“Silver Leaf” Symptom In Corn

Forecasts of unusually low temperatures in late May or early June can set off warning bells for corn growers and lead to fearmongering about frost damage to young corn. Even if frost does not form during these cool nights, minor leaf surface damage can still occur as a result of radiational heat loss from the leaves during cool, calm, clear nights. Such leaf damage results in a curious leaf symptom that may remind you of “freezer burn”.

Rapid heat loss from terrestrial surfaces to the atmosphere (i.e., radiational cooling) can occur on clear, dry (low humidity), calm nights with temperatures in the low 40’s F or cooler. Many areas of Indiana experienced such low morning temperatures over Memorial Day weekend. Minor levels of radiational cooling can damage the outer surfaces of corn leaves that are positioned horizontally or parallel to the night sky. The subsequent symptom of such minor chilling injury is often referred to as “silver leaf” in corn.

The “silver leaf” symptom indeed appears as a silvery or dull gray leaf surface. Any portion of a leaf that was not horizontal to the sky or that was protected by another leaf or plant part will not exhibit the symptom. The effect of this minor leaf damage is negligible, if any. The leaves will not die abruptly as will genuinely frosted leaf tissue. Continued expansion of the whorl will not be restricted in any way. New leaves that expand from the whorl will be normal in appearance. This symptom is more of a curiosity than a nuisance.

Related Reading

Nielsen, RL (Bob). 2020. Assessing Frost / Cold Temperature Injury to Young Corn. Corny News Network, Purdue Extension. http://www.kingcorn.org/news/timeless/FrostedCorn.html [URL accessed June 2021].

 

Silver leaf symptom Leaf tissue damage due to radiational cooling.

Silver Leaf symptom Leaf tissue damage due to radiational cooling.

 

Silver Leaf symptom Leaf tissue damage due to radiational cooling.

 

Share This Article
It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
Pest&Crop newsletter - Department of Entomology Purdue University 901 Mitch Daniels Blvd West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Pest&Crop newsletter

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Pest&Crop newsletter at luck@purdue.edu.