Fusarium Ear Rot of Corn
Published: 03/19/2019
Fusarium ear rot is the most common ear disease, caused by several fungi in the genus Fusarium. Symptoms are a white to pink or salmon-colored, cottony mold that occurs on single or multiple kernels scattered or clustered on the ear. Decay often begins with insect-damaged kernels. Infected kernels are frequently tan or brown or have white streaks.
Causal fungi overwinter in corn residue and on dead, grassy weeds. Fusarium spores are spread by wind and splashing rain to silks. Infections also occur through wounds made by insects or other types of wounds in kernels. Insects also act as vectors of Fusarium. F. verticillioides can grow throughout the corn plant, and some ear infections may result from the fungus entering the ear through the stalk. Disease is favored by hot and dry weather during and after silking. Several Fusarium species causing ear rot also can produce harmful mycotoxins, so caution should be used when feeding moldy corn to animals. Moldy corn should be tested for mycotoxin contamination prior to feeding.
Scouting prior to physiological maturity is important to identify areas with mold problems. These areas should be harvested as soon as possible to prevent further mold development. Harvested grain should be cooled, dried, and cleaned immediately after harvest, and stored apart from grain harvested from healthy fields. Insect management reduces the risk of ear rot infection.
Fusarium ear rot symptoms on kernels.
Image: A. Robertson
Fusarium ear rot can occur on scattered kernels across the ear.
Image: A. Robertson
Fusarium ear rot disease cycle.
For additional information see the Ear Rots and Mycotoxin FAQs publications.
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