Strange sweetcorn

[manicscousers]

Hope you can see the pics, thi is the top, male part. It appears to be growing corn ??? ;D

[manicscousers]

[telboy]

manic,
it's sexual deviation ::)

[manicscousers]

I did think that  ;D

[bcday]

It might be growing corn smut if that disease occurs in your area. Cut one of the "kernels" open. Immature galls are white and spongy like a mushroom inside.

[manicscousers]

Thank you, bcday, I'll chop one open today  :)

[manicscousers]

Took one off and cut it open. To be honest, it just looked like an immature corn . Anyway, Ive cut off the offending tops, only 2 so plenty more to pollinate things. Ours is in the polytunnel, my mate has 1 in his polytunnel, different type, 80 feet away from us  ???

[Jeannine]

Sorry I just saw this.

This is actually quite a common problem.  It is called Tassel Ears.There is no specific cause it often occurs in shorter spindly plants that have had delayed amergence or uneven crop development. in fields it is seen on the edges where the soil may be more compacted or wetter in comparison to the rest of the patch.Some hybrids are more prone to it.  It can be seen on the top of the plant where the tassel is or  more often seen in tillers which produce a mini ear corn and a tassel.

Hope this helps

XX Jeannine

[manicscousers]

Thanks, Jeannine, at least it's not smut, I was worried for a while  :)