Cooler temperatures of this past week caused some isolated frost injury showing in low areas of corn fields. It’s important not to be too quick to judge the extent of the injury.
Many corn fields have been planted early this year and especially with the past two years of wet weather. Growers did not want to get caught planting late. With a lot of corn emerged, there is a higher risk than usual because of the number of acres of corn emerged.
If plants are frosted, give them time to recover before making any decision. Most frost events are not cold enough to damage plants where they will die. Often temperatures must be 28 degrees F or lower for some period of time to kill corn.
If temperatures are no lower than 30 degrees F, then the above ground portion of the plant will be damaged. The growing point of small corn is still below the ground so should be safe from damage. The plant should recover and new green tissue should begin showing with warmer temperatures. It’s best to give plants three to five days after frost to determine the extent of the damage.
Frosted plants will take on a water soaked appearance then the leaves will turn brown. Plants that recover will start by showing new green material emerging from the whorl.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
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