3.2 The phenology of maize

Like the Hopi, Pueblo Farming Project researchers also have desccriptions for the life cycle of maize. Pueblo Farming Project scientists use stages of maize growth from maize phenology, or the scientific study of how plant growth and reproduction relates to the environment. The photographs below illustrate the growth stages that were recorded by Pueblo Farming Project researchers during the growing season.

1. Early tassel development is defined when the tassel bud starts to emerge from the central enclosing leaves at the top of the stalk to the time the tassel spike begins to branch. 2. Tassel development continues when the tassels (male flowers) emerge from the central cluster of leaves and begin to branch. This stage ends when the anthers (male flowers) emerge from the glumes of the tassel and the pollen begins to shed. 3. Tasseling is nearly complete when the apex inflorescences (a group of flowers) begins to open. The anthers (male flowers) emerge and begin to shed pollen. At this stage the stalk has produced all its leaves and the plant has reached full height. 4. Silk development is defined when ear shoots become visible in the nodes (between the leaf and stalk) until the silks have fully emerged and receive pollen. 5. Silking is defined as when the silk has emerged from the husk surrounding the developing cob and is capable of receiving pollen. A single silk will deliver pollen and develop into individual kernel. Once the silks have begun to dry and shrivel, this growth stage has ended. 6. Ear development begins once the silks have dried out, shriveled, and are no longer accepting pollen, and continues until the kernels mature and the ear is ready to harvest. A hard frost (below 28° F.) will prematurely end development. 7. One indicator of Maturity is when the tassels become dry.