The following two articles are an excellent review of drought stress and the corn plant. B. Hesterman, Michigan State University and P. R. Carter, University of Wisconsin. On Corn Growth and Yield 0. B. Hesterman, Michigan State University P. R. Carter, University of Wisconsin Inadequate moisture during any period of growth can result in reduced grain yield. Nutrient availability, uptake, and transport are impaired without sufficient water.
Plants weakened by stress are also more susceptible to disease and insects.
Severe moisture stress is indicated by leaf wilting that is alleviated only when the plants receive additional water. Moisture stress during this period can result in a lack of synchronization between pollen shed and silking at pollination, because pollen grains may not remain viable and silking may be delayed. Water deficit effects on corn. From 4 consecutive days of visible wilting. Within 1 to 3 days after a silk is pollinated and fertilization is successful, the silk will detach from the developing kernel.