Corn that had not yet emerged by the time of the frost, but had germinated, has not developed very much. Cool soil conditions also will stress seedlings. Many factors influence corn growth and development. Although earlier planting has many benefits, such as better corn plant development and a higher yield potential if most of the vegetative development occurs in the cooler, moister weather of May and June, there are risks. These risks include cool, wet soils that can decimate stands, difficulties in weed control by tillage and cultivation, and the pos-sibility of frost injury.
Temperature has a profound effect on corn growth and development.
Temperature directly affects how the plant functions in photo-synthesis, respiration, absorption of water and nutrients, transpiration, and other metabolic processes. At temperatures much above or below these limits, growth decreases rapidly. Optimum temperatures for plant growth are quite dynamic and will change with the species or variety of plant, duration of exposure, age of the plant, and stage of development. Young corn plants are relatively resistant to cold weather. Therefore, recovery from a moderate freeze, when the growing point is below ground, usually is rapid and almost complete.