Agronomic Crops Medallion Crop Recommendation and Observation Network by the Agronomic Crops Team
black.gif
Search
Advanced Search
clear.gif
Crop Info

*Corn
*Soybean
*Wheat
*Forages
*Weeds
*Diseases
*Insects
*Crop Injury
*Fertility
*Equipment / Tillage
*Precision Agric.
*Soil & Water Mgt.
*Environment
*Identity Preserved
*Weather
*Ag Markets

Services
clear.gif
nbottom.gif

C.O.R.N Newsletter 2009-33
     September 29, 2009 - October 5, 2009


Back to main issue

black.gif


Is it Really Anthracnose Top Dieback?
by Pierce Paul, Dennis Mills

Newsletter Options
lorange.gif clear.gif
  Print image 
Print this story
  Email image Email this story clear.gif
  Pda image  Handheld devices
clear.gif
lorange.gif
optionsbottom.gif
This year, top dieback has been the most widely reported problem in corn across the state of Ohio. However, symptom characteristics, timing of occurrence, and distribution of affected plants across the field have led to questions as to whether it is really Anthracnose top dieback. This is one of three diseases caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola on corn; the others are Anthracnose leaf blight and Anthracnose stalk rot. Unlike the latter two diseases, top dieback is rarely ever a major concern in Ohio.

The most telltale symptom of top dieback, as suggested by its name, is death of the plant from the top down. It can occur at any time after tasseling, and affected plants are generally found scattered across the field. Symptoms commonly occur, and are most easily diagnosed, while the plant is still green. Most of this year’s reported problems are from fields at very late growth stages, beyond R5 (dent). At this stage, with almost all of the plants drying down, it is difficult to say whether the death of the tips is due to Anthracnose top dieback or natural senescence. In some cases, the problem is said to be occurring on almost every plant in the field. This is uncommon for Anthracnose top dieback, unless the hybrid is highly susceptible and the fungus is spread uniformly across the field.

Nothing can the done about top dieback at this time and it is difficult to diagnose at such a late grown stage. The Iowa State University Extension website has a very good publication on diagnosis of Anthracnose top die back at http://www.wittconsultinginc.com/images/E0092801/CornDieback.pdf.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by signing up at http://agcrops.osu.edu/services/email.html. E-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing or no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.


Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

dgreen.gif
Home | Newsletter | Calendar | Education | Research | Resources | Decision Tools | Photo Library | About [top]
black.gif
clear.gif
Agriculture and Natural Resources. Our Teams will make you a winner
clear.gif
Copyright by The Ohio State University 2003
Agriculture and Natural Resources
, OSU Extension, ATI, OARDC, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences
Link to the Ohio State University Link to Help Section Link to Contact Information