The final vegetative stage is VT, or tassling stage , and occurs 2-3 days before silking when tassels are present at the top of the plants. Reproductive stages range from R1 to R6. Stage R1 is the silking stage , when silk is visible outside the husk. Stage R2 is the blister stage and occurs 10-14 days after silking. In this stage kernels are white and small, resembling blisters.
Kernels are yellow and contain white fluid, due to accumulating starch.
Stage R5 is the dent stage, where kernels begin drying and exhibit a dent on their top. In this stage, all kernels have attained their maximum dry weight. Black zones have formed internally at the base of kernels, indicating that kernel growth has ceased. Also, husks and leaves are no longer green at this stage, though stems may still be pigmented. Corn Production Planting One of the first considerations to address in planting is which hybrid will be the most efficient in the particular field in question.