Often times we hear people make the comment on hot, summer days, “This is sure good corn growing weather.” The truth is corn likes warm – not hot – weather to grow. Temperatures requirements vary by the clock. Optimal temperatures during daylight hours range between 77° F and 91° F while night temperatures range between 62° F and 74° F.
It’s important for nighttime temperatures to fall below approximately 70° to 80° F, so the corn plant can “rest” at night. High humidity reduces the plant’s ability to cool itself, resulting in decreased photosynthesis. Leaf diseases also are more likely to spread in high humidity situations, reducing the leaf area available for photosynthesis. Humidity also increases corn plants’ susceptibility to stalk rot.
Stalk strength is an important factor when selecting corn hybrids, and farmers will be placing orders soon for the 2013 season. That’s why scouting fields for stalk strength is the best way to avoid stalk lodging and even greater yield losses.
For all the local crop conditions across Latham Country, click on the drop-down menu below to select your territory.
Each week, our Regional Sales Managers provide crop reports from their territory, sharing crop progress, diseases or pests to watch for and corresponding management tips, and practices that will help you maximize yield potential in your particular growing conditions.
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