Ear Rot Issues Plague Indiana Corn Farmers

Indiana corn farmers are facing ear rot issues due to various environmental conditions. According to a panel of certified crop advisers, aspergillus and fusarium ear rots are common in dry conditions, while gibberella, diplodia, and fusarium ear rots are more prevalent in wet and humid conditions.

Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension corn specialist, noted that gibberella ear rot is the most concerning issue in the state, producing toxins that cause feed refusal and reproductive issues in animals. He advised farmers to harvest and dry their grain as soon as possible to limit mold growth and mycotoxin development.

The advisers recommended consulting the Purdue Corn and Soybean Field Guide for pictures and descriptions of each disease and sending infected ears to the Purdue Crop Diagnostic Center for analysis. They also suggested removing fines from grain storage to minimize mycotoxin contamination.