Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 1. External stalk discoloration caused by anthracnose.
Figure 2. Internal stalk symptoms of anthracnose.
Figure 3. Left - Setae visible on the stalk surface using a hand lens; Right - Curved anthracnose spores as seen under a microscope.
Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 4. Pink to reddish discoloration characteristic of Gibberella.
Figure 5. Stalk breakage at the node caused by Gibberella.
Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 6. Disintegrated stalk pith caused by Fusarium.
Figure 7. External and internal fusarium stalk rot symptoms.
Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 8. Diplodia stalk rot
Figure 9. Corn stalk showing Diplodia stalk rot symptoms. Note pycnidia on corn stalk node.
Figure 10. Broken corn stalks due to Diplodia stalk rot infection.
Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 11. The very tiny black sclerotia on the vascular strands of the shredded pith are a characteristic sign of charcoal rot.
Figure 12. Charcoal rot begins as a root infection, which spreads into the lower stalk internodes and causes early ripening, shredding and breaking at the crown of the corn stalk. Charcoal rot is favored by heat and drought stress.
Disease Facts
Identification and Symptoms
Management
Figure 13. Stalk breakage and dark lesions on lower nodes of plants affected by Physoderma stalk rot.
Author: Mark Jeschke
September 2018
The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your Pioneer sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Product performance is variable and depends on many factors such as moisture and heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress as well as disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.