Anthracnose Stalk Rot
Symptoms
- Symptoms usually most apparent just before crop maturity
- Uniform or blotchy, shiny, black color on the outer stalk
- Inner stalk may also be black and systemically infected, or may not have any discoloration
- Several internodes of the plant may be rotted and easily crushed with finger pressure
- The plant above or below the ear may die and lodging may result.
Pathogen Involved
- Colletotrichum graminicola (a fungus)
- It is the same that causes the Anthracnose leaf blight disease
- The only common stalk rot pathogen that can cause a leaf blight disease
- Overwinters in corn residue
Time of Occurrence
- Usually occurs after corn pollination
Conditions Favoring Disease
- Corn residue left on the soil surface
- Insect injury
- Environmental stress
Disease Management
- Use disease resistance hybrids
- Maintain balanced fertility
- Reduce plant stress
- Control the corn borer