Northern Corn Leaf Blight
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Northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) lesions are large (1 to 6 inches) and tend to be cigar-shaped. Color varies from tan to brown; older lesions may darken in the center as spores are produced. Symptoms are found mostly on leaves, but husks may be affected in severe outbreaks. High lesion numbers will lead to severe blighting and death of foliage. The disease is most active after silking during periods of moderate temperatures and high moisture.
Northern corn leaf blight
(Photo: Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Crop rotation, incorporation of corn residues, resistant varieties, and fungicides (on later plantings if disease is found on earlier plantings or if disease is active before silking).
