Clear

Country Selector

Africa
Ethiopia
Kenya
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Asia Pacific
India
Europe
Austria
France
Switzerland
Latin America and Caribbean
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Mexico
North America
Canada (EN)
Canada (FR)
United States

    Clear

    VT Corn Growth Stages and Scouting Tips

    VT Corn Growth Stage
    VT Corn Growth Stage

    VT Stage*

    The VT stage arrives when the last branch of the tassel is completely visible. VT begins about 2 to 3 days before silk emergence. The plant is nearly at its full height. Pollen shed begins, lasting about 1 week on an individual plant basis and 1 to 2 weeks on a field basis. The interval between VT and R1 can fluctuate considerably depending on the hybrid and the environment. Drought stress lengthens this interval.

    Tips*

    • With the tassel and all leaves exposed, the plant is extremely vulnerable to hail from VT through silking (R1). Total removal of leaves can devastate yield potential.
    • If ovules aren't fertilized they produce no kernels on the cob.

    GDUs Required** to reach VT depends on maturity and is approximately:

    CRMGDUs
    80920
    901,075
    1001,175
    1101,280
    1201,420
    ** Hybrid growth is influenced by the growing environment. Individual results may vary.

    Scout for these Common Pests and DiseasesTiming*
    Corn EarwormArrival of adult moths from southern states varies each year. Corn at VT to R1 is most attractive to egg-laying females. Scout at R1 or when a significant moth flight is captured in pheromone traps.
    Corn RootwormLarval feeding is most extensive in early through mid-July in most regions of the Corn Belt.
    European Corn BorerAs the true stalk develops and European corn borer larvae increase in size, larvae can be found tunneling into the stalk.
    EyespotV6 through R4. Disease primarily found in northern environments.
    Goss's WiltVE through R6. Disease primarily found in Nebraska and portions of other western states.
    Gray Leaf SpotVT through R4.**
    Japanese BeetleVT through R1, until pollination is complete.
    Northern Leaf BlightVT through R4.**
    Southern Leaf BlightVT through R4.**
    Western Bean CutwormInitiate scouting based on local pheromone trap captures of adults. If trap data are unavailable, begin scouting at VT.
    Click on the insect or disease for more information.

    * Information from Pioneer and Iowa State University Extension.
    *** Scout for these diseases earlier in seed production fields.

    Use this information as a guide and it should not be the only factor in making decisions.