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Northern Illinois Agriculture

University of Illinois Extension
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Friday, July 6, 2012

Hottest day in July.... so far

Posted by Russel Higgins - Corn

At 3 pm we are at 96 degrees at the NIARC. The US Drought Monitor has most of northern Illinois designated as a moderate drought area as the sweltering conditions continue.

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_midwest.htm

Corn plants attempting to pollinate under these conditions are facing several challenges, both in tasseling and silking. Both physiological processes are dependent to a degree on water, current conditions could delay daily pollen shed and reduce silk numbers. Emerson Nafziger shared his concerns for our crops if there is continued limited moisture in our future. He also shared the effect this weather has had on corn that has already finished pollinating farther south in Illinois. His article "Stress on corn at pollination" can be read in its entirety here.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/niarc/news/news27636.html

Here at the NIARC varied corn hybrid response to the stressful conditions are becoming very evident.



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