Environmental & other issues
Crown tissue: water-soaked, very dark, stunted
Description
Early in the season, extended periods of cold, wet weather can cause a chilling type of injury, also known as cold weather crown stress, to young plants (left and right plants in picture). The crown tissue will become water-soaked and very dark and the damage may extend up the plant for several nodes. Affected plants (left and right) typically are stunted compared to undamaged plants (center).
Photo credits
KSU Corn Production Problems