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Gibberella
Ear Rot
is caused by the fungus Gibberella zeae, also known as Fusarium
graminearum. It can be identified most readily by the red or pink color of
the mold. In some cases, the color appears white. It usually begins at the tip
of the ear. Gibberella will sometimes rot the entire ear. Gibberella ear rot
infections occur more commonly when the weather is cool and wet after silking
and through the late summer. Gibberella can produce vomitoxin and zearalenone.
Gibberella
stalk rot is a common cause of lodged corn. Pink coloration and
disintegration of pith tissue are characteristic symptoms of Gibberella stalk
rot. Note the dark specks that are fungal spore-bearing bodies, located near
stalk nodes.
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