It can be alarming for any gardener or farmer to see their corn plant leaves turning brown and yellow.
Maize plants (Zea mays) are identified by agronomists by their common characteristics, green leaf blades and tall stalks.
In this article, we review the causes, implications and solutions to this situation as a guide for you to keep your corn plants healthy.
The Corn Health Basics
Since having an idea of what healthy corn plants look like can serve as a helpful guide in identifying leaf discoloration causes.
The following will discuss them prior to some contributing factors.
Healthy Corn Typically
Good corn is usually characterized by bright green leaves, strong and rigid stems, and a healthy root system.
Any variation from this typical appearance should be investigated.
The Importance of Foliage
Leaves are the primary organ of photosynthesis for corn, a key biological process necessary for corn growth and grain yield.
Discoloration reduces photosynthetic efficiency, which will finally decrease the crop.
Reasons for Leaf Discoluration
Nutrient Deficiencies
One of the most common causes of yellow leaves on corn plants can be nutrient deficiencies.
we discuss about some key nutrients and associated symptoms.
Nitrogen Deficiency
In this case, the entire nitrogen protein, is limiting when plants do not have enough of this essential nutrient to grow.
Leaves turn yellow because nitrogen is required for chlorophyll production, which means, without sufficient green leaves color.
Potassium Deficiency
When leaf margins begin to yellow and later turn brown, it signifies a lack of potassium.
This nutrient is crucial for regulating the movement of water and nutrients within the plant, which is essential for its overall well-being.
Magnesium Deficiency
This condition leads to interveinal chlorosis, where the spaces between the leaf veins grow yellow while the veins themselves remain green.
Magnesium plays a key role in the production of chlorophyll and in enzymatic functions.
Watering Issues
Both excessive and insufficient watering can result in brown and yellow leaves.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Overwatering
Too much moisture can choke the roots, resulting in root rot and poor absorption of nutrients.
This is often displayed as yellowing leaves that may eventually become brown and crispy.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Underwatering
On the other hand, insufficient water creates stress, leading to browning at the edges and wilting leaves.
Corn plants need steady moisture, particularly during crucial growth phases.
Pests and Diseases
Corn plants can be susceptible to various pests and diseases that contribute to leaf discoloration:
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Aphids
These are small insects that feed on sap in the leaves and makes the leaves to develop yellow and curl.
In the worst cases, they are capable of spreading viral diseases.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Fungal Infections
Such diseases as the gray leaf spot or northern corn leaf blight give marks on the brown color of the leaves.
These diseases affect the skin mostly and prefer areas that are warm and moist and if not well checked on they spread a lot.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Environmental Stress
Severe weather can also affect corn plant health
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Heat Stress
Heat stress can lead to leaf scorch or burning any part of the plant but particularly during the period of flowering and pollination.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Frost Damage
This disease affects young plants and if the frosts are late they will defoliate the plant turning the leaves yellow and brown.
The Soil Quality
The soil conditions are therefore determining for plant health in a corn plant.
If soil is bad or the pH is off then nutrients cannot be accessed and the above symptoms will occur.
These problems can be checked by regular soil testing, so that appropriate changes can be made if needed.
Diagnose the problem
To manage the problem of leaf discoloration, it is important to get the right diagnostic such as
Check for Symptoms
Determine which of the lower or upper leaves is affected and that is where you are going to try to look for yellow or brown pattern of the leaves.
Check watering practices
Review your watering routine. Make sure that this is done at the right time.
Inspect for Pests
Insect infestation and fungal infections need to be looked for. Early detection is crucial in the case of management.
Soil Testing
The nutrient level and pH are measured by conducting a soil test. It will help you find out if there are deficiencies or toxicities.
Solutions and Preventive Measures
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Nutrient Management
If nutrient deficiencies are identified, apply fertilizers that would address the particular needs of your corn plants. For organic options, compost or well-rotted manure may provide nutritional supplements that are available to the plant in a gradual manner in the soil.
Corn Plant Leaves Turning Brown and Yellow For Proper Watering Methods
Establish a watering schedule whereby the soil remains damp but not waterlogged.
Drip irrigation systems can provide sufficient water with minimal likelihood of waterlogging the plant.
Control of Pests
Monitor for pests regularly using IPM practices to reduce infestations.
Natural predators, like ladybugs, control aphid pest infestations while fungal infections are effectively treated with fungicides.
Soil Improvement
Poor soils are amended with organic matter to achieve proper pH levels.
Crop rotation along with cover cropping will enhance both the fertility and structure of the soil.
Be Prepared for Weather
Be aware of weather forecasts and take precautions against extreme weather conditions.
Row covers may protect tender young plants from late frosts, whereas shade cloths minimize the weakening impact of heat stress.
Conclusion
Corn plant leaves brown and yellow due to a myriad of potential causes of what could go wrong, from deficiencies in nutrient supply to extreme environmental stressors.
A farmer or gardener informed about a few of the potential causes can take proactive steps to get their corn plants healthy again.
Regular monitoring, proper nutrient management, timely intervention-these would go a long way toward maintaining the lush green foliage of growth in corn.
Ensure a bountiful harvest-go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
Reference:
https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/corn-plants-turning-yellow-18013060.php