Corn: Fusarium Ear Rot

Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 3)

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops

Table of Contents

1. Incidence
2. Appearance
3. Disease Cycle
4. Updates on Corn: Fusarium Ear Rot
5. Related links...

Incidence

Fusarium ear rot is another common ear rot that occurs in Ontario. Unlike with Gibberella, Fusarium-infected kernels will be scattered around the cob among healthy-looking kernels or on kernels that have been damaged, for example, by corn borer or bird feeding. Silks are susceptible to infection during the first 5 days after initiation.

Appearance

Fusarium infection produces a white-to-pink or salmon-coloured mould. A "white streaking" or "star-bursting" can be seen on the infected kernel surface. Although many Fusarium species may be responsible for these symptoms, the primary species we are concerned about in Ontario is Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme).

Plate 35. Fusarium ear rot. Note the white fungal growth and the "starbursting" on the kernels.

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Disease Cycle

Fusarium survives in corn debris. The significance of this fungus is that it produces a toxin called fumonisin that has been shown to cause cancer (carcinogen) in humans. The environmental conditions that favour disease development are warm, wet weather 2-3 weeks after silking.

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Updates on Corn: Fusarium Ear Rot

No updates available at this time.

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Related links...

• Diseases
• Corn
• Field Crop Protection Guide - Publication 812

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