By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology
Corn producers and other professionals in the agriculture industry depend on the Iowa State University Extension publication Corn Diseases, PM 596. It is always in high demand, and after a revision, is back on the shelf to be ordered from the Extension online store.
The title is precise, the photographs dynamic and the information concise. Alison Robertson, Daren Mueller and Greg Tylka, extension plant pathologists updated the publication by adding new photographs and information on a couple of “new” diseases.
“The booklet is divided into four sections – foliage and above-ground diseases, stalk rots, diseases affecting roots, and ear and kernel rot,” said Robertson. “We have added two diseases - Physoderma brown spot and anthracnose top dieback - and a section on management of foliar diseases with fungicides.”
Corn Diseases, PM 596, details diseases that occur on a regular basis in the Midwest and those that occur less regularly but are potentially very damaging when they occur. Along with multiple photographs, each disease description includes symptoms, favorable conditions for disease development and management options.
“Every year corn diseases reduce yields to some extent and can be responsible for reductions in grain and seed quality,” Robertson said. “Their occurrence is strongly influenced by weather conditions – and we have had an assortment this year.”
For additional publications on corn diseases and other production issues, visit your county extension office or check out the Extension online store.
Alison Robertson is an assistant professor of plant pathology with research and extension responsibilities in field crop diseases.
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 October 16, 2008. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
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...