Corn Diseases in Ohio

Diplodia Ear rot

• Symptoms
  • thick white mold begins at base of ear, becomes grayish brown over husks and kernels
  • ear may be shrunken
  • kernels appear glued to husks
  • infected ears are lightweight
  • small raised black fruiting bodies on moldy husks later in season
• Environment
  • wet weather and mild temperatures from whorl through early ear development
  • corn borer injury can cause entry wound
• Survival
  • fungus overwinters on corn residue
  • spores spread by splashing rain
• Management
  • plant resistant hybrids
  • crop rotation
  • fall tillage
  • dry harvested grain to 15% and below
• Scouting