Stalk Strength and a Longer Drydown for Corn

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

My colleague, Bob Nielsen at Purdue, wrote an excellent article on corn yield potential at later growth stages. The quick points from Bob's article are: corn in the dough stage is at 50% of its yield potential. When every kernel is dented, corn is at 60% of its yield potential. Corn at half milkline is at about 88% yield potential. As we have gotten drier in some areas of Kentucky, our corn that is not at blacklayer is losing yield potential. But, we started out at very good yield potential, so overall yields should be very strong.

Expect a Later, Wetter Grain Harvest, Get the Driers Ready

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

Corn was planted late and the cool and cloudy days are slowing development. Most corn hybrids in Kentucky need about 2,700 to about 3,300 GDD’s or heat units to reach black layer (physiological maturity). Looking at the GDD calculator on the UK Ag Weather Center, corn planted April 15, 2013 in Mayfield, Kentucky won’t get to 3,000 GDD’s until Sept. 1.  Corn planted April 15 in Henderson will get to 3,000 on Sept. 3. Corn planted May 15 in Lexington will get to 3,000 GDD’s about Sept. 27.