Parson, Kansas —
The 2010 growing season has gotten off to a challenging and slow start. As of May 18, the average temperature for the month of May was four-six° F below normal and as would be expected, growing degree day (GDD) accumulation has also lagged behind normal. GDDs are a useful tool for monitoring plant development and are often used by agronomists to specifically monitor corn development. From May 1 through May 19, west central Missouri had received only 150-180 GDDs, which represents an 80-100 GDD shortfall for this time span.
In other words, 95 GDDs are typically received per week in the month of May; however for May 2010, only an approximate 60 GDDs have been received per week.
On average, 100-120 GDDs are required from planting to corn emergence. From emergence to the 10-leaf (V10) stage, a new leaf will appear every 82 GDDs. With only 150-180 GDDs received since May 1, corn planted on May 1 will be at the one-leaf (V1) growth stage on May 19.
Typically however, with a May 1 planting date, corn should be at the two (V2) to three-leaf (V3) growth stage.
The low temperatures and resulting slow accumulation of GDDs has significantly delayed the corn crop.
University of Missouri research has demonstrated that an April 20 planting date will achieve 100 percent of its yield potential.
If planting is delayed to May 5, 95 percent of the corn yield potential will be obtained.
As planting date is delayed past May 5, corn yield continues to decrease. From May 1 to June 1, MU research indicates a 25 percent yield loss due to planting date alone.
With the cool temperatures we’ve experienced this spring, a planting date of May 1 is likened to a May 8 planting date in normal years.
For the 2010 season, it appears that only those growers who planted their corn before mid-April are positioned to obtain 100 percent of the crop’s yield potential.
With that said however, weather conditions during pollination can greatly affect yield response to planting date.
Crops
Cool temperatures delaying corn development
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Unpredictable weather requires corn management
