Suckers Growing on Corn Plants

What Tillers Mean

• According to R.L. Nielsen of the Purdue University Department of Agronomy, tillers indicate very good growing conditions. A corn stalk putting out tillers has adequate nutrients, water and sunlight, as well as space. However, certain hybrid varieties are genetically predisposed to produce tillers, in which case growing conditions may have little to do with their appearance.

When Do They Appear?

• Tillers appear when the stalk reaches its six-leaf development stage, according to the Michigan State University Extension. Tillers appear too late in the season take nutrients from the main stalk. The main stalk is tall enough shading the tillers so they can't compete. Look for them in the first few weeks of development when nutrients are high and available. If a stalk becomes damaged, tillers may appear later.

Do They Harm the Plant?

• Both Purdue University and Michigan State University claim that tillers appear too late in the season to harm the main stalk or to affect the ears' quality. Michigan State reports that sugars in the plant may move from the tillers to the ears on the main plant after silking and during grain fill, making the ears slightly sweeter. Tillers have their own leaves and don't need the main stalk for photosynthesis.

Leave Them Or Remove Them?

• If you want to remove them, do so when they're still very small and won't scar the stalk. Leave them on the stalk to fill in sparse patches in rows.