Corn in Mississippi
Can corn survive flooded or saturated conditions?
Corn
less than 12 inches tall (younger than V6 growth stage) will generally
survive flooded/saturated conditions only 48-96 hours. However,
if temperatures are warm (75 degrees F or higher), plants will not survive
as long. Higher temperatures reduce plant survivability because plant
respiration rates increase. Young corn is more susceptible to flooding/saturation
than older corn because the growing point is below the soil surface until
the V6 growth stage and rapid root development is occurring. Recently
planted corn that has germinated, but not yet emerged from the soil is
even more susceptible.
Wet conditions hurt plant growth and reduce survivability because soil oxygen is depleted after about 48 hours of saturation. Soil saturation may persist even after floodwater recedes. Without oxygen, the plant cannot perform critical life sustaining functions.
Soil saturation also promotes seedling blights and subsequent development of crazy top and common smut.
Floodwater 1-2 feet deep also presents problems with plant stability/physical integrity as well.
Subsequent replanting after sufficient drying occurs will be several weeks beyond the optimum corn planting time frame. Thus, growers who need to replant would be advised to plant grain sorghum or soybeans (if they have not applied atrazine).