Many Midwest farmers are finding more tassel wrap in their fields this season than in years past. The condition occurs when tassels remain trapped within the plant’s upper leaves, limiting pollen shed and interfering with pollination. That lack of pollination can lead to yield losses in the affected areas. Agronomists say the rise in cases this year has made the problem harder to ignore.
Agronomists say the rise in tassel wrap this season is linked not just to the weather, but also to the genetics of the hybrids farmers are planting. Jeff Sernett, agronomy solutions lead with Bayer Crop Science and an experienced corn breeder, explains that the condition can surface when certain genetic traits interact with environmental stress. He says that makes breeding decisions an important first step in preventing tassel wrap from showing up in fields.
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Sernett said tassel wrap was not a widespread issue in Bayer’s DEKALB corn this season. He pointed to the company’s breeding focus on strong tassel traits and synchrony between silking and pollen shed as key safeguards.
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The issue can have a significant impact on yield because pollination is such a critical point in the corn plant’s life cycle. When tassels remain wrapped and pollen shed fails to align with receptive silks, fertilization can be disrupted and kernel set reduced. Agronomists note that choosing the right seed genetics is an important management tool, giving farmers a better chance to avoid tassel wrap problems in future seasons.
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As tassel wrap becomes more noticeable this season, agronomists urge farmers to scout closely and factor any pollination issues into their yield outlooks. While there is no quick fix once the problem appears, seed selection remains a key tool to reduce the risk in future crops. With careful planning, growers can better protect yield potential against this emerging challenge.