2024 Corn Update – 6/5

June 5, 2024

Corn across SC is at various growth stages and experiencing a wide range of environmental conditions. Much of the state had abundant rainfall most of March, prohibiting field work and fertilizer applications to be made, delaying planting. In other areas, corn was able to get planted early and emerged looking great. As we shifted into April, parts of the state were getting timely rains to activate herbicides, wash in fertility, and keep plants growing, whereas some areas did not receive measurable rainfall for much of the later part of April through mid to late May.

As of today, it seems some places that needed rainfall are beginning to get some relief. A few things to keep in mind as we move into June and corn begins to reach reproductive growth (Tassel).

1. If irrigation is available, ensure that soil moisture is not limiting as we go into tassel/silking and keep the soil profile charged. At this growth stage corn is utilizing around 2 inches of water per week, if you are not getting rainfall you need to supplement with irrigation if you can. In some cases, depending on center pivot and well size you may have to run systems 24/7 to meet the demand.
2. If you are fertigating or plan to put out a late shot of nitrogen on corn, make sure to have it out by the time we get to brown silk (R1). I would not recommend applying nitrogen after this point since over 75% of total N has already been taken up by the plant.
3. If you have adjacent wheat fields be mindful of stinkbugs. Stinkbugs can move into the field as the wheat is drying down or being harvested and cause yield losses. Corn is susceptible at early reproductive growth stages in addition to early vegetative growth stages. Always take the time to scout fields when you can.
4. Many people have fungicides on their mind when we approach tassel. A few things to consider when deciding on fungicide selection and timing. How long was this field rotated out of corn? What was the planting date? What disease package does the hybrid have? We need to protect corn through R5 (Dent) from foliar disease, so depending on when tassel occurs, current updates on southern rust progression across GA, and crop history we can offer recommendations on if or when to spray corn.

If you have any questions on irrigation, fungicide spray timing, or anything else corn related, please contact your local agronomy agent.