Tracking Corn Growth and Development: A Progress Report

July 17, 2003  10(18):128

Joe Lauer, Corn Agronomist

At Arlington, recent GDU accumulation is at a rate similar to the past 40 years, but the cool weather experienced early in the growing season continues to haunt the crop. The first five planting dates are behind in GDU accumulation, while the June 13 planting date is about average. On average, an April 15 planting date would be in the R1 (silking) stage by now. Instead we only have about 18 of about 21 leaves emerged on the crop. Tassels will be emerging soon with silking expected to occur around July 20 (if temperatures are normal).