This time last year, corn plants were shriveling in drought-stricken fields with many plants barren of ears or signs of tasseling.
This year, heavy spring rainfall and recent high humidity prompted Purdue University to issue a warning that Hoosier corn plants — including those producing popcorn — face fungal diseases this summer that could cut into yields.
Plant pathologist Kiersten Wise of Purdue University said three diseases have sprung up on corn plants in Indiana.
The gray leaf spot is caused by a fungus and is appearing in the lower canopy of susceptible hybrids, she said. Northern corn leaf blight is also caused by a fungus and has been found in lower leaves of northern Indiana fields. The bacterial disease Goss’s wilt has been confirmed in plants grown for popcorn and in hybrid corn in northeast Indiana.
So far, Jackson County extension educator Richard Beckort said he’s yet to field any questions about the diseases locally.
Fungicides can treat gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight, and farmers suspecting Goss’s wilt should have a sample analyzed by a lab.
“Producers do need to be aware of that potential,” Beckort said Monday. “Fungal diseases are a real problem. Producers need to be aware of windows of time available to spray for and control those diseases.”
That window of opportunity depends on the particular disease and the product they choose to fight it, he added.
Overall, area fields look pretty healthy, Beckort said.
“Up until this last couple of days, they needed some moisture and probably still need a few more showers to get the level back where it needs to be,” he said. “When the temperature is in the 90s, it doesn’t take long at all, especially on sandy soil, for things to dry out.”
But compared to this time last year, Jackson County fields are “absolutely in better shape this year,” Beckort said.
“The plants are growing, corn has set ears and is tasseling,” he added. “This time last year, corn was basically drying up in the fields, and there was nothing on it.”