Hot, dry conditions can cause problems when sweetcorn in pollenizing by damaging the pollen. The result is a corn ear that is poorly filled- often described as an ear with 'missing teeth'. Corn sheds it's pollen when the tassels unfold for a period and pollenation may occur for a 7-8 day period. Corn that is well watered seems less subject to damage, so a deep, thorough watering just prior to tasseling in hot, dry weather is important. Avoid frequent, shallow watering during the pollenation process but concentrate instead on a thorough watering prior to tasseling.
Poor pollenation seems worse when hot, dry winds accompany the hot temperatures.
No. 26, July 1, 1998.