Integrated Crop Management News

Links to these articles are strongly encouraged. Articles 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 articles are used in any other manner, permission from the author is required.

A Quality Sample Leads to a Quality Diagnosis

July 24, 2015
Poor sample submission

By Ed Zaworski and Lina Rodriguez Salamanca, ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic


The first step in managing a plant or insect problem is to know what is causing the symptoms observed. Accurate pathogen or insect pest identification is one of the most important integrated pest management (IPM) tactics leading to a successful management strategy.


Physoderma Brown Spot and Stalk Rot

July 24, 2015
Physoderma Brown Spot

Reports of Physoderma brown spot and stalk rot have been received from across Iowa. This disease has been increasing in prevalence across Iowa over the past decade. The disease may be confused with other common diseases. This article briefly describes the symptoms and biology of the disease. 

Update on Northern Corn Leaf Blight in Iowa

July 9, 2015
Typical northern corn leaf blight lesions

By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology


Northern corn leaf blight continues to develop across Iowa and may require a fungicide treatment for management. It is important to scout fields that otherwise look healthy from the road.

True White Grub Identification and Management

June 30, 2015
True white grub photo

By Adam J. Varenhorst, Mike Dunbar and Erin Hodgson, Department of Entomology 


Stunted and wilted corn plants could be the result of grub feeding. Although rescue treatments are available, true white grubs have a multi-year life cycle and should be scouted to protect future crops.

Hail and Fungicide Use on Corn

June 30, 2015
Battered corn plants after a hail storm

By Adam Sisson, Daren Mueller and Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology


Three-year study of hail damage shows decreased yield when hail events occur, yet hail-injured corn plants may have less disease than plants without hail injury.

How’s Your SCN Resistance Holding Up?

June 22, 2015
SCN females on roots of SCN resistant soybean

By Greg Tylka, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology


Most SCN-resistant soybean varieties possess the same set of resistance genes from a breeding line called PI 88788. After years of repeated use, many SCN populations in Iowa have increased ability to reproduce on the common PI 88788 SCN resistance. The situation is discussed in this article as well as tips on how to check to see if it is happening in fields.

Diseases Showing Up in Iowa Corn

June 16, 2015
Typical northern corn leaf blight lesions

By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Within the past week several foliar diseases have been reported in Iowa.

Equisetum: From the Ditch to the Field

June 9, 2015
Example of Equisetum genus

By Bob Hartzler, Department of Agronomy

Scouring rush and field horsetail are two species in the Equisetum genus. Although neither weed is highly competitive with corn or soybean, over time they can get dense enough to interfere with production.

Pages