Bad Pollination - Heat a Culprit

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

Now is a good time check fields for pollination problems. The high temperatures may have caused problems in some fields. See the images below. While we don't expect all fields to look like this, some will. Scouting now will help producers identify some options for this fall (even if the only options left are in marketing).

The blank kernels on these ears are from poor pollination. Heat stress is the most likely culprit. Image source: Nick Roy, Extension Agent, Adair County, Kentucky.

The blank kernels on this ear are the result of poor pollination. Heat stress is the most likely culprit. Image source: Nick Roy, Extension Agent, Adair County, Kentucky.