Indiana Corn Entering Critical Development State
Early crop development in Indiana is generally good, but corn is entering a critical development stage. Adequate moisture in most areas helped this year’s crop get off to a good start, but Matt Maughan, field agronomist with DuPont Pioneer, says crops in NW Indiana are entering a vulnerable growth stage, “Generally in the area the corn is in the 3 leaf to 5 leaf stage.” He said this is a critical stage where the plants are transitioning from one root system to another, “Oftentimes in this stage we will see uneven development, yellowing or even purple corn.” He said this is typical and should improve, “As we get into warmer weather and dryer conditions, the crops will straighten out.”
Maughan said heavy rain in some areas have damaged the young plants to the point where replanting will be needed, “Some areas got very heavy rains this past weekend, and I am sure there will be some replanting, especially for corn.” Despite the late date, he said with shorter season hybrids replant on corn is still an option.
Another factor impacting early crop development is the last of heat units and growing degree days. But Maughan says the forecast looks warmer and cool temperatures in May and early June should not have much of an impact, “I am not concerned with a warming trend in the forecast, it will take off with some warmer weather.”
Listen to reports from DuPont Pioneer agronomists from around the state here.