Cladosporium Ear Rot

Source: A. Robertson, Iowa State University Plant Pathology. Cladosporium ear rot may develop as dark (brown to green) fuzzy mold growing on and between kernels (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/1030robertsonmunkvold.htm)

Source: A. Robertson, Iowa State University Plant Pathology.
Cladosporium ear rot may develop as dark (brown to green) fuzzy mold growing on and between kernels. Link

Source: A. Robertson,Iowa State University Plant Pathology Dark kernels scattered around the ear are symptoms of Cladosporium ear rot (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/1030robertsonmunkvold.htm)

Source: A. Robertson,Iowa State University Plant Pathology
Dark kernels scattered around the ear are symptoms of Cladosporium ear rot. Link

Source: G. Munkvold, Iowa State University Plant Pathology. Cladosporium ear rot on grain. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/1030robertsonmunkvold.htm

Source: G. Munkvold, Iowa State University Plant Pathology.
Cladosporium ear rot on grain. Link

Symptoms:

This fungus appears gray to black or very dark green, and can have a powdery appearance. It also causes black streaks in the kernels. Not associated with mycotoxins.

 

Causes:

Cladosporium herbarum and other species often infect kernels damaged by insects, hail, or frost. This disease can be fairly common but usually does not cause extensive damage to the ear.

 

Management:

Plant a hybrid with ear rot resistance; avoid harvest delays and planting corn on corn , especially under conservation tillage, and reduce stress on the plants with adequate fertilization and good insect pest management.

 

References:

Lipps, P. E., A. E. Dorrance, and Dennis Mills. 2004.  Corn Disease Management in Ohio Bulletin 802.

 

Robertson, A. 2004. Corn Ear Rots. Iowa State University IPM.IC-492(21) [October 4, 2004] Available at https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=2505&context=cropnews [URL verified 3/28/2019].

 

Robertson, A. and G. Munkvold. 2009. How Delayed Harvest Might Affect Ear Rots and Mycotoxin Contamination. Iowa State University Department of Plant Pathology.  Available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/1030robertsonmunkvold.htm [URL verified 3/28/2019].

 

White, Donald G. (ed.). 1999. Compendium of Corn Diseases (3rd Edition). APS Press, The American Phytopathological Society.