Managing rotten corn: An overview of corn ear rots
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The Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management Conference is Iowa's premier crop production education event. No other program in Iowa brings together the diverse range of topics, slate of expert presenters and results of the latest University research.
The ICM Conference offers workshops focusing on the latest in crop production technology. Experts from Iowa and surrounding states will provide research updates and results in soil fertility, soil and water management, crop production and pest management.
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Abstract
Ear rots of corn can reduce yield and grain quality. Several economically important ear rots impact the Corn Belt, including Diplodia ear rot, Gibberella ear rot, Fusarium ear rot, and Aspergillus ear rot. A different fungus causes each of these rots, and the environmental conditions at and just after silking influence which ear rot may be problematic in a given year. Additionally, some of these fungi are able to produce mycotoxins as a byproduct of the infection process. Mycotoxins can be toxic to humans and livestock, and are carefully regulated in food and feed. Proper identification of ear rots is key for managing affected grain.