I think it's cross-fertilization. From another corn plant that has different characteristics. The wind can blow the pollen (plant sperm cells) from another plant that produces corn with that different pattern. Usually, the corn plant would get fertilized with its own pollen, falling from the most top part of the plant.
But don't quote me on it, it's just what I remember from decades ago, while in school.
Replied on What could it be? A Glitch in the mat...
Dec 02 at 09:24 AM
Now that I think about it, I remember seeing this kind of stuff rather commonly in our little corn garden, when growing up.