A new program to provide free soil analysis for corn nematodes is being made possible by the Nebraska Corn Board. Growers are invited to submit soil samples to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln lab from now through spring to be tested for the root-lesion nematode.
Common ear rot diseases are beginning to develop in corn fields and growers are encouraged to scout fields prior to harvest to aid in management decisions. Harvest and storage conditions can impact whether grain molds will continue to worsen.
Stalk rots can be found in corn across Nebraska. This story addresses the risk factors and how to scout for stalk rots, assess stalk strength, and determine extent of damage in a field. Fields with high levels of stalk rot should be given priority at harvest to reduce yield losses due to lodging.
Bacterial leaf streak was just confirmed in Nebraska in 2016, the first incidence in the US, but has now spread to 56 counties and is found in eight other states.Learn about factors contributing to its development and "host" plants, as well as management options.
As southern rust development slowed in some areas with recent cooler temperatures, gray leaf spot severity is now increasing and moving up corn plants to critical leaves for grain fill. Fungicides may be warranted for some GLS.
Southern rust has now been confirmed in corn in 26 Nebraska counties. As we confirm more Nebraska counties with southern rust, it's important to know that the vast majority of rust reports have been sparse and no fungicide application was required. Continued scouting is urged, as injury can be critical to the grain-fill through dough stages.
As of Aug. 3 southern rust had been confirmed in 26 Nebraska counties by the University of Nebraska Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. This map is updated as new confirmations are made.
Warm, wet conditions across Nebraska the past two weeks created optimal conditions for crop diseases. This update looks at identification and management of three diseases in corn: southern rust, which is expanding in the state, bacterial leaf streak, and diplodia, which is new to Nebraska.
