Tight Tassel Wrap Reported in Corn Belt

The latest USDA Crop Progress report rated 74% of the corn crop in good to excellent condition. However, tight tassel wrap has been reported in several Corn Belt states and it may impact yields this fall.

Kansas State University agronomists Kraig Roozeboom, Tina Sullivan and Logan Simon explained that tight tassel wrap causes the corn tassels to remain tightly wrapped in the plant’s upper leaves. The tassel can then fail to shed pollen properly. This may cause pollination issues, which lead to poor kernel set.

Tassels releasing pollen while still wrapped is a rare occurrence. Iowa State Associate Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Mark Licht said the tight tassel wrap may be a form of rapid growth syndrome that occurs at the end of the vegetative stages. The condition is likely triggered by a combination of high temperatures, ample moisture and non-limiting nutrient availability.

Although there are no corrective measures, farmers are still encouraged to scout their fields and evaluate the kernel set so they can understand the potential yield impacts. This can help with input decisions, such as fungicide application.

The significance of tight tassel wrap may not be easy to assess, as impact on yields from delayed pollination is hard to predict.

Read more tight tassel wrap being reported in the Corn Belt here.