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Corn Diseases 101 – Preserving Yield Potential with a Proven Fungicide
Corn crop disease timeline
When diseases typically develop in Midwest states:
Although it does come with slight risks, progressive Midwest farmers know that planting earlier may lead to higher yield potential, an earlier harvest and more time to prepare fields for the next growing season. This earlier planting may also impact the risk of corn fungal diseases developing, potentially impacting their crop’s plant health and possibly reducing yield potential.
“There are several corn diseases farmers need to be cognizant of, but identifying and establishing the level of any disease starts with frequent and thorough scouting,” says Joe Bolte, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience. “In a normal year, scouting should begin in June and into July. Monitoring weather patterns conducive to disease development and basing fungicide applications on the progression of the crop’s growth stage is much more important than basing those applications off planting dates.”
Although fungicides can provide both preventative and curative activity, protecting plants with proven and trusted fungicides prior to disease development, or at best, very early in its development, is always advised.
Overwintering or Airborne
Crop residue harbors most corn-disease-related pathogens except southern rust, whose spores are carried into Midwest corn regions at the whim of winds blowing in from the south. For that reason, southern rust typically develops later in the growing season. On the other hand, tar spot overwinters within crop residue – waiting for optimal conditions to infect a living host.
“Tasseling (VT) to silking (R1) is the period in corn plant development where susceptibility to diseases can occur. Many studies confirm this also is a great time to apply fungicide to control many common corn diseases in the Midwest,” Bolte says. “Tar spot can occur earlier in the season and can progress quickly from a few lesions on leaves to a severe infection across the entire crop. It also can have multiple generations, so scouting for signs of the disease should start around the V8 growth stage.”
Other diseases that overwinter in the Midwest include gray leaf spot, northern leaf blight, and northern corn leaf spot. Being aware of the environmental conditions contributing to their development, recognizing their symptoms and understanding the months you most likely will find them while scouting are easily referenced in the images below.
The Corn Disease Crop Solution
A fungicide should provide fast uptake by quickly surrounding plant leaves and the plant stem. It should improve crop quality and yield potential by providing both preventative and curative activity.
Forvico™ fungicide does just that, with three overlapping modes of action (Groups 3, 7 and 11). Having this multi-site activity improves disease control and helps reduce the risk of resistance.
“The combination of multiple active ingredients gives growers confidence that Forcivo will control even tough foliar diseases,” said Mike Eiberger, Corteva Agriscience U.S. marketing leader. “Additionally, the low use rate of 7 to 9 fluid ounces per acre simplifies handling and helps reduce costs, making it easier to manage across multiple acres.”
Forcivo is registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in multiple crops, which makes it a simple and logical choice for growers with many crops to protect. To learn more about Forcivo fungicide, visit Corteva.us/Forcivo or contact your local Corteva Agriscience representative.
Forcivo™ is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
At Corteva, we monitor disease progression and provide alerts when diseases are detected in your area. Sign up here to receive notifications when diseases are identified near you.