Symptoms of premature death show up as wilting and death of leaf areas. Premature death should not be mistaken for corn maturing early as a result of the growing season. With premature death the lower nodes and internodes become discolored. Separation and deterioration of the vascular stalk tissue is evident, and the crown root will be discolored and show signs of deterioration. Sugars can no longer translocate to the ear thus the maximum kernel capacity cannot be reached.
Kernels accumulate sugars until kernel black layer.
Hybrids can be affected differently from field to field and within fields. If premature death is evident, walk fields and monitor conditions closely. Inspect the lower portion of the stalk. Look for discoloration around the nodes and internodes. Pinch the lower stalk internodes and if they easily give or collapse, stalk rot-induced lodging may be a concern later.