Disease Update

Corn foliar diseases are fairly severe now thanks to some cooler, more humid weather in the past several weeks. These, in conjunction with the drought early in the season can leave some hybrids predisposed to stalk rots which will result in lodging. For more information on the cause of stalk lodging and a way to test your fields for lodging potential, visit the Ohio State CORN newsletter. Fields that are at risk for widespread lodging should be harvested first.

Keep scouting your corn fields for ear rots. We have reports from around the counties that the recent storms have left water sitting in the ears in some places. This will contribute to the development of molds that will affect grain quality and may potentially produce toxins. See my article last week for more details on ear rots.

Sudden death syndrome of soybean has begun to show up in isolated cases around the state and in neighboring states. The symptoms of this disease are pretty striking, but can be mimicked by other diseases like brown stem rot or injury from chemicals. You will first notice yellowing progressing to browning between the leaf veins, while the vein area stays green. If you see these types of symptoms in your beans, check out this Purdue University bulletin which goes on to explain more about the disease and what you should do if you find it.