August 17, 2017

Stages of Growth: Growing

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"Knee high by the Fourth of July"

A saying that is often heard in Nebraska as state residents talk about the beautiful green corn fields they drive past on a daily basis. While we are celebrating the Fourth of July and enjoying our summers, corn is busy growing.

Rapid Growth and Dry Matter Accumulation (V10 to V17)

After corn has surpassed the emergence stages they move on to the rapid growth and dry matter accumulation. This includes V10 to V17. During these stages it is vital that plant stress is reduced. Management and climate both effect the growth of a corn plant. Ideally, adequate nutrient levels and a proper climate will help maximize the potential yield grades.

  • V10 Stage
    • This stage can be identified by 10 leaves, elongated stalk and the tassel begins to rapidly grow.
  • V11-V15 Stage
    • These stages are bringing the corn plant closer to pollination. This means that soil moisture and nutrient availability are extremely important. Also during this time kernel row determination is almost complete. 
Pollination (V18 to R1)

Finally, nine to 10 weeks after corn emergence the corn plant begins pollination. Again, in this stage it is important to monitor moisture and heat stress. If these stressors occur this could led to loss of entire ears or barren tips, decreasing yields. 
  • VT Stage
    • Stage VT is all about the tassel. This begins when the last branch of the tassel is visible, but the silks have not emerged. Tassels normally appear two to three days before silk emergence. 
  • R1 Stage
    • Stage R1 is all about the silks. This stage begins when the silk is visible outside the husk. This helps with pollination. 
Grain Fill (R2 to R6)

We have finally reached the last stages of growth. The intentions of growth shift from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. We have already determine the number of kernels by this point, so at this time we determine the size of the kernels. At this point we are also not out of the woods. Corn can still be killed or yields damaged. 
  • R2 Stage
    • The kernel is white and shaped like a blister. 
  • R3 Stage
    • The silks are brown, the kernel is yellow and the dry matter accumulation occurs very quickly. 
  • R4 Stage
    • This is 24 to 28 days after silking and the starch levels of the kernel begin to increase. The kernel has accumulated half of its total dry weight. 
  • R5 Stage
    • The kernels begin to dry down from the top of the kernel toward the cob. This less to a dent on the top of the kernel. 
  • R6 Stage
    • This is it, this is the last stage of growth. The kernel continues to gain weight until maturity occurs. Kernel moisture ideally ends at 30 to 35 percent. 

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