|
Central Indiana | Those are along the lines of “zipper ears” while not that bad they do indicate an issue during grain fill timing most likely. Second likely is too hot especially nights during pollination period. Excessive heat and lake of moisture directly after blister stage will cause corn to abort kernels from top down. Even though you said you have irrigation channels, if the ground is compacted you lose the ability for the plant to reach vital nutrients and water holding capacity. So either excessive heat or lack of AVAILABLE moisture is the most likely culprit. Second would be nutrient deficiency but that would most likely show in the bottom portion of the plant first. A tissue sample will rule out deficiency. Your potassium levels (K) largely determine how water moves throughout the plant and it’s efficacy of doing so. While your soil samples may be sufficient, if the ground is compacted, the roots will not go down into the nutrient zone to reach them thus being deficient. Your phosphorus (P) has a lot to do with grain development. Usually your levels will need to be low in order to cause an issue but it is certainly possible. A picture of the plants could rule out deficiency especially N. If the corn plant runs out of N first it will take from the developing ear to keep the plant alive. It will show up in bottom leaves first though so keep an eye on that. Without a tissue test or pictures of the plants it’s hard to make a specific guess over the phone. These will be your most common culprits though that lead to poor ear development. | |
|
Corn ears not filled long enough
