Penicillium Ear Rot
Symptoms
- Infection is most prevalent on ears that have been injured by mechanical means or insects
- Powdery green or blue fungal growth between and on kernels, most often at tip of the corn ear
- Infected corn kernels may become streaked or bleached
- A discoloration of the embryo or "blue eye" may result if the pathogen invades corn kernels stored at high moisture conditions
Pathogen Involved
- Penicillium oxalicum or other Pencillium sp.
- This pathogen is a common and damaging storage fungus and can grow in grain at 18% moisture
Time of Occurrence
- Late in season
Conditions Favoring Disease
- Mechanically or insect injured corn ears
- Kernel moisture greater than 18%
Disease Management
- Prevent injury to ears