Also see: Corn
The tops of corn plants that have Anthracnose stalk rot top dieback may break off prior to harvest, but are not always an indicator of stalk and crown rot lower on the plant.
The tops of corn plants that have Anthracnose stalk rot top dieback may break off prior to harvest, but are not always an indicator of stalk and crown rot lower on the plant.

Scouting for Stalk and Ear Rot Diseases

September 29, 2016
Stalk rot diseases are increasing in corn, causing top die-back in a number of fields, and ear rot diseases are developing in some fields. Scout fields now to help determine the need for any adjustments in your harvest management.

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Figure 1. Variation in kernel setting in corn in Iowa. (Photo by Mark Licht)
Figure 1. Variation in kernel setting in corn in Iowa. (Photo by Mark Licht)

Yield Forecast Center Predicts Corn Yields Well Below USDA-NASS Projections

September 22, 2016
End-of-season yield forecasts for irrigated and dryland corn across eight states in the Corn Belt indicate above average yields for 2016, but not the record-breaking yields predicted by USDA in their September forecast. While two states are forecast to have yields below the 10-year average (-1% to -4%), the remaining states showed above average yields ranging from 1% to 21% above the 10-year average.

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Use Corn Stalk Nitrate Tests to Evaluate N Management

September 21, 2016
A late-season corn stalk nitrate test can be a valuable tool in assessing your nitrogen management program.

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Crown rot in corn
Crown rot in corn

Stalk Rot Diseases Including Anthracnose Top Dieback Developing in Some Fields

September 9, 2016
While most of the Nebraska corn crop looks good, there is early evidence of developing stalk and crown rot diseases, including Anthracnose top dieback. Producers are encouraged to scout their fields for disease and prioritize those fields for harvest where lodging may become an issue.

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Probabilities of yield deviations for rainfed corn production across the Corn Belt.
Probabilities of yield deviations for rainfed corn production across the Corn Belt.

Corn Yield Forecasts as of Sept. 7

September 8, 2016
The Sept. 7 corn yield forecasts show a majority of the irrigated sites expected to produce above normal, but not record-breaking yields. Forecasted yields for rainfed sites are more variable, although most are expected to be near normal. Above average yields are expected for 11 of the 37 sites studied and below-normal yields are forecast for five sites.

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Map of corn yield deviation from long-term averages
Map of corn yield deviation from long-term averages

Corn Yield Forecasts for Aug. 24, Including State Forecasts

August 25, 2016
August 24 corn yield forecasts for 41 sites across the Corn Belt showed many near or above average. At Nebraska rainfed corn sites there is a high probability (>75%) of above-average yield at the North Platte and central east sites and a high probability (>75%) of below-average yield at the southwestern and southeastern Nebraska sites (McCook, Clay Center, and Beatrice). In irrigated corn there was a high probability of near or above average yields for all except the Beatrice site. See the story for data tables and discussion.

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Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn
Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn

Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn Confirmed in Nebraska, Other Corn Belt States

August 26, 2016
Bacterial leaf streak disease of corn, caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum, has now been confirmed in multiple Corn Belt states. First identified in Nebraska, the bacterial disease has symptoms similar to other corn diseases, such as gray leaf spot, but is managed differently.

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Malformed corn ears
Malformed corn ears

Corn Ear Formation Issues Likely Correlated With the Loss of the Primary Ear Node

August 19, 2016
UNL agronomists and educators responding to grower questions surveyed a number of corn fields this week and found a range of corn ear issues: short husks, dumbbell-shaped ears, and multiple ears per node. The article describes and discusses the situation, potential stress agents, and the development of corn. It also encourages growers to check their fields pre-harvest to better assess causes of potential yield loss.

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