Fusarium Stalk Rot of Corn
Published: 03/19/2019
Fusarium stalk rot is caused by multiple fungal pathogens in the Fusarium genus. It is among the most common stalk rots in the Midwest with F. verticillioides the primary causal pathogen. Affected plants have shredded pith that may be a whitish-pink to salmon color and die prematurely. Brown streaks may be observed on the lower internodes.
Pith shredding indicative of Fusarium stalk rot.
Image: A. Robertson
Fusarium stalk rot symptoms.
Image: A. Robertson
Fusarium stalk rot disease cycle.
The fungi overwinter as mycelium in corn residue, other dead plant residue, and in corn seed. This fungus is often found growing in healthy stalks and may cause rot only under certain conditions. Spores are spread by wind and splashing water; infection takes place through the roots, wounds in the stalk, or leaf scars. Disease development is favored by warm temperatures (80-100°F) and when a wet midseason follows early season dry weather.
Resistance to Fusarium stalk rot is available. Rotation and tillage will reduce inoculum. If more than 10 to 15 percent of stalks are observed to be rotted 40 to 60 days after pollination, the field should be scheduled for earliest possible harvest.
Fusarium stalk rot can cause brown streaks on the lower internodes.
Fusarium stalk rot symptoms.
Fusarium stalk rot is among the most common stalk rots in the Midwest.
Fusarium stalk rot can cause shredded pith that may be a whitish-pink to salmon color.
Pith shredding indicative of Fusarium stalk rot.
Gallery Images: A. Robertson
This publication was developed by the Crop Protection Network, a multi-state and international collaboration of university/provincial extension specialists and public/ private professionals that provides unbiased, research-based information to farmers and agricultural personnel. This information in this publication is only a guide, and the authors assume no liability for practices implemented based on this information. Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others that may be similar. Individuals using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
©2023 by the Crop Protection Network. All rights reserved.
