When checking corn fields prior to harvest, it’s not uncommon to encounter ears exhibiting abnormal growth such as those shown below (Fig. 1), especially when the crop has experienced stress conditions. Some of these ear and kernel anomalies have a limited impact on corn production but others can affect yield and grain quality adversely. To assist with the diagnosis and management of various ear and kernel disorders, check the following: “Troubleshooting Abnormal Corn Ears” available online at http://u.osu.edu/mastercorn/
Fig. 1. Corn ears exhibiting “tip dieback”.
Also available is a poster (Fig. 2) highlighting fourteen abnormal corn ears with distinct symptoms and causes. “Abnormal Corn Ears” posters can be obtained from the CFAES Marketing and Communications section at http://estore.osu-extension.org/