWART’S BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT

Description: Very long necrotic lesions with wavy

margins. Some lesions extend nearly the length of
the leaf on susceptible hybrids. Lesions are commonly
found connected to small, thin feeding scars left by
the adult corn flea beetle, which carries the bacterium
over winter and transmits it to corn while feeding on
the leaves in the spring. Sweet corn, popcorn, and
inbreds may show seedling wilt when attacked early,
but most hybrid dent corn is more resistant to the
seedling phase of the disease. All types of corn may
be affected by the leaf blight phase of the disease. Mild
winter conditions favor the survival of the flea beetle
and as such increase the risk of Stewart’s leaf blight.
The risk of this disease is high when the sum of the
average temperatures for the months of December,
January, and February exceeds 100°F.
Location: Stewart's leaf blight occurs throughout Ohio.
Time of attack: Attack by adult flea beetles and trans-
mission of the bacterium occur soon after seedling
emergence. Continued feeding by beetles throughout
the summer increases the severity of the disease.
Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Control flea beetle with insecticide foliar spray or
seed treatment (see insect section on flea beetle)
36
ANTHRACNOSE LEAF BLIGHT

Description: Anthracnose lesions on leaves vary

greatly in size and shape but are generally less than
1" long with dark tan centers, brown borders and yel-
lowish to orange halos. Lesions generally appear first
near the tip and midrib of the leaf, later coalescing to
produce large dead areas and blotches. Black hair-
like structures emerging from fruiting bodies (acervuli)
within lesions can be seen with a hand lens during
periods of high humidity.

Location: Leaf blight phases of anthracnose can be

found throughout the state. It is prevalent in continu-
ous, reduced tillage corn fields.

Time of attack: The disease is favored by rainy weath-

er any time from seedling emergence to maturity.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Till residues
• Crop rotation
 37
ANTHRACNOSE STALK ROT

Description: Anthracnose stalk rot is identified by the

shiny black spots and/or streaks on the outer surface
of the stalk. The entire stalk of susceptible hybrids may
turn black. Depending on the hybrid, external discol-
oration may or may not be accompanied by blackish
discoloration of the internal stalk tissue. On the other
hand, internal discoloration may occur without symp-
toms being evident on the outside of the stalk.

Location: Stalk rot phases of anthracnose can be

found throughout the state. It is prevalent in continu-
ous, reduced tillage corn fields.

Time of attack: The disease is favored by rainy

weather any time from seedling emergence to maturity.
Anthracnose stalk rot can be detected starting around
two weeks prior to physiological maturity.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Till residues
• Crop rotation
38
CRAZY TOP

Description: Affected plants show excessive tillering,

rolling of leaves during the early stages of develop-
ment, and/or proliferation of the tassels and husks due
to abnormal growth of tissues. The tassel on affected
plants usually resembles a huge mass of leaves
clustered together.

Location: Crazy top occurs anywhere in the state.

Time of attack: Saturated soil conditions or ponded

water from excessive rainfall during early stages of
plant growth favor infection. Plants become infected
as seedlings and the fungus grows systemically in the
plant causing abnormal development of plant tissues.
Symptoms are most recognizable from mid whorl stage
of development to maturity.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Improve soil drainage
 39
MAIZE DWARF MOSAIC

Description: Maize dwarf mosaic is a virus disease

recognized as a mottling or mosaic of light and dark
green areas in young leaves within the whorl. Later
plants may develop leaves that are yellowed or red-
dened and plants may be stunted, but these later
symptoms are not characteristic for diagnosis.

Location: Maize dwarf mosaic occurs in river bottom

fields where johnsongrass occurs in southern Ohio.

Time of attack: The virus overwinters in johnson-

grass. Aphids feeding on johnsongrass transmit the
maize dwarf mosaic virus to young plants. Symptoms
may develop on young plants, but diseased plants are
easier to diagnose in the mid to late whorl stages of
development than later in the season.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Destroy johnsongrass
40
MAIZE CHLOROTIC DWARF

Description: The characteristic symptom of maize

chlorotic dwarf is the presence of very fine chlorotic
stripes adjacent to the secondary veins on leaves in the
whorl stages of growth. Older plants become severe
stunted with yellowing and reddening of the leaves.

Location: Maize chlorotic dwarf occur in river bottom

fields where johnsongrass is a problem in southern
Ohio.

Time of attack: The virus overwinter in Johnson-

grass. Leafhoppers feeding on johnson grass transmit
the maize dwarf virus to corn plants. Symptoms may
develop on young plants, but diseased plants are
easier to diagnose in the mid to late whorl stages of
development than later in the season.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Destroy johnsongrass
 41
GRAY LEAF SPOT

Description: Lesions resemble elongated rectangles

on leaf surfaces. Lesions have straight or parallel
sides. Susceptible type lesions may be from 1/2" to
4" long and tan to gray in color with no borders. Some
less susceptible hybrids have yellow halos surrounding
small lesions (chlorotic lesion type).
Location: The disease can be found throughout the
state at some level, but is most prevalent in east cen-
tral, southern and western Ohio. Severe epidemics
occur in continuous corn, reduced tillage fields in river
bottoms or in locations with restricted air drainage.
Lodging may result from excessive leaf blighting.
Time of attack: The disease is favored by heavy
dew, fog or light rain. Periods of drying between these
periods also is important. Lesions generally first ap-
pear near tasseling and disease spread occurs until
maturity.
Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Till residues
• Crop rotation
• Fungicide application on susceptible hybrids in
chronic disease areas
42
NORTHERN CORN LEAF SPOT

Description: Lesions of northern corn leaf spot

(NCLS) are small (1/8" to 1/2" long), oval, and tan to
brown in color with dark brown borders. The lesions
are usually aligned with the veins of the leaf and occur
in linear groups.

Location: NCLS is most prevalent in the northern

third of Ohio, but can occur throughout the state
in years with cooler weather. The disease is most
prevalent on inbreds in seed production fields and
some of the more susceptible hybrids. The disease is
generally associated with continuous corn especially
in reduced tillage.

Time of attack: Lesions are detected after tasseling

to crop maturity.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
 43
COMMON RUST

Description: Small (1/8" to 1/4" long), reddish

brown, oblong pustules scattered over the surface
of leaves.

Location: Can occur anywhere in the state, but gener-

ally more common in northern Ohio.

Time of attack: Rust can be seen as early as late

June in years with abnormally cool growing conditions.
Disease continues to spread until plant maturity during
periods of cool weather with light rain.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
44
COMMON SMUT

Description: Grayish to white enlarged galls develop

on ears, leaf surfaces and sometimes tassels. As galls
mature, masses of black powdery spores are released
after rupturing the galls’ outer covering.

Location: Common smut occurs throughout Ohio on

field, sweet and popcorn.

Time of attack: Common smut spores overwinter in

the soil and are spread by wind and splashing rain
to plant surfaces. Insect, hail or mechanical injury
increases the incidence of this disease. Smut can be
detected from tasseling through harvest on ears and
on leaves and other plant parts nearly anytime.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Control insect pests
 45
GIBBERELLA EAR AND STALK ROT

Description: Gibberella ear rot is identified by a pink to

reddish mold that usually begins at the tip of the ear.

Description: Gibberella stalk rot is identified as a

pink discoloration of the pith tissues in weakened or
lodged stalks.

Location: Gibberella ear rot and stalk rot can occur

anywhere in the state

Time of attack: Average daily temperatures below 72°

F and frequent rain during the first two weeks after silk-
ing favors Gibberella ear rot. Wet, warm temperatures
in June and July followed by drought stress in August
and September favor lodging caused by Gibberella
stalk rot. Gibberella rots are associated with several
mycotoxins that are toxic to livestock.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Balanced fertility
• Till residues
• Control insect pests
46
DIPLODIA EAR ROT

Description: Ears with thick, gray mold that develops

from the base toward the tip is characteristic of Diplodia
ear rot. The kernels appear stuck together with the
thick layer of mold and the husks adhere to the ear.

Location: Diplodia ear rot is more common in the

southern half of the state and appears to be associated
with continuous corn and reduced tillage.

Time of attack: Warm, dry weather prior to silking

followed by wet conditions following silking favors
Diplodia ear rot.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
 47
DIPLODIA STALK ROT

Description: Plants affected by Diplodia stalk rot

have small, black fungal bodies (pycnidia) beneath
the epidermis of the stalks usually near the nodes.
These fungal bodies are not superficial and cannot
easily be scraped off.

Location: Diplodia stalk rot is more common in the

southern half of the state and appears to be associated
with continuous corn and reduced tillage.

Time of attack: Wet, warm temperatures in June

and July followed by drought stress in August and
September favor stalk rot.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
48
FUSARIUM EAR OR KERNEL ROT

Description: Fusarium kernel rot has grayish discol-

oration of the caps of individual kernels or groups of
kernels scattered over the ear.

Location: Fusarium ear rot occurs state wide.

Time of attack: Wet, warm weather following silk-

ing and damage to kernels by insects, hail or other
mechanical means favor disease development. This
kernel rot is associated with the mycotoxin Fumonisin,
which is toxic to livestock.

Management:
• Resistant hybrids
• Crop rotation
• Till residues
 49
Abnormal Corn Ears
Ear Pinching (“Beer Bottle Ears”)
Symptoms: Kernel row numbers may
decrease by half from bottom to top of
ear (for example, from 16 to 8 kernel rows
per ear). The ear length is usually about
normal.
Causes: Severe stress during the 7- to
10-leaf collar stages and late application
of sulfonylurea herbicides.

Blunt Ear Syndrome (“Beer Can Ears,” “Ear

Stunting”)

Symptoms: Markedly reduced ear size and kernel

numbers per row. Husk length and kernel row number
may be normal.
Causes: Unknown but is associated with low tempera-
ture stress during early ear formation.

Drought-Damaged Ears (“Nubbin Ears”)

Symptoms: Small misshaped
ears with poor kernel set at
ear tip.
Causes: Severe drought and
other stresses, such as nitro-
gen deficiency and high plant
population.
50
Abnormal Corn Ears (cont.)
Poor, Incomplete Kernel Set

Symptoms: Poor, reduced kernel set. When severe,

ears have scattered kernels or no distinct kernel rows.
Causes: Poor pollination due to mistiming of pollen
shed and silking caused by drought and high tempera-
tures, uneven crop development, insect feeding and
silk clipping, and phosphorus deficiency.

Multiple Ear Syndrome

(“Bouquet Ears”)
Symptoms: Multiple ears on the
same ear shank—sometimes
five or six ears form a “bouquet.”
Side ears may or may not be fully
developed.
Causes: Unknown but similar to
blunt ear syndrome.

Tassel Ears
Symptoms: Combination of
tassel and ear in the same
structure.
Causes: Injury to growing point,
early season compaction and
saturated soil along field edges.
 51
Abnormal Corn Ears (cont.)
Tip Dieback
Symptoms: Poor tip fill or unfilled
ear tips and kernel abortion at tip
end of ear at blister and milk stag-
es. Affected kernels may be dried
up and are often light yellow.
Causes: Stress during early kernel
development, including severe
drought, heat, nitrogen deficiency,
foliar diseases and cloudy weather.
Chaffy Ears
Symptoms: Lightweight, poorly
filled ears with shrunken kernels
and spaces between kernels.
Causes: Frost damage, prema-
ture plant death from drought,
foliar disease, severe potassium
deficiency, or hail from the dough
through early dent stages.

Zipper Ears (“Banana Ears”)

Symptoms: Partially to com-
pletely missing kernel rows on the
underside of the ear from kernel
abortion or lack of pollination.
Ears often bend (like a banana)
due to differential kernel abortion
along the ear.
Causes: Often associated with
nitrogen deficiency, severe drought
stress, or defoliation following
pollination.
Adapted from Thomison and Geyer. 2007. Abnormal Corn Ears.
The Ohio State University. ACE-1. http://agcrops.osu.edu/corn/
EarAbnormalities.php
52
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN

Nitrogen
• Similar to potassium (especially at later stages of
growth), but symptom progresses from the leaf tip
along the mid-rib toward the base of older, lower
leaves
• Early season nitrogen stress appears as a general
chlorosis of the entire plant (more apparent on
older, lower leaves)
 53
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)

Phosphorus
• Phosphorus deficiency symptoms appear as a pur-
pling or reddish-purpling of older, lower leaves
• Stunted overall growth
• Deficiency is common, but soil testing can readily
reveal soils likely to be deficient
54
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)

Potassium
• Symptoms progress from the leaf tip as a chlorosis
along the leaf edge toward the base of the leaf on
older, lower leaves
• Potassium deficiency is quite common in Ohio, but
soil testing and adequate fertilization will decrease
likelihood of deficiency
• Drought conditions can contribute to potassium
deficiency even when soil test potassium levels
are adequate
• Typically associated with weak stalks
 55
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)

Magnesium
• Magnesium deficiency symptoms appear as an
interveinal chlorosis of older, lower leaves
• Severe enough deficiency can cause lower leaves
to turn reddish and eventually become necrotic
• Not common in Ohio, but it has been documented.
Primarily isolated to Eastern Ohio due to soil parent
material, but can be found on low pH soils across
the state
• Soil testing will reveal risk of deficiency
56
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)

Sulfur
• Sulfur deficiency symptoms are similar to nitrogen,
but unlike nitrogen the chlorosis is more visible on
newer, upper leaves
• Sulfur deficiency has been observed in Ohio
primarily on coarse textured soils low in organic
matter
• Sulfur deficient plants typically have thinner
stalks
• Discoloration found on youngest leaves first, start-
ing at the base of the leaf & progressing toward the
tip
• May prevent tassel development
 57
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)

Zinc
• Zinc deficiency is expressed as a vertical striping
of newer, upper leaves that occurs between the
midrib and leaf margin
• Older, lower leaves may appear bleached
• Zinc deficiency also causes shorten internodes
(and if severe enough can cause rosetting)
• Zinc deficiency has been documented in Ohio, but
it is primarily isolated to high pH soils or soils that
are severely eroded
• Saturated soil conditions can induce deficiency
58
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN CORN
(cont.)
Calcium
• Failure of new leaves to emerge and unfold
• Tips of leaves colorless and covered with a sticky
gelatinous substance which causes them to adhere
to one another
• Rare in Ohio
Copper
• Youngest, upper leaves become yellow and stunted,
eventually turning pale while the older leaves die
back
• Dead leaf tissue may appear along the tips and leaf
edges in a pattern similar to potassium deficiency
• Rarely observed in Ohio
Manganese
• Interveinal chlorosis of newer, upper leaves
• Severe cases exhibit elongated white streaks, the
center of which may turn brown and fall out
• More likely to occur on soils with higher pH and
muck soils
Iron
• Newer, upper leaves develop interveinal chlorosis,
veins remain green in early stages
• Progresses rapidly and may eventually turn the
entire leaf white
• Rarely observed in Ohio
Boron
• Irregularly shaped white spots between veins which
could develop into stripes with a waxy, raised ap-
pearance
Molybdenum
• Wilted leaves, youngest leaves may twist
• Rarely observed in Ohio
 a
NITROGEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORN BASED ON YIELD POTENTIAL
& PREVIOUS CROP.

Corn yield potential (bu/acre)

Previous Crop N Credits 80 100 120 140 160 180+
- # of N - pounds N to apply per acre
Corn, small grains 0 80 110 140 160 190 220
Soybeans 30 50 80 110 130 160 190
Grass sod 40 40 70 100 120 150 180
Established forage legume
Average stand (3 plants/ft2) b 0 10 40 60 90 120
Good stand (5 plants/ft2) b 0 0 0 20 50 80
Annual legume cover crop 30 50 80 110 130 160 190

a N fertilizer rates are based on the following relationship:

N (lb/acre) = -27 + (1.36 x yield potential ) - N credit or 110 + [1.36 x (yield potential - 100) - N credit.
b N credits for established forage legume = 40 + 20 x (plants/ft2) to maximum of 140.
59
60
ESTIMATING NITROGEN LOSSES
The following tool can be used to assess nitrogen
loss and the need for sidedress nitrogen when soil
samples are not collected. Soil temperature, nitrogen
form, length of soil saturation, and organic matter all
play critical roles in determining microbial activity and
resultant denitrification of fall and/or spring applied ni-
trogen. As an aid to help make sidedressing decisions,
University of Minnesota scientists have developed a
simple question and answer point system. We have
adapted that point system to Ohio and propose its use
for Ohio’s corn crop (see below).

1) What N source was utilized?

a. Anhydrous ammonia with
nitrification inhibitor 1 pt
b. Anhydrous ammonia 2 pt
c. Other fertilizer banded 3 pt
d. Other fertilizer broadcast 4 pt
2) When was the N applied?
a. After April 20 2 pt
b. Before April 20 5 pt
3) How much N has been applied?
a. >200 lbs/A 1 pt
b. 150-200 lbs/A 2 pt
c. 100-150 lbs/A 3 pt
d. <150 lbs/A 4 pt
4) What has been the predominant soil
moisture status in the field this spring?
a. Normal 1 pt
b. Wet 2 pt
c. Excessively wet (saturated—
standing water) 4 pt
 61
ESTIMATING NITROGEN LOSSES (cont.)
5) What is the crop’s condition?
a. Green plants > 12" tall 1 pt
b. Green plants < 12" tall 2 pt
c. Chlorotic plants < 12" tall 3 pt
d. Chlorotic plants > 12" tall 5 pt
Total the score and use the following guidelines:

Less than 13 –Additional fertilizer not recommended

13-16 –Evaluate again in 4-7 days
17 or greater –Add an additional 40-70 lbs N/A

The “re-evaluation” option is only viable until you no

longer can sidedress. While a total score of 17-18
may merit 40 lb N/acre, a score of more than 18 may
require higher rates. Research conducted in Illinois
has found that 50 lb N/acre was satisfactory for a wide
range of conditions. Keep in mind that good judgment
is still important when using various methods to esti-
mate N needs. Also, each field needs to be evaluated
individually.
62
PRE-SIDEDRESS NITRATE TEST (PSNT) FOR
MANURED-FIELDS
Producers that have applied manure to their fields should
consider the PSNT as a nitrogen management tool for
corn production. This test estimates the level of nitrate-
nitrogen in a field and is adapted to a sidedress program.
Samples should be collected 5 to 10 days prior to the time of
sidedress. The optimum time for sidedress is between the
V4 to V6 growth stage. The depth of core samples should
be 12 inches and removed from 15 to 20 sites across a
uniform area no larger than 20 acres. Samples should be
dried, or at least, not sent to laboratories in plastic bags.
Lab selection should be based on accuracy and timeliness
(receiving samples and reporting results). If the results are
in excess of 30 ppm, adequate nitrogen should be available
for this year’s corn crop. If it is less than 15 ppm, the normal
nitrogen rate should be applied. Between 15 and 30 ppm,
other factors should be considered before reduction of the
normal nitrogen rate.
If samples are collected too soon, ammonium nitrogen may
have not converted to the nitrate form. Some labs include
the ammonium value. This value may be used to confirm
the conversion (or lack of conversion) of ammonium-
nitrogen to nitrate-nitrogen. However, only use the nitrate
value for management decisions. Test results may not
be useful if heavy rains or several days of soil saturation
occur between date of sampling and reporting of results.
In summary, the pre-sidedress nitrogen test has been a
useful management tool for manured-fields, and occasion-
ally useful for fields with previous legume forage crops. In
some cases, it may assist in estimating nitrogen losses
from early preplant nitrogen.
 63
POTASH (K2O) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORN
AT VARIOUS YIELD POTENTIALS, CEC'S & SOIL
TEST LEVELS.
Yield bu/
Potentials acre 100 120 140 160 180
Soil Test K lb K2O per acre
ppm (lb/acre) CEC 5 meq/100g
130 135 140 145
25 (50)1 125
50 (100) 95 100 105 110 115
75 (150) 65 70 75 80 85
50 60 65 70
88-118 (176-235)2 45
130 (260) 20 20 20 25 25
140 (280) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 10 meq/100g
25 (50) 160 165 170 175 180
50 (100) 120 125 135 140 145
75 (150) 85 90 95 100 105
50 60 65 70
100-130 (200-260)2 45
140 (280) 25 25 30 30 35
150 (300) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 20 meq/100g
50 (100) 195 200 210 215 220
75 (150) 145 150 160 165 170
100 (200) 95 100 110 115 120
50 60 65 70
125-155 (250-310)2 45
165 (330) 25 25 30 35 35
175 (350) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 30 meq/100g
75 (150) 235 240 245 250 255
100 (200) 170 175 185 190 195
125 (250) 110 115 120 125 130
150-180 (300-360)2 45 50 60 65 70
190 (380) 25 25 30 30 35
200 (400) 0 0 0 0 0
1 Values in parentheses are lb/acre.
2 Maintenance recommendations are given for this soil test range
64
POTASH (K2O) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORN
SILAGE AT VARIOUS YIELD POTENTIALS, CEC'S &
SOIL TEST LEVELS.
Yield ton/
Potentials acre 20 22 24 26 28
Soil Test K 3
lb K2O per acre
ppm (lb/acre) CEC 5 meq/100g
275 290 300 300
25 (50)1 260
50 (100) 225 245 260 275 290
75 (150) 195 210 230 245 260
195 210 230 245
88 (175)2 180
110 (220) 100 110 115 125 135
130 (260) 25 30 30 35 35
140 (280) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 10 meq/100g
25 (50) 295 300 300 300 300
50 (100) 255 270 285 300 300
75 (150) 220 235 250 265 280
195 210 230 245
100 (200)2 180
120 (240) 110 120 125 135 145
140 (280) 35 40 40 45 50
150 (300) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 20 meq/100g
50 (100) 300 300 300 300 300
75 (150) 280 295 300 300 300
100 (200) 230 245 260 280 295
195 210 230 245
125 (250)2 180
145 (290) 110 120 125 135 145
165 (330) 35 40 40 45 50
175 (350) 0 0 0 0 0

CEC 30 meq/100g
75 (150) 300 300 300 300 300
100 (200) 300 300 300 300 300
125 (250) 245 260 275 290 300
195 210 230 245
150 (300)2 180
170 (340) 110 120 125 135 145
190 (380) 35 40 40 45 50
200 (400) 0 0 0 0 0
1 Values in parentheses are lb/acre.
2 Maintenance recommendations are given for this soil test level.
3 Potash recommendations should not exceed 300 lb per acre.
 65
PHOSPHATE (P2O5) RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR CORN

Soil Yield Potential - bu per acre

Test 100 120 140 160 180
ppm (lb/acre) lb P2 O5 per acre

5 (10)1 85 95 100 110 115

10 (20) 60 70 75 85 90
15-30 (30-60)2 35 45 50 60 65
35 (70) 20 20 25 30 35
40 (80) 0 0 0 0 0

1 Values in parentheses are lb/acre.

2 Maintenance recommendations are given for this soil test
range.

PHOSPHATE (P2O5) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

CORN SILAGE

Soil Yield Potential - tons per acre

Test 20 22 24 26 28
ppm (lb/acre) lb P2 O5 per acre

5 (10)1 115 125 130 135 140

10 (20) 90 100 105 110 115
15-30 (30-60)2 65 75 80 85 90
35 (70) 35 40 40 45 45
40 (80) 0 0 0 0 0

1 Values in parentheses are lb/acre.

2 Maintenance recommendations are given for this soil test
range.
 66
NUTRIENT SUFFICIENCY RANGES FOR CORN
(ear leaf sampled at initial silking)

Nutrient Element Unit Sufficient

Nitrogen (N) % 2.90-3.50

Phosphorus (P) % 0.30-0.50
Potassium (K) % 1.91-2.50
Calcium (Ca) % 0.21-1.00
Magnesium (Mg) % 0.16-0.60
Sulfur (S) % 0.16-0.50

Manganese (Mn) ppm 20-150

Iron (Fe) ppm 21-250
Boron (B) ppm 4-25
Copper (Cu) ppm 6-20
Zinc (Zn) ppm 20-70

Sampling information on page 201

Sampling information on page 208.
 67
INFORMATION REQUIRED TO MAKE A CORN
REPLANTING DECISION
Replant decisions in corn should be based on strong evi-
dence that the returns to replanting will not only cover replant
costs but also net enough to make it worth the effort.
Specific information needed to determine if replanting is
justified:
• Original target plant population/Intended plant stand
• Plant stand after damage
• Uniformity of plant stand after damage
• Original planting date
• Possible replanting date
• Likely replanting pest control and seed costs
After-Damage Plant Population
To estimate after‑damage plant population per acre, count
the number of viable plants in a length of row that equals
1/1000 of an acre and multiply by 1000. See table on p. 232
that shows row length needed for various row widths. Make
several counts in different rows in different parts of the field.
Six to eight counts per 20 acres should be sufficient.
After-Damage Stand Uniformity
When making plant counts, note skips or gaps visible in the
row. Was average length more or less than 3 feet? Gaps of
4 to 6 feet can cut yields about 5%.
Growth Stage of Corn
What was the growth stage of the corn when the damage
occurred? Use the growth stage definitions used in estimat-
ing losses due to defoliation on pages 2-3.
After-Damage Plant Defoliation
If leaves have been damaged or destroyed, what was the
average percent loss in leaf area for the total crop? See page
31 to determine estimated percent leaf loss. See page 7 to
determine yield loss.
68
REPLANTING DECISION IN CORN (cont.)
Growth Stage of Corn
What was the growth stage of the corn when the
damage occurred? Use the growth stage defini-
tions used in estimating losses due to defoliation
on page 1.
After-Damage Plant Defoliation
If leaves have been damaged or destroyed, what
was the average percent loss in leaf area for the
total crop? See page 29 to determine estimated
percent leaf loss. See page 6 to determine yield
loss.
Should You Patch-In a Poor Stand?
• If you replant within 2 weeks of planting the original,
patching-in may be a viable option. Yields will be
similar to those from a uniform-emerging replanted
stand, if you can get relatively uniform plant spac-
ing within the row between the old and new plants.
Within 2 weeks of planting, it is often too early to
determine what the final stand will be (and whether
patching will be needed).
• If you replant within 3 weeks after the initial plant-
ing, yield potential is about 10% greater if you tear
up the field and start over with an even emerging
stand rather than just patch-in the original stand.
Balance this possible yield increase against the
additional cost of tillage, seed, and dryer fuel.
Should you replant stands with uneven emergence?
• If the delay in emergence is less than 2 weeks,
replanting will have a minimal effect on yields,
regardless of the pattern of unevenness.
 69
REPLANTING DECISION IN CORN (cont.)
Should you replant stands with uneven emergence?
(cont.)
• If one half or more of the plants in the stand emerge
3 weeks late or later, then replanting may increase
yields by up to 10%. To decide whether to replant
in this situation, estimate both the expected eco-
nomic return of the increased yield compared to
your replanting costs and the risk of emergence
problems with the replanted stand.
Should late emerging plants be protected during row
cultivation?
• If the delayed plants emerge only 1 to 2 weeks late,
use shields and avoid burying the late emergers
during cultivation.
• Protect plants emerging 3 weeks late if one half
or more of the plants in the stand are late emerg-
ers.
• If less than 1/4 of the stand emerges 3 weeks late
or later, will probably not pay to encourage their
survival. Yields will be about the same whether or
not these delayed plants are buried during cultiva-
tion.
Source: National Corn Handbook Chapter 36, “Effects
of Uneven Seedling Emergence in Corn”
Grain Yields for Corn Planted at Various Dates and Populations, Expressed as a Percent of Optimum
70

Planting Date and Population

Plants per acre at harvest (X1000) How to use this table:
10 15 20 25 30 35
The table shows effect of planting date and plant population on final grain yield. Grain yields for
Planting varying dates and populations are expressed as a percentage of the yield obtained at the optimum
Date % of optimum yield planting date and population. This table has been modified to provide estimates of potential yield
April 10 62 76 86 92 94 93 losses for planting dates in early June (on-line at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/
April 20 67 81 91 97 99 97 articles.08/DelayedPltUpdate-0523.html )
April 30 68 82 92 98 100 98
A farmer planted on April 30 at a seeding rate sufficient to attain a harvest population of 30,000
plants per acre. On May 28 stand was reduced to 15,000 plants per acre as a result of saturated
May 9 65 79 89 95 97 96 soil conditions and ponding. According to the table, the expected yield for the existing stand would
May 19 59 73 83 89 91 89 be 82% of the optimum. If the corn crop was planted the next day on May 29, and produced a full
May 29 49 63 73 79 81 79 stand of 30,000 plants per acre, the expected yield would be 81% of the optimum. The difference
Adapted from: Nafziger, 1994. J. Prod. Ag. 7:59-62 expected from replanting would be negative (81 minus 82, or minus 1 percentage point) and
indicate no advantage to replanting.
Importance of plant distribution within the row. Values in this replant chart are based on a uniform distribution of plants within the row. Add a 5%
yield loss penalty if the field assessment reveals several gaps of 4–6 feet within rows and a 2% penalty for gaps of 1–3 feet.
The following are additional sources of information on making replant decisions:
Nielsen, R.L. 2002. Delayed Planting & Hybrid Maturity Decisions. Purdue Univ. Cooperative Extension Service publication AY-312-W. Available
at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/pubs/AY-312-W.pdf.
Thomison, P. R. 1992. Guidelines for Corn Replant Decisions. OSU Extension. AGF 124.
 71
ASSESSING FLOODING AND PONDING
DAMAGE TO CORN
The extent to which flooding injures corn is determined
by several factors including: (1) plant stage of develop-
ment when flooding occurs, (2) duration of flooding
and (3) air/soil temperatures. Prior to the V6 stage
(6 visible leaf collars) or when the growing point is at
or below the soil surface, corn can generally survive
only 2 to 4 days of flooded conditions. The oxygen
supply in the soil is depleted after about 48 hours
in a flooded soil. Without oxygen, the plant cannot
perform critical life sustaining functions; e.g. nutrient
and water uptake is impaired, root growth is inhibited,
etc. If temperatures are warm during flooding (greater
than 77° F) plants may not survive 24-hours. Cooler
temperatures prolong survival.

To confirm plant survival, check the color of the grow-

ing point. It should be white to cream colored, while
a darkening and/or softening usually precedes plant
death. Also look for new leaf growth 3 to 5 days after
water drains from the field. Sometimes the growing
point is killed by bacterial infections during and after
flooding, but plant growth continues in the form of
non-productive tillers (suckers).
 EFFECTS OF PLANT DAMAGE DURING GRAIN FILL
72
EFFECTS OF PLANT DAMAGE DURING
IN CORN
GRAIN FILL IN CORN
Early killing frost in the fall may damage immature corn and
Early killing frost in the fall may damage immature corn
cause
and yieldyield
cause reductions. The effect
reductions. The ofeffect
frost of
damage to corn
frost damage
todepends on the severity
corn depends on theof severity
defoliation,
of stalk damage stalk
defoliation, and
damage and stage
stage of growth. of growth.
The following tablesThe following
provide yield losstables
and
provide
moistureyield loss associated
estimates and moisture withestimates
premature associated
plant death
with premature
during grain fill. plant death during grain fill.

YIELD
YIELD LOSS
LOSS IN CORN
IN CORN DUEDUE TO PREMATURE
TO PREMATURE PLANT
PLANT DEATH
DEATH
Yield Loss from Death of:
Time of Death Leaves only Whole plant
(% of normal)
Soft dough 35 55
Full dent 27 41
Milk line 1/2 way 6 12
down kernel

EFFECT OF PREMATURE PLANT DEATH ON WHOLE

EFFECT OF PLANT
PREMATURE PLANT
AND GRAIN DEATH ON WHOLE
MOISTURE
PLANT AND GRAIN MOISTURE
Percent Moisture of:
Time of death Grain Whole plant
(% of normal)
Soft dough 65 >75
Full dent 55 75
Milk line 1/2 way 40 69
down kernel
Normal black layer 33 61
development

Reference Publications: NCH-18, NCH-57

 73
ESTIMATING CORN YIELDS PRIOR TO HARVEST
There are several techniques for estimating corn grain
yield prior to harvest. This version was developed
by the Ag. Engineering Department at the Univer-
sity of Illinois and is the one most commonly used.
A numerical constant for kernel weight is figured into
the equation in order to calculate grain yield. Since
weight per kernel will vary depending on hybrid and
environment, the yield equation should only be used to
estimate relative grain yield. For example, yield will be
overestimated in a year with poor grain fill conditions,
while it will be under-estimated in a year with good
grain fill conditions.

Step 1. Count the number of harvestable ears per

1/1000th acre (see page 232).
Step 2. Count the number of kernel rows per ear on
every fifth ear. Calculate the average.
Step 3. Count the number of kernels per row on each
of the same ears, but do not count kernels on
either the butt or tip that are less than half
size. Calculate the average.
Step 4. Yield (bushels per acre) equals:
(ear #) x (avg. row #) x (kernel #)
90
 74
Final Row Spacing
Planting Stand/A
15” 20” 22” 28” 30” 36” 38” 40”
Rate/A (10%
loss) Inches Between Kernels
15,000 13,500 27.9 20.9 17.6 14.9 13.9 11.6 11.0 10.5
16,000 14,400 26.1 19.6 16.5 14.0 13.1 10.9 10.3 9.8
17,000 15,300 24.6 18.4 15.5 13.2 12.3 10.2 9.7 9.2
18,000 16,200 23.2 17.4 14.7 12.4 11.6 9.7 9.2 8.7
19,000 17,100 22.0 16.5 13.9 11.8 11.0 9.2 8.7 8.2
20,000 18,000 20.9 15.7 13.2 11.2 10.5 8.7 8.3 7.8
22,000 19,800 19.0 14.3 12.0 10.2 9.5 7.9 7.5 7.1
24,000 21,600 17.4 13.1 11.0 9.3 8.7 7.2 6.9 6.5
26,000 23,400 16.1 12.1 10.1 8.6 8.1 6.7 6.4 6.0
28,000 25,200 14.9 11.2 9.4 8.0 7.5 6.2 5.9 5.6
30,000 27,000 13.9 10.4 8.8 7.5 7.0 5.8 5.5 5.2
32,000 28,800 13.1 9.8 8.5 7.0 6.6 5.4 5.2 4.9
34,000 30,600 12.3 9.2 7.8 6.6 6.1 5.1 4.8 4.6
36,000 32,400 11.6 8.7 7.3 6.2 5.8 4.8 4.6 4.4
40,000 36,000 10.4 7.9 7.1 5.6 5.2 4.4 4.1 3.9
 75
GROWING DEGREE DAY ACCUMULATION
NORMALS FROM APRIL 1 - OHIO
WEEK DATES NW NE SW SE
Apr 01 - Apr 07 22 27 37 38
Apr 08 - Apr 14 51 56 78 79
Apr 15 - Apr 21 99 107 139 140
Apr 22 - Apr 28 150 160 204 205
Apr 29 - May 05 207 219 273 274
May 06 - May 12 278 289 352 356
May 13 - May 19 361 372 448 448
May 20 - May 26 454 462 554 548
May 27 - Jun 02 557 563 664 654
Jun 03 - Jun 09 677 677 794 776
Jun 10 - Jun 16 806 798 929 905
Jun 17 - Jun 23 938 922 1067 1036
Jun 24 - Jun 30 1080 1052 1214 1174
Jul 01 - Jul 07 1223 1185 1364 1315
Jul 08 - Jul 14 1376 1328 1522 1462
Jul 15 - Jul 21 1534 1477 1682 1613
Jul 22 - Jul 28 1689 1625 1846 1766
Jul 29 - Aug 04 1834 1765 1999 1911
Aug 05 - Aug 11 1979 1906 2152 2055
Aug 12 - Aug 18 2115 2039 2297 2194
Aug 19 - Aug 25 2248 2168 2443 2333
Aug 26 - Sep 01 2383 2299 2585 2473
Sep 02 - Sep 08 2509 2420 2722 2600
Sep 09 - Sep 15 2621 2531 2846 2717
Sep 16 - Sep 22 2717 2624 2955 2820
Sep 23 - Sep 29 2797 2703 3046 2909
Sep 30 - Oct 06 2867 2771 3127 2984
Oct 07 - Oct 13 2921 2827 3195 3047
Oct 14 - Oct 20 2971 2879 3258 3107
Oct 21 - Oct 27 3005 2917 3304 3151
Oct 28 - Nov 03 3040 2955 3351 3198
Nov 04 - Nov 10 3058 2976 3378 3226
Nov 11 - Nov 17 3071 2992 3401 3246
Nov 18 - Nov 24 3080 3002 3415 3262
Nov 25 - Dec 01 3087 3012 3427 3274

"Source: Midwestern Climate Center at Illinois State Water

Survey."
"GDD's calculated with 86/50 cutoff, base 50 method"