When the mercury rises and fields become dusty, keep an eye out for these common crop problems.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
High Plains Disease
Occurs in corn and wheat. Causes stunted growth, yellowing and a mosaic pattern on leaves. Spread by the wheat curl mite, a cylindrical, cream-colored, wingless insect that depends on wind for movement.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Bud Blight
Occurs in soybeans. Buds bend to form a characteristic hook, and may brown and fall off. Can occur all season long, most likely in fields next to clovers, pastures or weedy areas. The disease is transmitted by seed usually, but also by thrips, grasshoppers and dagger nematodes.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus
Occurs in corn. Begins as pale spots and streaks that later develop into a mottled or mosaic pattern. Transmitted by aphids or by leaf rubbing. Symptoms occur six weeks after the virus is transmitted.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Soybean Mosaic Virus
Occurs in soybeans. Causes leaves to be crinkled and mottled; they will pucker along the veins and curl downward. Transmitted by aphids and seed, so higher aphid populations increase risk.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus
Occurs in corn. Look for reddish and yellow leaves, which may be torn, twisted or have swollen veins. Transmitted by leafhoppers or by rubbing between plants.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Aspergillus Ear Rot
Occurs in corn. Look for patches of green or yellow spores on or between kernels, most commonly found at the tip of the ear. Occurs mid- to late season during hot, dry weather.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Brown Stem Rot
Occurs in soybeans. Causes browning of the stems and leaf veins. Cool, wet weather during pod fill f
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Fusarium Ear Rot
Occurs in corn. Infected kernels will be covered with a pinkish or lavender fungus. Occurs during or after flowering in hot, dry weather.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Head Smut
Occurs in corn. Ears of infected plants have a teardrop shape and no silk because the husks are filled with spores. Occurs in seeds but is not apparent until after flowering.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Charcoal Rot
Emerging seedlings may sport brown lesions. New leaves may be small and eventually wilt. The taproot and lower stem will be light gray and look like they are dotted with charcoal. Symptoms appear during or after flowering in dry, hot conditions.
Learn more: http://www.agweb.com/crops/online_field_guide.aspx
Fusarium Root Rot
Occurs in wheat. Reddish-brown discoloration of roots and crowns. Plants infected with Fusarium root rot can’t absorb enough water to carry them through grain fill. Common in very dry soils.
