Gibberella Ear Rot of Corn
Published: 03/19/2019
Gibberella ear rot is caused by the fungus Gibberella zeae. It is a consistently important mycotoxigenic fungus in the northern Corn Belt, producing vomitoxin, zearalenone, and other toxins. Gibberella ear rot can be identified most readily by the red or pink color of the mold. It almost always begins at the tip of the ear. Excessive mold may cause silks and husks to adhere to the ear. In severe cases, the pink mold is visible on the outside of the husks at the ear tip.
This fungus overwinters in corn residue. Spores are spread by splashing rain and wind, infecting ears through the silks. Silks are most susceptible two to six days after emergence. This ear rot is common, particularly when conditions are cool and wet during grain fill.
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.
Pink mold on the ear characteristic of Gibberella ear rot.
Image: A. Robertson
Gibberella ear rot on hail damaged ear.
Image: A. Robertson
Gibberella ear rot disease cycle.
For additional information see the Ear Rots and Mycotoxin FAQs publications.
Excessive mold may cause silks and husks to adhere to the ear.
Gibberella ear rot on hail damaged ear.
Pink mold on the ear characteristic of Gibberella ear rot.
Gibberella ear rot almost always begins at the tip of the ear.
In severe cases, the pink mold is visible on the outside of the husks.
Gallery Images: A. Robertson and C. Woloshuk.
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.
©2024 by the Crop Protection Network. All rights reserved.
