Area of impact: Stalk

Description: The inner stalk may deteriorate. Tiny black specks can be found in the rind of the lower stalk. The lower stalk might also have shredded tissue and small dark specks.

Pathogen involved: Stenocarpella maydis (a fungus)

Timing/Conditions: Occurs after pollination in warm wet weather.

Contributing factors: Corn-on-corn rotation disease or insect injury and conservation tillage. Overwinters on corn debris.

Management practices: Plant hybrids resistant to Gibberella stalk rot, maintain fertility, plant proper population numbers, reduce stress and control stalk-boring insects.