LEAF BLIGHTS & GRAY LEAF SPOT

These leaf blight pathogens are favored by warm, humid weather and frequent rainfall. Eyespot is more common in the northern half of the NuTech market area and gray leaf spot is more common in the southern half. Control is based upon several factors, including selection of resistant hybrids, crop rotation, selected use of tillage where appropriate, and foliar fungicides. Because pathogens can over-winter on corn debris, burial of infected material may be helpful but cannot substitute for other control measures. Please refer to the NuTech performance rating guide as needed for selection of more tolerant hybrids.

SEEDLING BLIGHTS & ROOT ROTS

Cool or wet conditions that reduce or delay corn germination or seedling development may lead to early-season seed rots, seedling blights and/or root rots. Poor stand establishment, non-uniform emergence and “gaps”—missing plants—are symptoms of seed or seedling infection. Several different fungi can cause these diseases. The most common are Pythium, Fusarium, Gibberella, Trichoderma and Penicillium, but other fungi such as Diplodia and Rhizoctonia could be involved.

All NuTech hybrids are pre-treated with Cruiser Extreme^®250, and the fungicides Dynasty^®, Maxim^® XL and Apron XL^® found in Cruiser Extreme^®250 help improve plant stand, vigor and yield, resulting in a 5 bpa yield advantage over other treatments.

STALK ROTS

Stalk rot is caused by an interaction between soil or residue-borne fungi and environmental stresses acting on the plant. Any conditions that reduce photosynthesis and the production of sugars can predispose the plant to fungal infection and severe stalk rot. Such stresses include leaf diseases, hail damage, crowding of plants, drought, soil saturation, lack of sunlight, extended cool weather, low potassium levels and numerous weeds or insect damage.

EAR ROTS

Several fungi are able to infect ears and lead to kernel decay. Ear rots may result in yield reduction and spoilage. Ear rot is most common when rainfall is above normal from silking to harvest and/or when insects or birds damage developing ears. Hybrids differ in their susceptibility, and environmental conditions play a large role in determining the level of ear rots in the field. Very little can be done to prevent infection of ears in the field. More tolerant hybrids are your best control.

YieldGard^® Corn Borer (Mon810), Agrisure^® CB/LL (Bt11) and Herculex^® I (Cry 1F) hybrids are recommended for reducing insect induced ear rots and fumonisin (a class of mycotoxins), as well as enhancing safety for human and animal consumption.