Corn Disease

Bacterial leaf streak lesions
Bacterial leaf streak lesions may vary in color and length, but will be between veins and often have wavy margins. (UNL Photos)

Detection and Characterization of the Causal Agent for Bacterial Leaf Streak in Corn

July 7, 2017
When a new crop disease strikes, researchers dig in to identify its characteristics. Noting how it's similar to and different from other diseases are part of defining it so plant pathologists can better confirm its presence in the field, monitor its spread, and develop appropriate management practices. Here's the story of how plant pathologists identified bacterial leaf streak.

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Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic Report (June 14)

June 15, 2017

The following diseases were reported in samples submitted to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab June 1 to June 14.

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Bacterial leaf streak lesions of corn

Bacterial Leaf Streak Confirmed on V4 Corn in Nebraska

June 15, 2017
Bacterial leaf streak disease has been confirmed on a sample submitted to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic from Adams County. The corn was at the V4 growth stage and represents the earliest that the disease has been confirmed in a field.

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Corn with wrapped leaves in response to hail
Figure 1. Corn plant exhibiting abnormal growth (wrapped or tied leaves) after being damaged by hail. (Photos by Justin McMechan)

Evaluating Early-Season Hail Damage in Corn

May 25, 2017
Factors to consider when assessing early-season hail damage in corn. Growers urged to wait 7-10 days after hail to make full assessment.

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Corn seedling damage
Figure 1. Seedling with post-emergence damping off (left) next to a healthy seedling.

Recent Cold, Wet Conditions are Favorable for Seedling Diseases in Early Planted Corn

May 5, 2017
Recent cold, wet field conditions and fluctuations in soil temperatures have put early planted corn at risk for seedling disease development. Cold soil temperatures and episodes of recent rainfall (and snow) are especially favorable for some of the most common and damaging seedling diseases favored by cold wet conditions.

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Sampling of bacterial leaf streak lesions of corn
Figures 2-4. Bacterial leaf streak lesions may vary in color and length, but will be between veins and often have wavy margins.

Update on Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn in Nebraska

February 23, 2017
Bacterial leaf streak was first confirmed in the US in August 2016 when it was identified in Nebraska corn. It has now been confirmed in 51 Nebraska counties and found in corn fields across the Midwest. This article offers information on current status, identification, and management of the disease. Resistance is not currently available in hybrids and standard management measures of bacterial diseases will help mitigate but not eliminate damage.

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Figures 1a and b. Growth of fungi feeding on dead/decaying tissue and their black spores on corn husks (a) (and other plant parts) may give it a dark, dusty appearance, especially during harvest. The ear itself is usually unaffected by these fungi (b).
Figures 1a and b. Growth of fungi feeding on dead/decaying tissue and their black spores on corn husks (a) (and other plant parts) may give it a dark, dusty appearance, especially during harvest. The ear itself is usually unaffected by these fungi (b).

What's Causing Black "Dusty" Corn?

October 14, 2016
What's that black dust that some growers are reporting at corn harvest? Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems discusses the cause

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