Late Season Hail Damage in Corn

When evaluating late season hail damage to corn, the same principles apply to evaluating hail damage at other growth stages. It is important to never rush a damage evaluation as time should be given for the crop to respond from the injury. In most cases, waiting 7 to 10 days to evaluate and then decide on how to proceed with the impacted field.

Late season damage can be even more impactful depending on growth stage. Stripped leaves late in the growing season can result in the reduction of sugar production because of impaired photosynthesis (Figure 1). Table 1 shows potential yield loss by corn growth stage and percent leaf loss.

Table 1. Percent of potential corn yield loss by percent of leaf loss at several corn growth stages.*

The threat of late season hail becomes extremely critical around pollination. If the tassel is cut off or damaged, pollen production and kernel fertilization can be greatly impacted or simply not occur. This can result in potentially large yield losses.

Another threat with late season hail is stalk damage (Figure 2). Stalk integrity can be greatly reduced by bruising or internal damage to the vascular tissue, making it difficult for nutrients to move up and down the plant. It can also cause issues later in the growing season when ear weight can cause stalks to break over.

Grain quality can also be reduced when hail stones strike corn ears (Figure 3). The impact can smash or open developing kernels. Fluids from the damaged kernels can be mediums for fungal growth which can spread and damage other kernels.

When planning on what to do after a hail event, items to consider include:

1. Contact crop insurance company.
2. Keep existing crop stand.
3. Replant corn.
4. Plant soybean.
5. Plant a forage or cover crop.
6. Graze the cornstalks.

There are numerous considerations around cropping practices such as fertility use and crop protection products that can directly impact things such as nitrate levels in forages and seeding rates. Therefore, please consult with your local seed professional for options.

The most important thing is don’t be in a rush to decide on what to do. Consult with your local seed professional on marketing options and seeding recommendations and make an informed decision for your operation based on your long-term production goals.

Channel Agronomist
Tyler Vreugdenhil

Sources

Klein, R.N. and Shapiro, C.A. Evaluating hail damage to corn. EC126. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. University of Nebraska at Lincoln. https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/ec126/2011/pdf/view/ec126-2011.pdf

Rees, J., McMechan, J., Cafaro La Menza, N., and Redfearn, D. 2024. Hail damage to late vegetative and silking corn and options. CROPWATCH. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023/hail-damage-late-vegetative-silking-corn-and-options

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