Serving the agricultural community for over 40 years
CaroVail Agronomy Update July 10, 2015
NLCB And The Importance Of Scouting
Due to the extended periods of warm and wet weather conditions, along with spore build-up and hybrid susceptibility, Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) is showing up in corn fields earlier than would be expected. The photo above (near Auburn, NY a few days ago) is an example of a corn leaf showing the characteristic symptom of NCLB: 1-7″, cigar shaped, gray/tan lesions. If the weather continues to be favorable for the spreading of this disease, it will likely become established in those fields of susceptible hybrids– especially BMR corn. If the damage to the upper leaves (above the ears) is substantial enough, yield losses, according to Purdue University, can be as much as 30%. The more lesions there are, the less leaf surface there will be for photosynthesis.
Once NCLB is found in a field, it’s very important to aggressively monitor (scout) and record the progression of the disease. For scouting needs and potential treatment options, contact your local CaroVail office. We’d be more than happy to assist
http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-19/northern-corn-leaf-blight-earlier- than-usual-this-year