Splitting open a damaged corn plant is a time-honored practice among agronomists when assessing the consequences of early-season damage to corn. The stalk tissue near the growing point region should remain firm and yellowish-white, as should the growing point region itself. Discolored or mushy tissue near the growing point usually spells trouble for the injured plant. Injury that occurs close to the growing point area (e.g., hail damage, stinkbug feeding) may interfere with normal hormonal activity and eventually cause deformed regrowth of stalk or leaf tissue.