Track Growing Degree Units for corn development and predict crop growth stages
Understanding GDU for Corn
What are Growing Degree Units?
Growing Degree Units (GDUs) measure heat accumulation used to predict plant development rates. For corn, GDUs are calculated using the formula: (Max Temp + Min Temp) / 2 – Base Temperature.
Corn Growth Stages
- VE – Emergence: ~125 GDUs after planting
- V6 – Six Leaf Stage: ~475 GDUs
- V12 – Twelve Leaf Stage: ~870 GDUs
- VT – Tasseling: ~1135 GDUs
- R1 – Silking: ~1175 GDUs
- R6 – Physiological Maturity: Varies by hybrid (typically 2400-2800 GDUs)
Using GDU for Management
GDUs help predict critical growth stages for timing management practices like fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. They’re more reliable than calendar days because they account for temperature variations.
Hybrid Maturity & GDU Requirements
- Early Season (80-90 RM): ~2000-2200 GDUs to maturity
- Mid Season (95-105 RM): ~2300-2500 GDUs to maturity
- Full Season (110-120 RM): ~2600-2800 GDUs to maturity