Fusarium Stalk Rot
Symptoms
- Similar to Diplodia and Gibberella stalk rots
- Inner stalk will have a light pink discoloration, but no black specks (fungal fruiting bodies) will be present in or on the stalk
- Ears may be small and lower nodes may be shredded or break
- Eventually, the stalks may die and lodge
Pathogens Involved
- Fusarium moniliforme, F. proliferatum, and F. subglutinans (a fungus)
- These fungi are found wherever corn is grown
- Overwinters in crop residue
Time of Occurrence
- Occurs after corn pollination
Conditions Favoring Disease
- Warm, dry weather
- Insect injury
- Environmental stress and other diseases
Disease Management
- Use hybrids that are resistant to other stalk rot diseases.
- Minimize all crop stresses
- Control insects
- Use proper plant population