Gibberella Ear Rot of Corn
November 09, 2009
Gibberella ear rot, or Gib ear rot, is caused by the fungus, Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum). This disease can occur throughout Indiana, but it tends to be more prevalent in the northern half. The pathogen overwinters on corn and wheat debris. Spores produced on the debris lead to infection during the silking period. There is a higher incidence of Gib ear rot when cool, wet weather occurs during the first 21 days after silking. It will be most severe in fields where corn followed corn and where corn followed wheat affected by Fusarium Head Blight (Scab), which is caused by the same pathogen.
This bulletin describes:
1. How to recognize the disease
2. Danger to animals
3. How to minimize losses and handle diseased grain after harvest
4. How to manage the disease
Click here to read bulletin by Charles Woloshuk and Kiersten Wise (PDF)
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