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| Pollination occurs when pollen grains are transferred from the tassel to the silks. Fertilization does not occur until the male reproductive cells (pollen) unite with female reproductive cells from the ovule. Therefore, successful pollination does not always result in fertilization. Pollen shed begins shortly after the corn tassel is fully emerged from the whorl (VT stage). Pollen shed usually lasts for 5 to 8 days with peak shed by the 3rd day. Flowering typically occurs in the morning with delays during rain or excessive humidity. Hot, dry conditions can reduce pollen viability and decrease length of shed.
A day or two of wet weather in the morning isn't a big deal, pollination won't be impacted. But if it stays wet for quite a few days and silks continue to grow, what happens is some silks start to get covered, and may not be pollinated due to that excessive growth. This is a result of some silks getting covered up by others making it difficult for the pollen grain to get to some silks, so you could see some random misses around the ear, depending on when the wet mornings occurred in the pollination process. The first silks to emerge from the ear are from the base, and it continues to emerge working up the ear, to the tip silks being the last to emerge. Also, silks are are receptive to pollen for 5-6 days. A good reference.
https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/agronomy/library/corn-silk-emer... | |
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rain affect on corn pollination
