G99-1385 Common Stalk Rot Diseases of Corn

Corn stalk rot diseases occur every year in every field to some extent. This NebGuide discusses the symptoms, impacts and management of these diseases. Corn is grown throughout Nebraska on over 8 million acres of land; approximately 5 million acres are irrigated. Seed corn, field corn and specialty corns (e.g., high oil, high amylose and white corn) comprise the three main corn production systems. Field corn is grown on the most acreage. Whether grown in an irrigated or dryland production system, all corn hybrids are susceptible to a variety of stalk rot diseases. These diseases occur every year in every field to some extent. The level of impact is determined by a number of factors, including the weather during the growing season, the amount of stress on the plants, hybrid genetics and the populations of the stalk rot pathogens in the field