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Tassel wrap on many farmers’ minds

A Bayer agronomist says many farmers across the Midwest are dealing with corn that is facing pollination issues due to tassel wrap.

Lance Tarochione, who’s based in western Illinois, says much is still unknown about the relatively unique condition.

“It’s not restricted to areas that planted during a certain window.”  He says, “It’s not restricted to areas that have been hotter than normal. It’s not restricted to areas that have been wetter than normal, but they’re definitely are certain hybrids that are more prone to express it, but they don’t always do it. There’s definitely an environmental component.”

He tells Brownfield that it’s likely an environmental response within the plant similar to rapid growth syndrome.

“The flag leaf stays wrapped tight around the tassel.”  He says, “We’ve seen some fields with tassel wrap that have been able to pollinate just fine. We’ve seen other fields that are missing some kernels, and occasionally, you find a field that’s missing a lot of kernels.”

Tarochione says tassel wrap is just one of several pollination issues he’s observed in this year’s corn crop.

“If your corn didn’t pollinate very well, you don’t really care if it was because of missing the nick, poorly developed tassel, tassel wrap, insects, or what have you.”  He says, “You just know you’ve got poor pollination and that’s not good.”

He says farmers should scout to evaluate pollination results to better prepare for harvest, as well as for future hybrid selection.

AUDIO: Lance Tarochione – Bayer agronomist