It's easy to understand why the next 2 to 3 weeks is considered critical in the life of a corn plant and why any deficiencies or stresses can dramatically reduce yield. With the setback by frost in late May, corn maturity is a big concern on farmers' minds. That's why we plant our latest hybrids first and earlier hybrids last. When farmers see extensive tillering in their corn hybrids, they often express concern that the tillering will have a detrimental effect on crop performance. However, since then research has shown that tillers usually have little influence on grain yields and the effects they do have are generally beneficial.
Tillers are lateral branches that form at lower, below ground nodes.
Although tiller buds form at each below ground node, the number of tillers that develop is determined by plant population and spacing, soil fertility, early season growing conditions, and the genetic background of the hybrid. Nearly all hybrids will take advantage of available soil nutrients and moisture by forming one or more tillers where stands are thin in the row or at the ends of rows. Tillers are most likely to develop when soil fertility and moisture supplies are ample during the first few weeks of the growing season. They are usually visible by the 6-leaf stage of development. Hybrids with a strong tillering trait may form one or more tillers on every plant even at relatively high populations if the environment is favorable early in the growing season.