It will increase in size from 3 feet to its mature height of 7 to 10 feet in approximately 21 to 28 days. Upon reaching mature height the risk of brittle snap diminishes as cell walls are strengthened by the deposition of lignin and other structural materials. Snapped plants often have visible ear shoots on the stalk shortly after the wind damage event. However, the severely reduced leaf surface area usually results in limited or no grain production on injured plants. The most important factor influencing brittle snap damage is the timing and severity of wind storms.
Thunderstorms often occur in the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
Damage may be more severe at this time of day, since plant cells are more turgid and stalks less able to bend without breaking. Damaging winds often occur in a burst ahead of the rain. Dry, firm soil that tightly anchors the crown and roots of the plant at this time may result in increased breakage. Wind storm damage can vary widely in a relatively small geographic area, which often confounds its role in the problem. Growers often ask why there is damage in their field, while a neighboring field with the same hybrid is unaffected.