DISEASES OF CORN - SEEDLING BLIGHT

Symptoms of seedling rot/blight (as the name implies) occur shortly after emergence and include wilting of leaves, discoloration and softening of tissue. Rotting typically starts near the soil surface and moves upward and/or downward from the point of infection. Eventually plant death can occur.

Corn seedlings tend to be susceptible to infection only during a short period at emergence. This period of susceptibility can be extended if seeds germinate in cool soils where growth and development is slow. Delayed planting of seeds in warm soils (where plant growth is rapid) can help in the management of seedling rot/blight. In addition, several seed protectant fungicides are available that can be used for disease control.

Other seedling problems that can be confused with seedling rot/blight include insect and herbicide damage. In general, insect feeding tends to lead to less discoloration of plant tissue, and often a clear chewing wound is present. Herbicide damaged plants tend to be found in a more uniform pattern than those affected by seedling rots/blights. In addition, below ground rotting of tissue is typically absent when herbicides are involved in seedling death or decline.