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C.O.R.N Newsletter 2009-34
     October 6, 2009 - October 13, 2009


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Handling Frost Damaged Corn
by Peter Thomison

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According to the USDA/NASS (http://www.nass.usda.gov/) as of Sunday, October 4, 93 percent of Ohio's corn was dented, compared to 100 percent both last year and for the five-year average. Forty-six percent of corn was mature, compared to 79 percent both last year and for the five-year average. Four percent of the corn was harvested, ten percent behind last year and seven percent behind the five-year average.

The growing season for corn in many NW Ohio fields ended last week when a killing frost occurred September 30, 2009. Although this frost may have only been about a week earlier than normal, corn in some affected fields had not yet reached kernel "black layer", the stage at which kernel growth ceases and maximum kernel dry weight is achieved (also referred to as "physiological maturity"). For those growers with questions on the impact of frost damage on grain yield and maturation, one good source of information is "Handling Corn Damaged by Autumn Frost" NCH-57 by P.R.Carter and O. B. Hesterman available online at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/NCH/NCH-57.html. This publication includes information on the effect of frost on grain development and describes options for handling damaged corn. The following is an excerpt from the publication that addresses effects of frost injury on yield potential and whole plant and kernel moisture.

The effect of frost damage to corn depends on the severity of defoliation, stalk damage, and stage of growth. Tables 1 and 2 provide yield loss and kernel moisture estimates resulting from premature plant death during grainfill. The tables summarize the findings of Minnesota researchers who defoliated plants to simulate frost damage at different kernel development stages.

Table 1: Yield Loss in Corn as a Result of Plant Defoliation at Three Kernel Development Stages.

-Kernel Development Stage- -Percent Grain Yield Reduction-
Soft dough 34-36
Full dent 22-31
Late dent 4-8

Source: Afuakwa, J. J., and R. K. Crookston. 1984. Using the kernel milkline to visually monitor grain maturity in maize. Crop Science 24: 687-691.



Table 2: Whole Plant and Kernel Moisture of Corn at Four Kernel Development Stages.

Kernel Development Stage % Moisture % Moisture
- Kernel Whole Plant
Soft dough 62 >75
Full dent 55 70
Late dent 40 61
Physiological maturity (Black Layer*) 32 53

* Black Layer-indicates end of kernel growth and maximum kernel dry weight (physiological maturity).

Source: Afuakwa, J. J., and R. K. Crookston. 1984. Using the kernel milkline to visually monitor grain maturity in maize. Crop Science 24: 687-691.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by signing up at http://agcrops.osu.edu/services/email.html. E-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing or no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.


Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

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