At V6, figures 9 and 10, the growing point and tassel (figure 11) are above the soil surface and the stalk is beginning a period of greatly increased elongation. Below ground, the nodal root system is now the major functioning root system with sets of roots elongating from the three to four lowest stalk nodes.
Some ear shoots or tillers, which initially look very similar. are visible at this time. They are displayed in the dissected plant (figure 10) just above the leaf that grew from the same node. Tillers (also termed suckers) will generally form at nodes originating below the soil surface, but may never show advanced development as in figure 14. The degree of tiller development will vary with hybrid choice, plant density, fertility, and other environmental conditions.
Degeneration and loss of the two lowest leaves may have already occurred by the V8 stage.
Management Guides - V6 Stage
Precise fertilizer placement is less critical now because the nodal root system is well distributed in the soil. However, watch for signs of macro and micro nutrient deficiencies on the plant and treat accordingly. Although soil nutrient deficiencies may be curbed by foliar (leaf) or soil application, preventing the deficiency before the symptoms appear is usually more desirable Side-dressing of nitrogen may be performed up to about V8 if the fertilizer is placed in moist soil and if excess root pruning is avoided.
Watch also for signs of insect damage such as lodged plants caused by rootworms or leaf feeding by corn borers.
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