Drought. Extreme heat. Insect pressure. These elements are just a few affecting the U.S. corn crop this growing season. We’re hearing reports of post-pollination kernel abortion and silking issues across the Corn Belt, from as far south as Kansas to as far east as Indiana. And, according to the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, 32 percent of the U.S. corn crop is listed in fair condition or below (poor or very poor). In Missouri alone, 44 percent of the corn crop is listed in poor to very poor condition.
Extreme drought is affecting crops in areas of the southern Corn Belt, including parts of southern Nebraska, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, Kansas and Missouri. In Iowa, there are a few reports of post pollination kernel abortion due to recent hot, dry conditions. Kernel abortion takes place when certain conditions disrupt the photosynthesis process of the plant and prevent the ear from silking properly. This makes it more difficult to pollinate and, in some cases, the plant is simply unable to support all of the kernels. This issue may have a significant impact on growers’ yields come harvest. And, unfortunately, there’s nothing you can really do this season if this situation occurs.
In addition to the drought, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri are also facing extreme heat conditions, causing corn silks to dry out prematurely which leads to incomplete pollination. This tends to affect the basal portion, or the butt end, of the ear.
To add to the corn issues, there have also been several reports of Japanese Beetle pressure. These little pests feed off silks and the pollen. This leads to clipped silks and decreased pollination, which ultimately affects grain fill. For growers who experienced increased pressure this year, I recommended applications of a Lorsban-type insecticide over the canopy. This typically helps ward off further damage to the plant by the pest, and helps control the population. Since Japanese beetles can survive in your soil through the winter months, there are also certain measures that can be taken to prevent them from coming back again next year.
Although there’s no way growers can predict the weather and other elements that impact yield, they can talk to their local Stine sales agronomist about which corn and soybean numbers, seed treatments and chemical applications can help protect their acres. We’re here to help you make the best management decisions for your fields year-round.