Disease Facts
Most common fungal disease on corn ears
Caused by Fusarium verticillioides (previously known as Fusarium moniliforme) and several other Fusarium species
Fungi survive on residue of corn and other plants, especially grasses
Infection can occur under a wide range of environmental conditions. Disease is more severe when weather is warm and dry
Disease enters ear primarily through wounds from hail or insect feeding
Insects damage husks and kernels and may also vector Fusarium spores
Ear rot severity is usually related to severity of European corn borer, western bean cutworm or corn earworm feeding damage
Airborne spores can germinate and grow down the silk channel to infect kernels