Many would agree that one of the most pleasing sights that Fairfield County has to offer is the seas of green presented by fields of growing corn. In mid-July, however, the careful observer will notice the emergence of yellow plumes reaching for the sky from the very top of the plant. Known to most as corn tasseling, these golden strands mark the commencement of corn reproduction.
Each tassel houses a plethora of pollen grains, between 14 million and 18 million, resembling a fine yellow powder that is easily dispersed by the wind. These grains contain the male corn genes, half of what is needed for a new corn kernel. Meanwhile, a few feet below await the female components needed for procreation.
Hundreds of minuscule flowers are aligned on tiny, sheathed cobs, jutting upwards towards their male counterparts. Each of these tiny female flowers have the ability to develop into a kernel of corn…but only if a grain of pollen can find its way to it!
The process is further complicated by the fact that these female flowers and their cobs are enveloped by a husk and completely sheltered from the world, thus not allowing the pollen to make direct contact.
Instead, each female flower sends out a single, sticky strand of silk with the purpose of securing a floating grain of corn pollen. It’s no coincidence, that these silky strands emerge on the very same day the tassel is set to release its powdery pollen.
The story only gets stranger when a grain of pollen aligns with the tip of a strand of silk. Once recognized, it tunnels its way down through the thread to finally unite and fertilize the female flower. This entire process can take several hours to complete, and upon achievement the silky threads almost immediately begin to dry up.
The small, underdeveloped kernels you often find towards the end of an ear of corn resulted from flowers that were unsuccessful in engaging male suitors to venture down their tubes of silk, thus were not successfully pollinated.
So, the next time you smell that wondrously bright, musky odor emerging from a neighboring cornfield, you’ll know that love is, indeed, in the air.
Source: Carrie Brown, Fairfield County ANR Educator
Weather extremes abound
Climate Summary - June was a warm month for Ohio, with temperatures averaging 1-3°F above the long-term mean (1991-2020). This was especially true for June 16-22, a 5-day stretch with daytime highs at or above 90°F. This was the second longest consecutive 90-degree day stretch for Toledo for the month of June. Growing degree days continue to run 120-180 days above normal, evident by the advanced growth in our crops across the state (tasseling corn, flowering beans, and early wheat harvest).
Precipitation has been a tale of extremes as well. Very heavy rainfall has occurred the last two weeks across northern counties with reports of 5-8” (e.g., Fulton, Lake, and Ashtabula Counties). Counties along and south of about I-70 have picked up much less over this period, with areas running 25-50% of normal for the last 30 days.
As of June 25, the US Drought Monitor depicts 21% of Ohio in Moderate Drought Conditions. The driest areas are focused in the southwest, far southeast, and around the Cleveland and southern suburbs.
Pasture conditions are starting to deteriorate in portions of south-central Ohio while crops stress has been minimal for most of the state. For the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate office of Ohio https://climate.osu.edu/
Weather Forecast - Mild temperatures and low humidity levels are starting this first week of July off just right. However, a warm front will move through on Tuesday bringing with it highs in the 80s and 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday. A few late day showers and storms are possible on Wednesday, with widespread showers and storms expected for Thursday. A few storms could be severe so be weather aware during July 4th activities. Additional showers and storms are possible on Friday before a cold front sweeps moisture out of the area for the weekend. Temperatures will be close to seasonal normals for Thursday through Sunday, with highs generally in the 80s but overnight lows in the 60s and 70s. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting 0.50-2.00” for the state over the next 7 days. The heaviest precipitation will be localized but does appear to concentrate across southern counties currently in need of water.
The 8-14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show temperatures are likely to be above average with precipitation probability leaning toward wetter than average. Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 83-86°F, a low-temperature range of 60-66°F, and weekly total precipitation of 0.90-1.20”.
Source: Aaron Wilson, State Climatologist of Ohio
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network
C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.
Upcoming events
Fairfield County Local Foods Tour - Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard: 6 to 7 p.m. July 9: Join OSU Extension in Fairfield County to learn more about Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard. Attendees will be able to learn more about the vineyard as well as take a tour. No cost to attend, but please let us know if you are coming so we can plan. Register at https://go.osu.edu/fclocal.
Let's Preserve Series – at Keller Market House, 134 S. Columbus Street: Are you planning to preserve summer produce? Join Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator and Sandy Bohl,Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County to learn more. Call 740-653-5419 to register
Freezing: Tuesday, July 9, 6 to 7 p.m.
Dehydrating: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 to 7 p.m.
Canning Basics: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Let's Preserve Series - at Wagnalls Memorial Library
Freezing Thurs., July 11, 6 to 7 p.m.
Dehydrating Thurs., Aug. 8, 6 to 7 p.m.
Canning Basics (water bath/pressure) Thurs., August 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m
Registration: Call Wagnall’s Memorial Library to register at 614-837-4765Questions: contact Shannon Carter, carter.413@osu.edu or 740-653-5419
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