By Chad Lee
Recent rains and flooding across the region have left many farmers questioning the survival of their corn. Seeing water in cornfields is disheartening. Understanding the biological response of corn to excess water can help in making informed management decisions.
Full or Partial Submersion
If soil temperatures were above 70°F, fully submerged corn will likely not survive more than 24 hours. For corn that was fully submerged in late June 2026 for more than 24 hours, most likely will not survive.
If a field is flooded for more than 48 hours, even if the plants are not fully submerged, those plants are likely to die.
If the corn ears were covered for more than 24 hours, those ears most likely will rot.
Wait to assess corn until about 3 days after the flooding event. Cut the cornstalk to expose the growing point. A healthy growing point will be white or cream-colored, while a dead one will appear dark and flaccid. Splitting stalks on V7 to V10 plants will reveal a small triangle pointing upward. In that triangle will be both the tassel and dominant ear. As the plants get closer to VT, the tassel will be more visible on split stalks.
The Impact on Roots and Nutrient Uptake
If waters receded rapidly, the assessment gets a little more difficult. It could take as many as 14 days before a clear picture of crop survival is evident.
Source : uky.edu