DIPLODIA STALK ROT

Description: Plants affected by Diplodia stalk rot have small, black fungal bodies (pycnidia) beneath the epidermis of the stalks usually near the nodes. Fungal bodies are not superficial and cannot easily be scraped off.

Location: Diplodia stalk rot is more common in the southern half of the state and appears to be associated with continuous corn and reduced tillage.

Time of attack: Wet, warm temperatures in June and July followed by drought stress in August and September favor stalk rot.

Management:
· Resistant hybrids
· Crop rotation
· Till residues