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Corn: Anthracnose Stalk Rot
Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 3) Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field CropsTable of ContentsAppearanceAnthracnose stalk rot is the easiest to identify. It appears as large, dark brown- to-black shiny areas or streaks on the outer stalk rind. These shiny or discoloured areas are often found at the base of the stalk. Cutting the stalk lengthwise will reveal a discoloured and rotted pith. Another symptom that is associated with this disease is "top dieback." Typically, top dieback symptoms begin in late August or early September as corn plants begin to wilt and die from the top down. Premature death occurs above the ear with the plant tissue below the ear remaining green. Examination of the stalk in these dead areas will show the same shiny black areas that are found at the stalk base. Plants with top dieback symptoms correspond to areas of the field that had late-season stresses.
Plate 32. Anthracnose stalk rot. Internal stalk tissue is often discoloured (black) and the pith is rotted. Disease CycleThe fungus that causes Anthracnose stalk rot survives in the previous corn crop residues and therefore is most often a problem in second-year corn. Warm, wet and humid weather favours anthracnose development.| Top of Page | Updates on Corn: Antrhacnose Stalk RotNo updates available at this time. | Top of Page | Related links...For more information:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca |
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