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Corn Illustrated: Here’s a refresher for guiding corn through stand establishment.

Dave Nanda

March 8, 2022

2 Min Read
slug feeding on young corn seedling
UNWELCOME GUEST: Slugs are small, slimy creatures that chew up corn leaves and can thin a stand. Here is a close-up of a slug feeding on a young corn seedling. John Obermeyer, Purdue Entomology

You did everything possible to get the planter ready. You completed test planting to make sure all parts worked properly. You waited for Mother Nature to give you breaks in your local weather so you could plant at the right time. You picked the right hybrids for your farm and got seed in the ground at the right population, uniform depth and correct down pressure so all seedlings would emerge uniformly.

After anxiously waiting for a few days, you’re so happy to see your corn plants poking through the ground. These little seedlings are trying to get a glimpse of the sun’s rays so they can grow, prosper and make a difference by having their own progeny — big ears with lots of kernels. The genetics wrapped up in tiny seeds gives them their genetic potential. They need you, their caretaker, to provide nutrients for proper growth.

The seedling stage is the most critical phase in the life of a corn plant. Let’s look at what happens as the young corn plants develop and grow:

Emergence happens. Corn seedlings need 110 to 120 growing degree days to emerge. A seedling emerges when the coleoptile, that first spear-like leaf, pierces the ground. First and second leaves develop six to seven days after seedlings emerge. The first roots start to supply water and nutrients to young seedlings.

Nodal roots form. About two weeks after emergence, the third leaf starts to develop. Seedling roots stop at this stage and the secondary roots known as “nodal roots” start growing. These become the permanent root system of the plant. Nodal roots grow fast and start taking over the responsibility of gathering water and nutrients for the whole plant. Root hairs also start growing at this stage.

Protect the growing point. The growing point stays below ground for three to four weeks and is protected from frost or insects on the surface. A hailstorm or freeze at this stage may hurt leaves, but the growing point isn’t damaged since it is still below ground. Don’t consider replanting at this stage.

Seedling develops. Four nodes develop below ground. The first node above ground is generally the fifth node. Even at this early stage of growth, leaf and ear shoots start to develop. Take care of young plants at this stage and you will have productive healthy adults and a good crop.

Plants face disease, insect challenges. At seedling emergence, young plants face many hurdles such as nutrient deficiencies, seedling diseases like pythium and Stewart’s bacterial blight, and insects like black cutworms. Insect issues are more likely to show up if you have not used either seed treatment insecticides or an insecticide at planting.

Monitor slug presence. Slugs appear harmless but can cause considerable damage, especially in low-lying areas. There are no good economical preventive or rescue treatments for slugs.

Nanda is director of genetics for Seed Genetics Direct, Jeffersonville, Ohio. Email [email protected] or call 317-910-9876. Please leave a message.

About the Author(s)

Dave Nanda

Dave Nanda is director of genetics for Seed Genetics Direct, Jeffersonville, Ohio. Email [email protected] or call 317-910-9876. Please leave a message.

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