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Corn Crop Will Not
Be Lost From Blight'
Contrary to headlines, Virginia fanners will not be forced out of the com growing business by Southern corn leaf blight. Although there will be some damage, this year’s crop will not be lost.
The ailment, a fungus disease, was recently reported from several Southern states and from a few in the com belt.
Robert Pristou, extension plant pathologist at Virginia Tech, assured those professing alarm that the situation is not as serious as some reports would indicate.“However, the ultimate damage cannot be predicted,” he cautioned.
Describing the disease Pristou said, “Southern com leaf blight, like Northern com leaf blight, is found wherever com is grown under humid conditions. It is confined chiefly to the Southeastern United States. But, it does occur in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and eastward to the Atlantic coast.”
The disease manifests itself in a spotted discoloration of the com plant leaf. Its typical lesions are parallel sided and gray to tan in color. Lesions range from minute spots to streaks of V4 to 1V4 inches across. The tips of ears and sweet com silks may also be attacked.
The disease is caused by the fungus Helminthosporium maydis. Spores are long, narrow and slightly curved. Like many fungi, they overwinter in the soil and are spread by winds.
“Like Northern com leaf blight, control of Southern com leaf blight is best accomplished through the use of resistant com hybrids,” Pristou said.
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