After patiently waiting all winter for a warm and sunny break, we’re thrilled to finally have
the chance to get back in the field!
Dan Quinn
Although yield is always at the forefront of many corn farmers and agronomists’ minds during harvest, another important discussion topic each fall is that of grain test weight.
As corn advances through grain fill and approaches physiological maturity (black layer), one thing to watch for is premature ear declination or premature “ear drop” (Figure 1).
It is now time to evaluate fields for any stalk or ear rot symptoms. This will aid in making assessments about field harvest order and if there is a risk of mycotoxin contamination.
The Purdue Crop Chat is a regular podcast from Hoosier Ag Today and the Purdue University Extension Service, featuring Purdue Extension soybean specialist Dr. Shaun Casteel and Extension Corn Specialist Dr. Dan Quinn.
Recent storms and heavy rainfall brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl have crossed parts of Indiana this week and brought excessive winds which has resulted in corn being “flattened” from lodging in certain areas of the state.
In the last week, much of Indiana has received the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, with various locations receiving rainfall totals of 3-4+ inches of rain.
Purple Corn: purple corn symptoms (Image 1) are caused by the accumulation of a purple pigment in the corn leaves known as anthocyanin.
As planting season begins and corn plants begins to emerge, a very important step to take each spring is to assess the emergence of the corn plants and take note of any abnormalities, missing plants, or uneven emergence patterns.
It is now time to evaluate fields for any stalk or ear rot symptoms. This will aid in making assessments about field harvest order and if there is a risk of mycotoxin contamination.
Pest&Crop newsletter -
Department of Entomology
Purdue University
901 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47907
© 2025 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.