Effects of Rainfall and Temperature Interactions During the Growing Season on Corn Yield¹

Abstract

Abstract Maximum daily temperatures and rainfall were found to have a large effect on corn yield from 25 days before to 15 days after anthesis. This corresponds to the average calendar interval of June 30 through August 8 at Urbana. The maximum effect of temperature and rainfall on corn yield occurs approximately one week before anthesis and remains at a high level one week to either side of the maximum. The models solved in this investigation indicate that high temperatures (maximum daily temperatures between 32.2 and 37.8 C or 90 and 100 F) can be beneficial to corn yield if moisture available to the corn plant is adequate.