Why Do My Corn Plants Produce No Ears?

Diseases

• Diseases like bacterial wilt, root and stalk rots, viral and fungal diseases are all infections of corn that can hinder ear production. Prevention begins with the selection of inoculated and clean seed from reputable sources. Crop rotation can also help reduce the incidence of many corn diseases.

Nematodes

• Nematodes are microscopic worms that can feed on a corn's root system. The compromised root system becomes unable to absorb nutrients and water properly. As a result, the root system will not be able to produce ears of corn.

Irrigation

• Corn has shallow root systems and can dry out quickly leading to poor or no ear production in drought situations. Too much irrigation, or heavy rain, can wash off pollen and reduce the stalk's ability to grow ears.