Return to diseases

Crazy top (Scleropthora macrospora), also called downy mildew, causes distortion and proliferation of tassels (the symptom for which the disease is named), excessive tillering, rolling of upper leaves, and occasional narrowing of leaves. Infections occur mainly on seedlings and are systemic. The disease is most likely to occur if soils are saturated before plants reach the growth stage of four to five leaves, which favors germination of soilborne, overwintering spores (oospores).

Crazy top of corn.

(Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Adequate soil drainage and resistant varieties

Return to Diseases