|
|
|
Posted 15 June 2010. Crop Management. Cool Spring Delays Corn Development Source: University of Missouri Press Release. extension.missouri.edu Blue Springs, Missouri (May 21, 2010)--The 2010 growing season has gotten off to a challenging and slow start, said a University of Missouri Extension regional agronomist.
As of May 18, the average temperature for the month was 4-6 degrees below normal, said Julie Abendroth. Corn plant maturity depends on accumulated exposure to heat, measured in units called “growing degree days” or GDDs. “The low temperatures and resulting slow accumulation of GDDs has significantly delayed the corn crop,” she said. “From May 1 through May 19, west-central Missouri had received only 150-180 GDDs, an 80-100 GDD shortfall for this time span.” In a typical May, there are 95 GDDs per week. This May has so far received only about 60 GDDs per week. On average, 100-120 GDDs are required from planting to corn emergence. From emergence to the 10-leaf (V10) stage, a new leaf will appear every 82 GDDs. With only 150-180 GDDs received since May 1, corn planted on May 1 will be at the one-leaf growth stage on May 19. Typically, corn with a May 1 planting date should be at the two-leaf to three-leaf stage. University of Missouri research has demonstrated that an April 20 planting date will achieve 100 percent of its yield potential in a typical year. If planting is delayed to May 5, corn will achieve 95 percent of its yield potential. As planting is delayed past May 5, corn yield continues to decrease. From May 1 to June 1, MU research indicates a 25 percent yield loss due to planting date alone. “With the cool temperatures we’ve experienced this spring, a planting date of May 1 is likened to a May 8 planting date in normal years,” she said. “For the 2010 season, it appears that only those growers who planted their corn before mid-April are positioned to obtain 100 percent of the crop’s yield potential.” Abendroth noted, however, that weather conditions during pollination can greatly affect yield response to planting date. For agricultural weather information from your area, contact your local MU Extension center or see agebb.missouri.edu/weather. Contact: |
