Ear rot becomes concern

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Cool, wet weather hasn’t just delayed harvest. It has also raised concern about corn ear rot diseases and grain molds, according to a University of Nebraska plant pathologist.

Tamra Jackson, UNL Extension plant pathologist, said some farmers and crop consultants are observing rotted ears, which can be related to several ear rot diseases.

“We are in a potentially serious situation right now because we are seeing increasing numbers of ear rot diseases, which could lead to grain mold issues later,” Jackson said.

According to Todd DeVries, crop and marketing specialist for Aurora Co-op in Aurora, Neb., there have been some cases of rot and molds in its trade territory, which covers much of south central Nebraska and north central Kansas.

“But I would say they are pretty isolated so far,” DeVries said. “It’s not a serious problem, but farmers are cautious about it. What I have seen coming into the elevators and heard from farmers, it has been pretty good quality so far.”

Jackson said Nebraska farmers should continue to scout their fields for these diseases. Ear rots and grain molds can reduce the quality of grain and lead to major deductions at the elevator.

“We recommend scouting to see how serious these conditions are so that farmers can take action,” Jackson said.

DeVries said corn conditions are good, with yields slightly above average.

Earlier this week, the Nebraska Field Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported corn conditions at 80 percent good or excellent, better than last year’s 77 percent good or excellent rating.

DeVries said wet conditions during October were a contributing factor to the mold and rot problems. During September and October, Grand Island received 4.35 inches of precipitation, including 4.5 inches of snow.

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