Brown Leaves on Corn Seedlings

Water

• The most common cause of leaf browning in any plant is too little water. Growers should pay close attention to their plant's water needs, particularly during the hot summer months. Most corn varieties will do best with soil that is kept moist, not too wet or too dry. Too much water, particularly if allowed to stand at the base of the plant, may cause nutrient deficiencies or root problems.

Root Problems

• Root-based leaf browning is primarily a problem for potted plants, but it does occur in outdoor corn plants as well. For indoor and outdoor plants, root problems may result when soil is too heavy or compacted. Clay-based soils or those without enough organic matter may need to be amended with well-decomposed compost. These soils may also benefit from a bit of extra watering.

Nutrient Deficiency

• Iron or nitrogen deficiencies may both be responsible for leaf discoloration in corn. Early on, this color change will appear yellow, but will turn brown over time. Both elements are essential in the manufacture of chlorophyll, which gives the plant its green color. Iron deficiency will cause discoloration of the leaf margins that moves inward as the illness progresses. A nitrogen shortage, on the other hand, will discolor more uniformly and will include the vein and leaf tissue. An iron chelate is the treatment for iron deficiency, while nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost will aid in treating nitrogen problems.

Bacteria and Fungus

• Bacterial and fungal infections are common during periods of heavy rain or high humidity. This excess moisture will create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, whose populations will thrive and eventually overtake the plant. Root rot is among the most serious and widespread infections and is more often than not fatal. Root rot invades the roots, turning them to a useless gray mush, making them unable to transport water or nutrients to the rest of the plant. Over time, leaves will turn yellow or brown, before dying and dropping. Growers should clean dead or fallen debris and avoid having standing water around the base of the plant.