The scuttlebutt heard in many coffee shops in Indiana these days is that folks are walking corn fields and finding a gamut of kernel set success ranging from excellent to pathetic. Growers’ interest in this topic obviously lies with the fact that the number of kernels per ear is a rather important component of total grain yield per acre for corn.

Poor kernel set, meaning unacceptably low kernel numbers, is a bad omen for fields that otherwise appear to be in good shape. Good or poor kernel set is determined from pollination through the early stages of kernel development; typically 2 to 3 weeks post-pollination.

Problems with kernel set stem from ineffective pollination, kernel abortion, or both. Distinguishing between these two symptoms is easy. Determining the exact cause of the problem is often difficult.

The rest of the story can be read here»

BTW, nice job in last night’s Bears game by Purdue’s Kyle Orton! Bear down… Chicago Bears…

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