Ear and Grain Molds

Amy Timmerman, Extension Educator Author

10/05/2023 Added

2 Plays

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With the variable stresses such as drought, hail, wind and insect damage that occurred this growing season, for corn grain molds are of major concern as we move into harvest. Scouting is recommended to determine the extent of ear rot damage prior to harvest so action can be taken to minimize its impact on grain quality.

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[00:00:00.587]This is Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.
[00:00:04.147]With the variable stresses such as drought, hail, wind
[00:00:07.357]and insect damage that occurred this growing season,
[00:00:10.077]for corn grain molds are of major concern as we move into harvest.
[00:00:14.077]Scouting is recommended to determine the extent of ear rot damage
[00:00:18.337]prior to harvest so action can be taken to minimize its impact on grain quality.
[00:00:23.157]Ear and grain molds can reduce the quality of grain and,
[00:00:26.677]under the right conditions, may lead to the accumulation of mycotoxins.
[00:00:30.622]There are several ear molds we can experience in the field including
[00:00:34.747]Diplodia Ear Rot which is caused by a fungus
[00:00:37.487]that can significantly reduce grain quality.
[00:00:40.435]Extensive fungal growth usually begins at the base of the ear and
[00:00:43.835]can overtake the entire ear creating a lightweight mummified ear.
[00:00:48.767]Fusarium Ear Rot can infect any part of the ear and
[00:00:52.210]takes advantage of wounds created by insects or hail.
[00:00:55.278]Fusarium ear rot is favored by a wide range of environmental conditions
[00:00:59.278]and can be identified on the ear by scattered tufts of mold that can be
[00:01:03.535]white to pink in color and accompanied by starburst patterns on the kernels.
[00:01:08.183]Gibberella Ear Rot is commonly recognized by
[00:01:11.251]the red or pink discoloration of the kernels and the
[00:01:14.401]red or pink mycelium growing around the kernels.
[00:01:17.411]Typically, infections begin at the tip of the ear.
[00:01:20.121]Gibberella ear rot infections are favored by cool, wet weather
[00:01:24.121]after silking and through the late summer.
[00:01:26.673]Penicillium Ear Rot can cause a
[00:01:29.053]discoloration of the embryo known as “blue eye”.
[00:01:32.270]This disease is particularly a storage problem and
[00:01:35.790]is favored by high moisture levels in grain bins.
[00:01:38.581]This disease can be managed by reducing
[00:01:40.911]ear wounds caused by insects in the field and
[00:01:43.601]by maintaining low moisture while the grain is in storage.
[00:01:47.458]And finally, Aspergillus Ear Rot which is favored by hot, dry weather
[00:01:51.968]during the latter half of the growing season after
[00:01:54.322]pollination especially favors aflatoxin production.
[00:01:58.796]Drought-stressed corn, such as that in non-irrigated fields
[00:02:02.125]and the corners of fields are out of range of center pivots,
[00:02:05.415]are especially vulnerable to the accumulation
[00:02:07.770]of aflatoxin and aspregillus.
[00:02:10.605]Drying grain prior to storage will slow the growth of fungi in the bin
[00:02:15.020]that can seriously reduce grain quality and accumulate mycotoxins.
[00:02:20.189]Ear rot pathogens may continue to grow during storage
[00:02:24.201]and lead to grain mold that can seriously reduce
[00:02:26.511]grain quality and lead to major deductions at the elevator.
[00:02:29.651]Even under the best growing conditions,
[00:02:31.793]grain molds will continue to grow and,
[00:02:34.183]in some cases, may take over the entire bin.
[00:02:37.438]In southcentral Nebraska losses have been reported up to 30%
[00:02:42.548]when grain was removed from storage, especially after a mild winter.
[00:02:46.116]Even during cold winters, conditions inside the bin
[00:02:49.476]may be very different from their surroundings.
[00:02:51.868]Temperatures inside the bin may take several weeks
[00:02:54.245]to stabilize and condensation may develop,
[00:02:56.838]adding unwanted moisture that promotes fungal growth.
[00:03:00.313]To minimize losses due to grain molds: We need to
[00:03:04.143]1. Avoid further damage to kernels during harvest and handling.
[00:03:08.181]2. When possible, avoid storing grain from fields
[00:03:11.141]with a high incidence of ear rot diseases.
[00:03:13.796]3. If storage is necessary, store for a minimum amount of time.
[00:03:18.785]4. Dry grain to less than 15% moisture within
[00:03:21.985]48 hours of harvest to slow further growth of fungi.
[00:03:27.112]5. Remove old grain from empty bins because it
[00:03:29.783]harbors fungi that can infect new grain.
[00:03:32.592]And 6. Stir and aerate bins during
[00:03:35.562]storage to prevent the development of hot spots.
[00:03:38.041]This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension

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Ear and Grain Molds

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