WBIW.com News - state

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Rain And Humidity Could Contribute To Crop Diseases

Last updated on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

(WEST LAFAYETTE) - A Purdue Extension plant pathologist says rain Indiana had this spring and the summer humidity could combine to produce crop diseases that could lead to reduced yields.

Kiersten Wise is warning farmers that three diseases have begun appearing in Indiana.

She says the gray leaf spot is caused by a fungus and is appearing in the lower canopy of susceptible hybrids. Northern corn leaf blight is also caused by a fungus and has been detected in the lower canopy of northern Indiana fields.

The bacterial disease Goss's wilt has been confirmed in plants grown for popcorn and in hybrid corn in northeast Indiana.

She says fungicides can treat gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. She says farmers suspecting Goss's wilt should have a sample analyzed by a lab.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page