Source: P. Thomison, OSU
Symptoms:
Lightweight, weathered ears with damaged, discolored moldy kernels that have been subjected to bird and insect feeding; often associated with kernel sprouting. Damaged ears often associated with shredded husks, especially at ear tip.
Cause:
Poor husk coverage at maturity combined with upright ear orientation allows bird feeding of tip kernels that may lead to secondary insect feeders injury. Moisture accumulation at base of ear promotes molds and may result in germination of scattered kernels.
Management:
Avoid hybrids with erect, upright ear orientation at maturity with loose husks and ear tips that may extend beyond the husk leaves.
References:
Nielsen, R.L. 2010. Corn Ear Damage Caused by Bird Feeding. Corny News Network, Purdue Univ. [On-Line]. Available at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/BirdDamagedEars.html [URL verified 3/28/2019].
Nielsen, Bob. 2012. Premature Corn Kernel Sprouting (aka Vivipary). Corny News Network, Purdue Extension. [online] Available at http://www.kingcorn.org/news/timeless/Vivipary.html [URL verified 3/28/2019].