Management
Hybrid selection
Pioneer corn breeders have progressively improved hybrids
Selected for genetic tolerance in environments where disease occurs at high levels
Selected against husk tightness and ears that remain upright after maturity
Selected for hybrids with fast ear drydown
Pioneer provides ratings for its hybrids
Ratings range from 3 to 6 for most hybrids (9=resistant), indicating that high levels of resistance are not yet available in today’s hybrids
If Gibberella ear rot caused significant damage in the past, consider planting only hybrids with at least a moderate rating (5 or higher)
Rotate to a non-host crop and manage crop residue
Scout fields before harvest in order to make informed decisions about harvest timing, postharvest grain handling, storage and utilization
Harvest infected fields early to limit disease development
Set combine to reduce kernel damage and remove lightest kernels
Dry infected grain at high temperature to a moisture of 15% or less
Monitor grain in storage to maintain its condition
Test grain for presence of mycotoxins and manage accordingly