Understanding the developing corn plant will help you manage your fields effectively during these sensitive early stages. For germination to occur, enough moisture must be available for the seed to imbibe 30 percent of its total weight in water. Planting in adequate moisture is critical. While it requires a minimum moisture absorption of 30 percent for germination, seed corn can decay or rot at lesser moisture levels. Corn planted after soils have remained above 50 degrees for a minimum of five to seven days has the best chance for a good start.
Planting earlier can result in very slow emergence.
The sooner corn emerges after planting the better. Delayed germination can well lead to seedling blights, insect attack and other potential stand-reducing conditions. Once germination has occurred, the first part of the seedling to appear will be the radicle. The radicle is a root that will emerge from the germ of the seed. After the radicle, the seminal roots and the shoot will extend from the seed.