Key Growth Stages of Maize

1. Emergence

• Maize requires a soil temperature of 10°C required for germination  
• Seeds need sufficiently fine and moist soil around
• Average of 12-17 days required to reach emergence, depending on soil temperature 

2. Weaning: 4-5 leaf stage

• Appearance of new roots (crown roots)
• The plant is no longer dependent of the seed’s reserves – it is weaned 
• Sensitivity to nutrient deficiencies, phosphorous in particular
• Final plant density determined

3. Initiation of Ears: 8-10 leaf stage

• Initiation of the ears (number of rows)  
• At 10 leaves we reach the elongation stage. Great need for water and nutrients  
• Plant is sensitive to cold temperatures (<8°C), low sunlight and to the application of herbicides

4. Tassel Visible

• Plant stage that determines the number of ears per plant
• The number of ovules is 90% established 
• At this growth stage there is a great sensitivity to lack of water and nitrogen 

5. Female Flowering  

• Fertilization of ovules by pollen  
• High sensitivity to water deficit:
  • If water stress, grain development can be disrupted
  • High temperatures can cause no exit of the bristles
  • Fertilization problems can cause disturbed grain development

6. Grain Abortion Limit Stage

• Beyond this stage, grain abortions are no longer possible
• Happens at 3 weeks after fertilization, i.e. 250 dd after flowering
• Final number of grains  
• Stage marking the end of maximum sensitivity to water stress

7. Doughy Grain Stage

• 50% moisture stage
• Last irrigation stage = 32% whole plant DM stage

8. Black Layer

• Grain physiological maturity – end of grain fill  
• Grain moisture at 32%
• Formation of black layer: closing of vessels between grains and cob

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