Diplodia Ear Rot being Reported in Iowa

September 2, 2008
ICM News

Alison Robertson and Fanny Iriarte, Department of Plant Pathology


Ear and stalk rots are likely to become prevalent in Iowa as the growing season draws to a close. In the past week, we have had a few reports of Diplodia ear rot from the northeast, central and southeastern parts of the state. This ear rot is not as common as Fusarium or Gibberella ear rot in Iowa.


Diplodia ear rot is caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis (Diplodia maydis).  The same fungus also causes Diplodia stalk rot. The fungus survives in corn residue and seed, and tends to be of a problem in corn following corn fields. 


Diplodia ear rot is favored by cool, wet weather during grain fill. Infection occurs through the silks and/or ear shank, or via the base of the husks of the ear. 


Symptoms of Diplodia ear rot can be striking – a bleached ear leaf and husk (Figure 1).  When the husk is peeled back, a dense white to grayish white mold which starts at the base of the ear is visibly growing between the kernels. Oftentimes the husks of the ear are difficult to remove and appear “glued” to the ear by the mold. Very small, black fruiting bodies can be found scattered on husks or embedded in cob tissues and kernels (Figure 2).


Although S. maydis does not appear to produce mycotoxins in the grain under typical Iowa field conditions, infected kernels are lightweight and have reduced nutritional value. Damage caused by Diplodia ear rot is usually limited to the field, but the pathogen can be a problem in storage if grain moisture is 20 percent or above.


Options for managing Diplodia ear rot are limited. Rotation out of corn is recommended since the fungus survives in residue.  Hybrids do differ in their susceptibility to Diplodia so talk with your seed dealer.



Figure 1. A bleached leaf is associated with Diplodia ear rot.  Alison Robertson.



Figure 2.  Small, black fruiting bodies found scattered on husks are characteristic signs of Diplodia ear rot.  Alison Robertson.


 


Alison Robertson is an assistant professor of plant pathology with research and extension responsibilities in field crop diseases. Fanny Iriarte is a pathologist in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on September 2, 2008. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.

Crop: 
Author: 

Alison Robertson Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Dr. Alison Robertson is a professor of plant pathology and microbiology. She provides extension education on the diagnosis and management of corn and soybean diseases. Her research interests include Pythium seedling disease of corn and soybean and Goss's wilt. Dr. Robertson received her bach...