Gray Leaf Spot of Corn
Published: 01/27/2022
Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora zeae-maydis, occurs virtually every growing season. If conditions favor disease development, economic losses can occur. Symptoms first appear on lower leaves about two to three weeks before tasseling. The leaf lesions are long (up to 2 inches), narrow, rectangular, and light tan colored. Later, the lesions can turn gray. They are usually delimited by leaf veins but can join together and kill entire leaves.
Rectangular gray leaf spot lesions delimited by leaf veins.
Image: A. Sisson
Numerous gray leaf spot lesions joining together.
Image: A. Sisson
Gray leaf spot disease cycle.
The fungus survives in corn residue, and, consequently, the disease is often more severe in corn following corn. Spores are dispersed by wind and splashing water. Infection of corn leaves and disease development are favored by warm (80s°F), humid (>90% for 12+ hours) weather. Disease severity depends on hybrid susceptibility and environmental conditions.
Resistant hybrids and inbreds are available. Crop rotation and tillage reduce survival of the fungus. Foliar fungicides labeled for gray leaf spot are available.
Characteristic rectangular gray leaf spot lesions.
Early gray leaf spot lesions forming on corn leaf.
Gray leaf spot symptoms on lower canopy corn leaves.
Gray leaf spot lesions on corn husk.
Rectangular gray leaf spot lesions delimited by leaf veins.
Coalescing gray leaf spot lesions.
Numerous gray leaf spot lesions joining together.
Characteristic rectangular gray leaf spot lesions.
Gallery Images: D. Mueller, K. Wise, G. Munkvold, A. Robertson, and A. Sisson
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